Outline of My Second Oral Presentation

Being A Supportive Driver

This is a presentation of ÒRoad Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway WarfareÓ; Dr. Leon James & Dr. Diane Nahl; Prometheus Books, 2000; Pages 167-177; www.DrDriving.org

By: Kyle Santos

 

Instructions for this oral presentation are found at:

www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonpsy22/g22-oral.htm

 

  1. How does one become a supportive driver?
    1. What is supportive?

                                                     i.     Understanding that each car is an individual with their own story.

                                                      ii.     You must be supportive of what someone else is trying to do, not defying. 

                                                        iii.     More acceptance and understanding.  We must be more tolerant.

    1. Inter-motorist Communication.

                                                     i.     Comminicating with other motorists effectively may reduce tension and hostility on the road.

    1. Train yourself to be supportive.

                                                     i.     Becoming an understanding and accommodating motorist will make your life and the life of others on the road just a bit easier and safer.

    1. Be positively aggressive.

                                                     i.     You need to be in control of the situation and ignoring the problem isnÕt always the best solution.  So, be aggressive with your positive attitude.

  1. Promote more inter-motorist communication.

                                                     i.     In the late 1980Õs the National Motorists Association proposed 7 new signals

                                                      ii.     The rear window light panel Ð Named ÒEnvoyÓ

1.     3 buttons that print out help, thanks, sorry.

  1. Train the supportive driver.

                                                     i.     Remember: we want to help others, not hinder them.

                                                      ii.     We donÕt always know whatÕs going through the minds of others.

                                                        iii.     Kindness is contagious, hopefullyÉ

  1. Be aggressive, in a positive way.

                                                     i.     Often, ignoring problems isnÕt the best solution. 

                                                      ii.     Understand that there are different levels of drivers on the road at all times

1.     Level one, oppositional drivers.

2.     Level two, the defensive driver.

3.     Level Three: supportive drivers

                                                        iii.     Always be in control and ÔforceÕ the other driver to not be hostile.

  1. Conclusion:
    1. Being supportive is a very key idea.  We forget that those cars are other people as well.  We should treat them as we would want to be treated.  Never assume you know why someone is doing something.
    2. I believe that controlling the situation with kindness and understanding is definitely the safer way to deal with altercations.  It seems a bit degrading to apologize for something that may not have even been your fault, but you will be controlling the emotions of yourself and others.  ThatÕs worth it if it means avoiding hostility and potential injury.

 

Helpful links:

http://www.smartmotorist.com/agg/agg.htm - Some other insight on aggressive driving.

http://www.smartmotorist.com/dri/dri.htm - Some driving laws we might have forgot.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_6_22/ai_96277488 - A quick article on being a bit more patient.

 

Home Page:

http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/409af2005/santos/home.htm