PSY 409A – November 14, 2005

PSY 409A – November 14, 2005

My Sixth Outline of Assigned Readings

By Kristen Masuoka

“Lifelong Driver Education”

Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare; By Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl; Prometheus Books, 2000. Pages 202-213.

Instructions for this activity are found at:

www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm

Instructor: Dr. Leon James

Concept 1: RoadRageous Video Course

A. A video course designed to teach a lifelong self-improvement program for drivers. Focuses on problem solving, emotional self-control, and a good sense of community while behind the wheel. Also talks about certain inner skills needed to become a supportive driver and teaches the three-step driver self-improvement program (Acknowledge, Witness, and Modify).

B. Anyone can tell a person that speeding is bad and that it should be stopped. But just telling someone will not greatly affect them. They need to be able to internalize and acknowledge that speeding is a serious problem, consciously witness themselves in the act of dangerous speeding, and then they can finally modify their behavior with just cause.

C. I think that the RoadRageous course could be a very effective learning tool for all drivers. Because this course provides specific techniques for the prevention of road rage, I think that it could be very effective if taught to new drivers in addition to the regular driver’s education program.

Concept 2: Older Drivers at Risk

A. Elderly drivers face many problems behind the wheel due to disadvantages of the aging process. Examples: high anxiety due to decline in ability, social resentment because of slower and more cautious maneuvering, vision problems (night vision), lack of awareness, driving too rigidly because overly cautious.

B. There are definitely adjustments that elders can make to help increase their safety on the road. Example: My grandma has a hard time driving at night, therefore she always plans ahead to make sure that she gets all of her errands done during the day or finds a way to carpool with someone if she needs to go out at night.

C. I think that it is important for society to be more tolerant and supportive of elderly drivers. I think that a lot of collisions involving seniors could be prevented if younger generations would be more patient with them instead of reacting with road rage.

Concept 3: Pro’s of Older Drivers

A. There are also positive qualities that elderly drivers acquire with age. Elders have the advantage of years of driving experience over young drivers. They are also 3x less likely to get into collisions as compared to young drivers, less likely to receive traffic citations, they are able to think more critically behind the wheel, and they are able to manage their emotions and impulses a lot better than younger drivers.

B. Elderly drivers definitely have the advantage of maturity on their side while behind the wheel. Usually when you hear of road rage incidents and aggressiveness on the roads, it involves younger drivers who cannot control their tempers in a safe manner. Elders seem to have a more calm demeanor when it comes to these aggravating traffic situations, something that age and experience has probably taught them.

C. I agree that elderly drivers probably experience less road rage and are less hostile towards others than young drivers. I think it is kind of ironic that the lack of aggressiveness and more cautious attitude in elders is actually what causes road rage in younger drivers.