Psychology 409A – Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Outline #3

By:  Tiffanie Jinbo
Beyond Road
Rage

 

Reference:  James, Dr. Leon and Nahl, Dr. Diane.  “Road Rage and Aggressive Driving:  Steering Clear of Highway Warfare.”  Prometheus Books:  New York.  2000. 111-119.

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

1.     Oppositional Driving- Level One

a.     This is the first level of emotional intelligence.  Your actions in driving are reckless, selfish, impulsive, and hostile.  You constantly feel threatened by any who criticize your “skills”.

b.     A great example of this type of person is a stereotypical teenage rice racer.  They often believe that they are invincible.  They are the best drivers in the world and nothing can happen to them.  They think that anything that puts their life in danger is what is accepted. 

c.      This is how many of my friends were as beginner drivers.  They would often race Tantlus (a mountain-twisty road) and live to tell a tale.  One of my friends would go there constantly drunk because he believed that he was a better driver when intoxicated. 

2.     Defensive Driving – Level 2

a.     This driving technique allows drivers to concentrate on the safety of the vehicle, driver, and passengers.  Defensive driving does not provide invincibility to negative thoughts or the immaturity of other drivers. 

b.     There are classes that people take to become a defensive driver.  You learn how to maneuver your car when in specific cases.  You learn more about your car and its curves.        

c.      Defensive driving is a state of mind.  You no longer think of only yourself, but those around you and your environment.  This is important concepts to remember, and there are advantages such as a decrease in insurance.    

3.     Supportive Driving – Level 3

a.     In supportive driving you are helpful and friendly.  In practicing prosocial thought patterns, one will achieve this driving capability.  Supportive drivers constantly observe their own actions as well as others. 

b.     If you are not an aggressive driver, you are the supportive driver.  Becoming a supportive driver is like achieving enlightenment and you are no longer a threat to yourself or those around you. 

a.     This is the most important stage in driving psychology.  Once you achieve supportive driving, you are allowed to say that you are a good driver.  Supportive drivers have no thoughts of anger or resentment in the driving process. 

 

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.defensivedriving.com/   - Defensive Driving
  2. http://www.smartmotorist.com/tip/tip.htm  - Driving Tips
  3. http://www.mouthshut.com/review/General_Tips_on_Safe_Driving-40604-1.html   - General tips on Safe Driving