Report 2: My Understanding of Driving Psychology
By: Cody-Allen Ching
Instructions for this report are at:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy24/409a-g24-report2.htm
I am answering
questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
I am answering Question 1:
Part a
(a) Give a brief review of our two textbooks: Road
Rage and Aggressive Driving (James and Nahl), and Driving Lessons:
Exploring Systems That Make Traffic Safer (Peter Rothe, Editor). The
reviews should be between 3 and 6 paragraphs for each text.
Brief review of the text “road rage and aggressive driving” (James and Nahl)
First it starts off with preventing and protecting ourselves from road rage and aggressive driving. (Break checking, tailgating, speeding, reckless driving, being under the influence, etc) The key point here is that we need to be supportive, assertive, smart, and aware of our strengths and weaknesses. In order to each individual to reduce their level of road rage on the road, we all need to take a step back and reflect especially on our affective self (the way we feel) and also the cognitive self as well (the way we think).
Speaking of all of these dilemmas on road rage and aggressive driving, taking a look at the 3-step driver self-improvement program can be helpful to us. “The first step is to acknowledge that every driver including you, need traffic emotions education.” (pg. 133) The whole idea here is that we need to address the problem before generating solutions.
Then we can move onto the “the second step is to act as a witness to your actual behavior while driving, systematically observing your thoughts, feelings, and actions to identify the type and degree of aggressive driving and road rage you practice.” (pg. 133-134) Finally the last step is to modify (change our behavior) which is one of the most difficult challenges because we as individuals are naturally stubborn and we are always persistent to keep doing our “normal, routine” behavior.
Another key aspect is the idea of promoting supportive and driver education at all ages, especially when they are young. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of their three fold self (affective, cognitive, sensorimotor). We all need to realize this is what determines a “good” driver. Whether it is passing our driving exam on the first try to having a clean record, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are “good” drivers. Lets all realize that driving as a whole is a complicated task that takes practice and it is difficult to master!
Brief review of Driving Lessons (J Peter Rothe)
Although it did brief talk about the 3 fold self and the driver self improvement program, this text was mostly focused on traffic safety especially in terms of working environments. Meaning that in many cases, people tend to compromise traffic safety in order to satisfy the expectations of an organizations to the needs of a customer. It’s a on-going dilemma in our society today because everyone is scrounging for money in order to support themselves including their families.
Now to support the seriousness of traffic safety is that there are many statistics that prove that over 100 billion dollars are being wasted due to traffic crashes, and that’s not even including the indirect costs (total cost).
Overall, in society there are still many people that think driving is such a routine that there is no skill involved, however little do they know that it takes knowledge, attention, detection, perception, evaluation, decision, motor skill, imagination, motivation, and responsibility. Each of these categories plays a relevant role the moment we are behind the wheel.
Part b
(b) Select Chapter 8 on Supportive Driving (by James and
Nahl) in the Road Rage book and Chapter 14 on Driving Skills (by Lawrence
Lonero) in the Driving Lessons book. Summarize their content. Be sure to
refer to the author's name(s).
Chapter 12 on Driving Skills
This text is definitely informative on driving being a complex task. “Although it seems as simple and natural as walking” it is an activity that is difficult to master. We should keep in mind that each individual is equipped with different skills and abilities.
In this chapter, Lawrence Lonero emphasizes that “many task demands must be met to operate a motor vehicle safely and efficiently. He takes it even a step further by breaking it down into categories such as knowledge, perception, decision making, motor skill, motivation, responsibility, etc. “The targeted categories in this model mainly represent stages of information processing and outputs that take place while driving. Training and preparation are also major key points if we expect to become experienced drivers.
Chapter 8 on Supportive Driving (Road Rage and Aggressive Driving)
This chapter goes in depth about supportive driving. Dr. Leon James/Diane Nahl both describe it as “an accommodating style that emphasizes adjusting to the great diversity of highway users and steering clear of the emotional entrapments of road rage thinking.” Basically formulating positive ideas about driving leads to having a positive attitude emotionally and in final result; it makes us become well, more understanding and responsible drivers.
Training and promoting supportive driving is relevant in society because it helps to reduce the level of road rage for drivers. You know not many will realize it but the costs of road rage is brutal, even more staggering if you consider the indirect costs. The main concept here is that we need everyone to have a positive outlook every time we get behind the wheel because if we think negatively, it might not cause but it surely attributes to a higher % of road rage. So overall, being an oppositional or defensive driver doesn’t help because it is a pessimistic (- thinking) rather than an optimistic view of driving
Part C
(c) Discuss in what way
these ideas can help solve society's driving problems. Be specific: what are
the main problems and how can particular ideas in these chapters help solve
those problems.
Some of the main society’s driving problems
1) racing/speeding/driving
reckless: huge problem here in
Part D
(d) Describe any resistance you experience regarding
this orientation, including
(i) the idea that how you drive is a moral issue of
human rights
(ii) the idea of lifelong driver education and the idea of mandatory
participation in QDC support groups
(i) The idea that how you drive is moral stage of human rights
I totally agree! And to tell you the truth, I admit that I often take driving for granted. Meaning that many people (as well as I) don’t take driving as a privilege, and often times they only realize it is a privilege when their license gets taken away.
(ii) Once again I totally agree! The reason for this is because life long education is effective in that it makes individuals become aware of their 3 fold self (affective, cognitive, and sensorimotor) at an earlier age. Before I took this class, I never heard of the 3 fold self, and even I had the idea that having a clean driving record makes you a “good” driver. Just like how we go to elementary, middle school, and high school to prepare us for college, we should do the same for driving as well.
As far as the idea of mandatory participation in QDC support groups, I honestly am sure there are a lot of stubborn people who would think it is not necessary so it probably wouldn’t get enough votes to become an official law, but it definitely should be promoted in society (only would work for those who have the motivation to do so).
Part E
(e) Describe the reactions of friends when you tell them
about driving personality makeovers
Friend’s reactions to driving personality make overs:
1) Some are willing to change and actually do change
2) Some say but don’t do!
3) Some must suffer a serious consequence in order to change
4) Some are totally against it (my mom for example)
- Unfortunately most of my friends are either 2 or 3.
I am answering Question 2 (part A):
(a) Discuss these three Web sites: drivers.com vs. drdriving.org
vs. a third one you select that you find related to these two. What are their
main differences? Be sure to consider at least the following areas
listed below. In your answer, keep the sub-division as indicated below. Be sure
to answer each one. In order to write a good answer you will need to consult
some articles as to how to evaluate a Web site. Google the words evaluating
Web sites or pages and learn how to do it. Give a link to the article if
you find one that's helpful.
(1) content of articles
(2) content and tone of newsletters, when present
(3i) style of the site
(4) probable audience
(5) public relations or policy, etc.
(6) advertising (if any)
(7) size
(8) ranking (see Google or Alexa)
(9) Other sites that link to each
(10) ...
Website 1: www.driversed.com
1) Mainly discusses the rules and regulations about driving as a
whole. There are a couple pages about
defense driving and driver safety.
Context wise is much different because it focuses about Do (s) and Don’t
(s).
2) much more informal compared to the other 2 sites. Again much different because it doesn’t
mention about the 3 fold self (affective, cognitive, sensor motor). Very straightforward and the level of
analyzing in very minimal.
3) just mainly focuses on the main categories, not as much
subcategories as the other 2 sites
4) people who are interested in getting their driver’s license; people
who need to refresh on the rules and regulations, people who want to take
driver’s education in order to lower their car insurance (I must admit. This is
the main reason why I took driver’s ed myself haha)
5) very limited, use email, use forum provided
6) geared towards students who want to get a driver’s license
7) very limited meaning content
8) 98, 301 traffic ranking
9) 29 total; yahoo directory, dmv.org, etc
Website 2: drivers.com
1) talks about a variety of issues like behavior, driving in general,
safety, training, traffic, and even the young vs. old driver debate. www.drivers.com/aboutus.php
2) relatively formal, they comment on articles from 1991-2003
(published driver/education); overall they are very informative about topics
from a non-bias perspective
3) they break it down into major categories (as I listed above) and
then from there it goes even further into subcategories (I would say more
detailed than driversed.com)
4) for everyone, this site can even benefit experienced drivers as
well. Most of the information on this
site is very helpful, but I must say that most is relatively all common sense.
5) The info has been collected from a variety of sources
6) their goal seems to be selling products
7) just common sense information, more meaning that the driversed
website
8) 128, 478 traffic ranking
9) 130 sites total (google, yahoo directory, etc)
Website 3: Drdriving.org
1) talks more in depth about road rage and aggressive driving. Reviews and opinions are much more focused
and detailed in that it emphasizes the problem from the root I should say. The other web site (especially the
driversed.com) is just basically advice.
This website is the most effective in terms of the driver’s self.
2) probably the most formal tone wise; their comments are focused on
the personality of the drivers. In most
of the articles, you can easily re-track it back to the 3 fold self (affective,
cognitive, sensor motor). It really
emphasizes importance of the willingness to change personality, habits, and
learn how to cope with ourselves emotionally.
This is what separates this website from the others. After taking this class, now I realize how
importance it is to be aware and understand your strengths and weaknesses of
the 3 fold self
3) uses staggering facts to make you realize the seriousness of road
rage (ex. 1.5 mil killed each year in road accidents, 200 billion in total
costs, etc)
4) for people who don’t take driving seriously; for those who have
trouble dealing with their 3 fold self; for those who have the desire and
motivation to improve to become better drivers.
5) they are very helpful because they will respond to you with a
question
6) very meaning more detailed
7) most of the info gets you thinking about the seriousness of driving
8) 408,909 traffic ranking
9) 18 total (google, yahoo directory, live journal.com, etc)
I am answering Question 3 (part A and B;
questions are similar so I grouped them together):
(a) Select three student reports at www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/499s2003/newsgroups
Be sure you put a link to the report you are quoting from. Summarize what the
three students were trying to do, what methods they used, and what they
concluded.
(b) Discuss your reactions to what they did
– their ideas, their method, and their explanations. What did they gain from
doing their reports? How do their ideas influence what you yourself think about
these issues?
Student report 1
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/499s2003/newsgroups/newsgroups26.html
For this report, this
student was trying to make a point that we (both the driver and the pedestrian)
needs to control ourselves emotionally and behave responsibly. Another key point that was emphasized is that
even though that drivers must watch out for pedestrians, it doesn’t give them
their right to abuse their privilege.
“If at all possible, people should have respect for the laws and
regulations at all times and use common sense while driving. It is crucial for both the driver and pedestrian
to be tolerant (not raging out at each other) because in almost every situation,
there will be different views, basically each person will find a way to put the
blame on the other person.
What method was used?
this person commented
and developed opinions on newsgroup postings based on articles about road rage.
How do their ideas influence what you yourself think about these
issues?
Well this is common
problem here in
Student report 2
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/499s2003/newsgroups/newgroups71.html
What they concluded? What they were trying to do?
In this report, the
key point here is every driver should overcome the “time” issue, meaning that
“if you have to be at a certain place at a certain time, and then leave
earlier. It’s not right to driver
aggressively because you’re late. The
car is not the problem. It’s the person
that is controlling the car.” Driving in
a safe manner is also emphasized whether it is from watching your high beams,
speeding, tailgating, and failure to signal, or even breaking the law such as
running red lights. We may overlook
driving as a simple task but in reality it is something very complicated that
needs to be mastered.
What method was used?
This person commented
and developed opinions about articles on driver safety and road rage. This report focused on specific quotes in
some articles and then suggestions were formulated from the text.
How do their ideas influence what you yourself think about these
issues?
The article has
greatly influenced my way of thinking even I admit that I viewed driving as a
relatively easy routine. I guess now it
is like a “wake up call” for me because it made me realize that driving is a
task that needs to be practiced. I
learned that a good driver is not about getting their license on their 1st
try or maintaining a clean driving record, but it is about driving responsible
and safely while being aware of others around you.
Student report 3
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/499s2003/newsgroups/newsgroups1.html
What they concluded? What they were trying to do?
Just like in the other
student reports when people have controlling their own attitude and actions it
adds to the problem of aggressive driving. Self-witnessing is also critical as
well and we should take note that it is the 2nd step for the driver
self improvement program (acknowledge, witness, modify).
Another key point is that in many situations it is always “one wrong
being countered by another at the expense of others.” In most cases, it is simply results to a lack
of emotional intelligence on both sides and unfortunately it is a downward
spiral. “If one takes the time to modify
their behavior by learning to control it (and not visa versa) then they can
win.” Overall it is our actions that get us into trouble.
What method was used?
Similar to the other
student reports, basically this person commented on specific articles and
situations from a non-bias perspective.
How do their ideas influence?
This person does
influence me because when someone does something to us personally, we have the
tendency to get revenge (road rage).
After reading this article, I have the idea that even when I get
aggravated on the road, I should hold back and keep in mind that 2 wrongs don’t
make a right!
Part C
(c) Now go to some driving newsgroups by Googling the
phrase driving newsgroups. See if you can corroborate the conclusions of
the student reports which were done several years ago. Is this still going on
the same way?
After checking out a couple reports, I would say yes, the ideas and conclusions overall, has the same idea.
I am answering Question 4:
Part A
(a) Consider Table 5 in the Lecture Notes, in the Section
on Driving Psychology Theory and Charts at www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy24/409a-g24-lecture-notes.htm#Charts
Read the article from which the Table was taken. Copy and paste the table into
your file. Describe the Table in your own words: what is for, what it says,
what it shows.
|
Table
5 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The above comes from: www.drdriving.org/articles/driving_psy.htm
What is for? Especially for drivers that have a difficult time controlling their emotional self and the purpose here is to lead them to make intelligent rational decisions.
What is says:
1) stop making excuses and realize we are the ones that needs to change
2) It’s normal to feel “mad”, however we should not dwell on it.
3) The idea that we should be in control of our emotional self.
4) Thinking about the consequences
5) Being respectful and thinking of others
6) Don’t have the attitude where are you in your own world.
7) Realizing everyone is equipped with different styles and abilities
what it shows:
the difference from an attitude of an aggressive driver versus the attitude of a supportive controlled driver. Both of my tables demonstrate this idea.
Part B
(b) Copy the Table again and paste it again. But this
time delete the examples in each cell and replace them with your own examples
that you make up. Title this Section: My Version of the Table. Explain what
your table shows and how you came up with it. Discuss your Table with friends.
Summarize their reactions. Summarize your reactions to their reactions.
|
Table
5 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The above comes from: www.drdriving.org/articles/driving_psy.htm
Their reactions: most were stubborn about it, and most of them are just
concerned if they get tickets or involved in accidents.
My reaction to their reactions: they have the same problem as me
before, hopefully they will think seriously and reflect on their 3 fold
self. I think this is the major key in
driving psychology as a whole.
Part C
(c) Discuss why driving is such a big problem in all
societies and why no effective solutions have yet been found for them. Refer to
our two textbooks for examples of some of the world wide problems and solutions
proposed. Be sure to refer to the author and page numbers. What
likelihood is there that his approach will be adopted? Explain.
Why driving is a big problem: everyone has the idea that they are already good drivers; they have the idea that other people should change; they are unaware of their 3 fold self; they think all should be act or drive to their standards
In some cases it is very hard to find effective solutions, for example:
J Peter Rothe (Driving Lessons p. 143-159)
1) dispatcher/trucker and organization/driver problem: middle person always seems to get the short end of the stick because they need to satisfy both the organization (since the company goal is to make the most profits) and also the customer as well (the service has a huge effect on their impression of the company or organization).
Likelihood of solution: very difficult considering many are just scrambling to make the most profits as possible. Often times they have the idea that they have to do whatever it takes to get the job done (even if it means bending the law like going 10 mph+ over the limit)
Dr. Leon James/Diane Nahl (Road Rage and Aggressive Driving p. 133-150)
2) changing our bad habits: completing the 3 step driver self improvement program is much easier said than done. A lot of people just stick to their old routine and they are hesistant to change.
Likelihood of solution: depending
on the individual because it requires so many factors such as responsibility,
desire, motivation, attitude, etc.
I am answering Question 5: part A and B (they relate so I
grouped it together)
(a) Our textbook Road Rage and Aggressive
Driving has checklist exercises in several chapters. Do the following four
exercises:
(i) Exercise on Aggressive Thoughts and
Feelings on p. 65-66
(ii) Exercise on Are You an Aggressive Competitor on p. 104-5
(iii) Exercise on Positive Driving Behaviors on p. 212-3
(iv) Exercise on Your Passive Aggressive Road Rage Tendency on p. 88-9
(b) Discuss your reactions to each exercise?
How do you explain your answers? You can give your answers in their entirety or
you can make selections. What do they show about your driving personality?
Where did you get this style of reacting and driving? Discuss how these
exercises help you to become more aware of yourself as a driver.
You know before I always considered myself as a supportive, assertive, safe, defensive, alert in terms of my driving habits. Some of the reasons is because I do signal, head checks, when I change lanes, and when someone lets me in, I most times always say “thank you” by waving. Another positive aspect in my driving is that I rarely retaliate like tailgating, slamming my horn (only unless someone is backing up into me), giving a “stink” eye, etc.
However after reading and completing the checklist of each exercise and reflecting on my driving personality as a whole, I must admit I have 2 different styles of driving, and unfortunately it depends on whether I am driving the Lexus (my primary car) or the Buick (a car that my grandpa passed down to me). My reactions, explanations, personality, driving style I will discuss will be when I drive the Lexus, mainly for the fact because I spend most of my time driving on the road with that car.
Now I am aware that I shouldn’t drive more aggressively and recklessly based on whether I drive a more expensive car but now I realize that it is just a negative part of my cognitive self and “I can’t seem to change. It’s inevitable.”
Exercise on aggressive thoughts and feelings on p. 65-66
It seems as though when I drive the Lexus, I barely checked off anything, in fact the only one that applied to me was the one that stated “I enjoy loud fast music while I drive- lets me feel free!” I wouldn’t say that there is a direct causation but there is definitely a correlation to the type of music and my average driving speed.
For example, I know it’s a bad
habit but when I go home
Exercise on your passive aggressive road rage tendency on p. 88-89
For this exercise, the only one that applied to me was the one that stated “I insist on driving at the speed limit in the passing lane because it’s the law.” For me unfortunately, this one does not apply to me. For example, if the speed limit Is 50, and if the driver ahead is going 50, on most occasions I will go into the passing lane and pass by slowly around 10 mph over the current posted speed limit.
Exercise on are you an aggressive competitor p. 104-105
The main part of this exercise that applies to me is where it states “I’ve discovered that I can force my way into any lane by being pushy. This one comes into affect mostly during the early morning going to school traffic. The other times of the day I am not really that pushy but in the mornings it seems as though everyone is in a rush to get from point A to point B and they seem to be more self centered and less courteous. So because of this I have the idea that “I must push my way in, if not no one is going to let me in!”
Exercise on positive driving behaviors p. 212-213
I checked out 11 out of 14 on this section. Especially when I am driving the Lexus, I am more much aware overall (remembering head checks, signals, thinking of the other driver, etc). I also notice that driving is much more enjoyable and basically every moment I am behind the wheel, you will see a smile on my face! The common negative habits are less prevalent because I really do treasure my car and it is just not worth it for me. More rock chips (major problem for me since the car is sponsored/enter shows), higher chance of car getting keyed, and worst case scenario- can cost a life!
Well as I talked briefly about before, in actuality I do still consider myself an aggressive driver. Now it could possibly be passed on down from my mom (taught me and she is extremely aggressive!), but still that is no excuse and I have no one to blame but myself! As I stated previously, unfortunately it really all depends on the vehicle I am in because in the Buick I tend to drive like a “mad man.”
Mainly going to these exercises is critical because it stimulates especially the cognitive part of my driver self. Being aware of what is actually happening (finding the problem) is the first step, then I can move onto witness and modify, and through this there is a higher chance of improving the three fold self (affective, cognitive, sensorimotor).
Part C
(c) Do some of the exercises
with another driver you know. How do they help you understand some principles
of driving psychology mentioned in the book? Discuss and illustrate with
specific examples.
As far as deciding who to show these exercises to, I decided my mom needs it because when it comes to personality and driving habits, etc we are both very similar. While she was going through each exercise, only from then on she was aware and she acknowledge that her driving is aggressive.
Example 1: fact: we both drive over the speed limit and we both think it’s not a serious issue since mostly everyone drives over the speed limit anyway.
Key point/how does it help: two wrongs don’t make a right! We both need to realize that speeding is a problem. If we are not aware of the problem, it will always stay with us.
Example 2: fact: when someone cuts her off, she will give the middle finger, tailgating, yell, etc
Key point/how does it help: teaches me to control myself emotionally! (Always one of the main principles in terms of road rage) It shows that she lacks affective and cognitive control on her 3 folds self and as a result, she retaliates.
I am answering Question 7:
Part A and B:
(a) Find 3 road rage newspaper stories on
the Web that give enough detail that you can reconstruct enough of the
interactions to do a scenario analysis of events (you can use google News for
this). The Road Rage and Aggressive Driving book gives some examples
(see the Book Index under "Scenario analysis: There is also an example in
the Lecture Notes in the Section on Charts at Table 6 -- see www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy24/409a-g24-lecture-notes.htm#Charts
(b) Try to reconstruct the interactions of
each News story you selected by making a list or table of the steps, as
illustrated in our textbook. Apply driving psychology principles to explain
what's going on and whether this is a necessary or avoidable outcome.
I did my research through goggle, but there was a limited # of in depth dialogue road rage stories.
Common problem with all 3 stories:
1) never thought about consequences
2) no control over 3 fold self (especially in the emotional intelligence category)
3) all of the events are avoidable except for the last ones (#5) are necessary because what’s done is done.
Story 1:
Emotionally challenged behavior (events)
State how each step contributes to trouble
Smarter behavior
Story 2
Emotionally challenged behavior (events)
State how each step contributes to trouble
Smarter behavior
Story 3
Emotionally challenged behavior (events)
How each step contributes to trouble?
My Report on the Previous Generation:
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409as2005/Dicho/409a-g-22-report2.htm
This person discussed about the 3 fold self and how a driver personality makeover can positively influence us to become better drivers. Another key point is the importance of life long driver education. It is important to realize that driver education is important when we are young (from 5-6 years old) to when we are old (65+). The reason for this is because since driving is a daily habit, it is basically a huge role in our lives. Another reason is that with this knowledge we can teach our peers about the importance of supportive driving.
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409as2005/Shark/409a-g22-report2.htm
This report was similar to mine, we both did the same questions and in reality, I am the same as this person in that my driving style hasn’t changed dramatically since I took this class. I will say this though, even he agreed that it is beneficial for us to be aware of our 3 fold self. What caught my eye about this paper is he wrote that “However, Drdriving.org merely plugs Road Rage and Aggressive Driving, other books on driving topics, and Amazon.com every so often in hopes of increasing book sales.” Overall I think this method is very effective and hopefully the information about road rage/aggressive driving/and the benefit of supportive driving can be shared and passed down through everyone.
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2005/ching/ching-409a-g23-report2.htm
This report goes into detail and a more in-depth description about emotional intelligence and talks about the levels like oppositional, defense, and supportive. Again just like in mine, it puts an emphasis on supportive driving and it mentions about the positive effect with QDC groups if it was the law. After checking out the surveys, I would classify myself very similar to this person, “passive aggressive.”
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2005/peltz/peltz-409a-g23-report2.htm
Just like in my report, a clear emphasis on the importance of emotional intelligence and the 3 step driver self improvement program. This person is a “tad” different from me after looking at the surveys because this person admits being classified as “aggressive.” A key point in this report and I did not mention in detail in my report is the idea of thinking about your passengers. Meaning that it is crucial that even the passengers are comfortable with your style of driving.
Advice to Future Generations:
- don’t procrastinate when doing these assignments and start as earliest as possible!
- Goal: learn and grasp the critical importance of the 3 fold self (affective, cognitive, sensorimotor)
- Goal: Try your best to stay in control of yourself emotionally
- Goal: promoting supportive driving instead of road rage and aggressive driving
Class Home Page: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy24/classhome-g24.htm
My Home Page: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/40as2006/ching/ching-409a-g24-home.htm