Psychology 409a April 30, 2006

Dreams and Truths about Driving

Outline 9

                                                                                    By Jessica Fonseca                       

 

Leon James and Diane Nahl (2000). Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare. (Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books) pp. 254-268

 

Instructions for this activity are found at:

http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy24/g24-oral1.htm

Instructor: Dr. Leon James

 

  1. In the Driver’s Image (pp. 254-257)
    1. A report showed that people’s common response to what they like about cars was price, reliability, comfort, and appearance.  However, when hypnotized responses were different.  Unconscious responses to the question were freedom and excitement from high speeds.  Safety precautions were seen as unnecessary.
    2. A car’s appearances reflect the driver’s image (whether the image is true or not).

                                                                                             i.           Luxurious, unusual, and exotic cars belong to rich, educated, successful, good-looking drivers.

                                                                                          ii.         Old and unattractive cars belong to unattractive unsuccessful drivers. 

                                                                                       iii.         Car commercials imply the message that owning a particular car will give you desired qualities.

                                                                                       iv.         Many songs also feature the glamour of cars (ex: Little Red Corvette, Mercedes Boy, Pink Cadillac)

    1. The way we think and talk about cars, influenced by commercials, add to our culture and behaviors on highways. 

                                                                                             i.         Speeding, competition, aggressiveness, and envy are some examples of the way our culture views driving.

                                                                                          ii.         With these negative driving norms already set in, changing to more supportive and prosocial driving styles is difficult.

 

  1. Driving Music (pp 257-258)
    1. Music can affect the way we drive

                                                                                             i.         Loud, fast, upbeat music can cause people to pay less attention to lights, signs, or their speed.

                                                                                          ii.         Music can also be used to sooth the driver and help in stressful situations.

 

  1. Dashboard Dinning (pp 258-260)
    1. Eating in cars are becoming very common and cars are now being equipped with devices that make eating in the car safer and more comfortable.

                                                                                             i.         Latest in-car appliances:

-Mini-microwave

-Refrigerated glove box

-Coolers

-Trays that fold down

-Warming cup holder

-Trash compactors

    1. Fast-food industries are also responding to the growing trend of dashboard dinning.  50% of sales occur at the drive-through window.

                                                                                             i.         Foods are now being made in a easy-to-eat and drive style

1.         Taco Bell: “Crunch Wrap”, tacos that are more portable and “Good to go”

2.         KFC: Pita and wrap sandwiches

3.         In-N-Out Burger: Supplies “lapmats”

    1. Driving while eating can be dangerous

                                                                                             i.         People may pay less attention to lights and staying in their lane.

                                                                                          ii.         Training a driver to eat and drive simultaneously is important

 

  1. Car Phones (260-262)
    1. Many people have mobile phones and many people have cars.  Therefore many people are going to use the two together. 

                                                                                             i.         The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates eighty million cell phone users

    1. Driving while talking on a mobile phone can be dangerous

                                                                                             i.         Year 2000 estimated at least 1 percent of accidents due to cell phone use

    1. Training one’s self to drive and talk on the phone at the same time.

 

  1. Entertaining and Intelligent Cars (262-268)
    1. Cars are becoming more and more sophisticated (can be dangerous)

                                                                                             i.         DVD players (front and back), GPS, traffic alerts, and security features are a few examples.

    1. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) integrate vehicle and traffic control. 

                                                                                             i.         Emergency notification, persona security, collision avoidance sonar, sleep monitors are a few examples.

Related Links

 

  http://www.cellular-news.com/car_bans/

This site provides a list of different countries and US states that ban cell phone use while driving.  In Hawaii the issue is still being debated.  Many countries have already banned cell phone use while driving, such as Australia and Japan. 

 

http://www.dietitian.com/danger.html

This site is an article that states eating and driving is more dangerous then talking on a cell phone while driving.  Some examples are eating sticky foods, opening food containers, and hot foods and drinks can be very dangerous.  This article argues that food is more distracting then phone use. 

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1870853.stm

This site discusses how music can influence driving.  Fast, up-tempo music can cause the driver to want to drive fast.  Changing the station or switching cd’s can also be dangerous.   

 

My Home Page:  http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409as2006/fonseca/fonseca-home.htm

 

G24 Class Home Page: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy24/classhome-g24.htm