Psychology 409a – Presented
My Eighth Outline of Assigned
By Julie Gersh
Driving can Psyche You Out
Reference 4:
Psychological Aspects of Traffic Flow: Suggestions for Continuing Driver
Education; www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy/traffic/otsc.html#flow
Instructions for this
activity are found at:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm
Instructor: Dr. Leon James
Concept 1: Continuous
Education of Driving
A. There are certain aspects of driving which drivers of all ages need to improve. Learning these aspects will subsequently make for a better driver and maintain a healthy psyche.
B. Examples of suggestions and how it can effect the driver:
§ Suggestion: Turn signal on with enough warning to other drives; Psychological Effect: Reduces others’ stress levels
§ Suggestion: Drive with greater awareness; Psychological Effect: Lessens peoples’ irrational ideas of driving
§ Suggestion: Control one’s mental violence; Psychological Effect: Prevents frustration leading to aggression
§ Suggestion: Create positive mental scenarios rather than negative; Psychological Effect: Reduces personal stress level
C. The above suggestions are potential ways in which society can create a more positive driving environment. The more positive people think about driving, the less likely they are to get into accidents because they will be more aware of their own actions and of others’. Thinking positively creates an atmosphere where people are more willing to do others’ favors (such as opening the gap to let them in front of their car) and this will lead to diminishing the risk which many put each other at every day. I believe that if we followed these seemingly simple ideas, roads would be much calmer and much less agitating.
Concept 2: The
Speeding Addiction
A. Overcoming a “speeding addiction” is a large part of traffic safety. There is a 3-step approach to conquering the so-called compulsion that many have. The definition is pretty lucid. I feel it is safe to say that driving any more than 5-10 miles over the speed limit is speeding. People who consistently refuse to drive at the speed that is posted on the road have an addiction.
B. There is a clear cultural effect to speeding as it is likely one is likely to get into accidents and danger other drivers. The analogy of a traffic environment to a social-psychological field is described, saying that traffic encompasses positive and negative forces that manipulate the behaviors of other drivers. This reference describes a 3-step approach to overcoming this speeding addiction.
1. Reconditioning procedures for sensory and motor reactions
2. Cognitive, re-education emphasizing the reasons why not to speed
3. Affective education focusing on attitudes, responsibility, ethics, and morality
C. Having an addiction to speeding is dangerous because it imposes risk to others and oneself. Taking control of the problem is a step that exhibits a person’s willingness to alter their driving behavior and potentially change it for the better.
Concept 3: Irrational Ideas Regarding Driving
A. There are four sets of thoughts that drivers have which are self-inflicted. The first set is thoughts regarding angst and nervousness about traffic. The second set is metaphors for automobile maneuvering. The third set involves accepting one’s speeding addiction. Finally, the fourth set is delusional responses to ordinary traffic incidents.
B. These thoughts and similes lead to psychological effects on a person. Examples are: “We’ll never make it” – exaggerating, making things appear terrible; “Great! Green light!” – reinforces the wrong involvement; “Let’s hop to the other lane!” – reinforces speeding; “Better watch out for cops” – wrong solution; “I drive like a maniac” – being proud about something bad; “I’ll race you home!” – dangerous
C. The psychological effects described above could be avoided with the removal of the negative thoughts.
Helpful Links:
“Driven to Despair” http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/03/14/1110649127031.html?oneclick=true – An article describing the bad driving habits of Australian motorists
“Challenging Irrational Ideas” http://mentalhelp.net/psyhelp/chap14/chap14g.htm - An article which attempts to challenge irrational ideas and thoughts
“Hawaii Drivers Education” http://www.dmv.org/hi-hawaii/drivers-ed.php?source=google – Outlines Hawaii’s drivers education program
Class Homepage: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/classhome-g23.htm
My Homepage: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2005/gersh/home.htm