Outline of My First Oral Presentation

Causes of Highway Hostility

This is a presentation of “Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare”; Written by Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl; Published by Prometheus Books, 2000; Pages 69-82; Web Link: www.DrDriving.org

By: Constance J.K. DeCaires

I. Defensive Driving

A. Philosophy of Defensive Driving

B. Consequences of Defensive Driving

1. paranoia/suspicion

2. Creating imaginary enemies

3. Switching from defensive to offensive driving

C. Is defensive driving good or bad?

D. “My name is __________ and I am a defensive driver.”

II. Peer Pressure

A. Who has ever experienced any form of peer pressure?

B. Peer pressure on the road

C. Did I inhale?

D. Did you inhale?

III. Venting

A. What is it?

B. Who does it?

C. Is it good or bad to vent?

D. Do I vent?

Helpful Links:

http://www/nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/safesobr/16qp/wordout.html

http://roadragers.com/

http://www.phobiafree.com/

Home page:

www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/409af2004/constance/home.htm

Are you an Aggressive Driver or a Smooth Operator? Do you...

Yes	No
		Overtake other vehicles only on the left?
		Avoid blocking passing lanes?
		Yield to faster traffic by moving to the right?
		Keep to the right as much as possible on narrow streets and at intersections?
		Maintain appropriate distance when following other motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, etc.?
		Provide appropriate distance when cutting in after passing vehicles?
		Use headlights in cloudy, rainy, and other low light conditions?
		Yield to pedestrians?
		Come to a complete stop at stop signs, before right turn on red, etc.?
		Stop for red traffic lights?
		Approach intersections and pedestrians at slow speeds to show your intention and ability to stop?
		Follow right-of-way rules at four-way stops?
		Drive below posted speed limits when conditions warrant?
		Drive at slower speeds in construction zones?
		Maintain speeds appropriate for conditions?
		Use vehicle turn signals for all turns and lane changes?
		Make eye contact and signal intentions where needed?
		Acknowledge intentions of others?
		Use your horn sparingly around pedestrians, at night, around hospitals, etc.?
		Avoid unnecessary use of highbeam headlights?
		Yield and move to the right for emergency vehicles?
		Refrain from flashing headlights to signal a desire to pass?
		Drive trucks at posted speeds, in the proper lanes, using non-aggressive lane changing?
		Make slow, deliberate U-turns?
		Maintain proper speeds around roadway crashes?
		Avoid returning inappropriate gestures?
		Avoid challenging other drivers?
		Try to get out of the way of aggressive drivers?
		Refrain from momentarily using High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to pass vehicles?
		Focus on driving and avoid distracting activities (e.g., smoking, use of a car telephone, reading, shaving)?
		Avoid driving when drowsy?
		Avoid blocking the right-hand turn lane?
		Avoid taking more than one parking space?
		Avoid parking in a disabled space (if you are not disabled)?
		Avoid letting your door hit the car parked next to you?
		Avoid stopping in the road to talk with a pedestrian or other driver?
		Avoid inflicting loud music on neighboring cars?

Score yourself... Number of “no” Answers

---

1-3 Excellent

4-7 Good

8-11 Fair

12+ Poor