Psychology 409A – Monday, September 19, 2005
Oral Outline #1

By:  Tiffanie Jinbo
Behind the Scenes of Highway Rage

 

Reference:  James, Dr. Leon and Nahl, Dr. Diane.  “Road Rage and Aggressive Driving:  Steering Clear of Highway Warfare.”  Prometheus Books:  New York.  2000. 69-82.

Instructions for this activity are found at:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm 
Instructor: Dr. Leon James

1.     Stressful Congestion

a.     Traffic congestion is a major problem all around the world.  Due to increases in population, the commute between cities has quadrupled; creating stress for those who are unable to manage time.

b.     I remember when I first began driving, about five years ago and the amount of traffic in Hawaii feels as if it doubled.  There was no traffic on Saturday.  Due to traffic increases, I also feel the need to work more to avoid the heavy traffic hours.

c.     I chose this topic because it is something that everyone experiences.  It is something that everyone has to deal with and because of the limited space in Hawaii congestion will be a rising problem that needs to be addressed.

2.     Peer Pressure

a.     Peer Pressure is contributing factor to traffic accidents.  In social psychology, it is taught that friendship is a part of life.  The need to feel accepted by peers allows us to react differently than on our own.  Maybe with a friend, one is more likely to drive faster, tail gait, or show them that you are not afraid. 

b.     An example of peer pressure that causes accidents and deaths is driving and driving. 

c.     Peer pressure is a problem in society, but I believe that increase in awareness through media is positive.

3.     Trigger Theory

a.     I interpreted this theory that people feel as if they are contributing to society if they show or tell people they are being rude by reacting the same way. 

b.     I have actually used this theory, but now I realize that I am not contributing to society, but making it more hazardous to myself as well as others.

c.     I chose this theory because I think it should be made aware to everyone that if you react to someone negatively on the road, you are only increasing the danger.

 

 

My Home Page:  http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2005/jinbo/home.htm

 

The G23 Class Home Page:  www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/classhome-g23.htm

 

Related Web Links: 

  1. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/congestion/congpress.htm - Traffic Congestion and Sprawl
  2. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/traftech/TT268.htm - Aggression Suppression
  3. http://www.honolulu.gov/hr/professionaldrivingattitude.pdf - A Professional Driving Attitude