Book Review by Sophie of Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare by Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl. 298 pages. Published in 2000 by Prometheus Books.
This book is written with the intent of providing people with clear and approachable resolutions to road rage. Three themes of the book include the reasons for road rage, the steps that can be taken to combat road rage, and the future of driving. Reasons for road rage are many, but the underlying cause is the inability of the driver to see him or herself as a poor driver. The most important step in reducing road rage is to admit that one is not a perfect driver who could benefit from not condemning others' driving. Road rage will shape communities' (local to federal) laws and more generally peoples' attitudes. Issues that will play a part in the future of road rage in America include increased surveillance (police and electronic), and citizen activism. Other driving safety regulations will also be passed for the use of cell phones, laptop computers, and required safety technologies such as smart cars.
Road rage has been a "hot topic" in the media over at least the last 15 years. Media coverage has made road rage a reality for everyone, even those who may not experience it much (e.g. people who live in a rural town or on Molokai). Incidents of road rage are increasing and people are showing concern about it. Driving under the influence used to be viewed as a threat to drivers that was very commonplace, as road rage is now, and then both activists (MADD) and laws worked to reduce alcohol related deaths significantly. Just as the view toward driving under the influence has changed over the years, so will the views about road rage. This book and related topics found at the author's website (DrDriving.org) will be very instrumental at helping to mold America's views about road rage and responsible driving. The media has also implied that "rage is spreading and many headlines inform us of parking lot rage, sidewalk rage, surf rage, air rage, neighbor rage, shopping mall rage, workplace rage, cafeteria rage, customer rage, keyboard rage, and desk rage (p.32)." The keys to courteous driving skills outlined in this book should arm anyone with the tools to think realistically and should reduce the chance of experiencing aggressive acts.
Road Rage is reading of utmost importance at this time in modern societies.
This book is relevant for children as it included a chapter on children and road rage. It is explained that children of all ages can learn bad and aggressive driving mentalities from observing their parents and other adults. Knowing this, parents should strive to improve their behavior so the next generation will not be so inclined to have poor driving etiquette. Children also cause many drivers to be stressed or distracted, so the book lends help in teaching children how to be good passengers in a positive manner. For example, if the child was very good in the car or did not misbehave in a way he or she usually does, and then the parent will reward good behavior.
As a psychology major this book related to my past coursework on social psychology. It is explained that many people commit acts of poor behavior behind the wheel that they would never commit in a face-to-face situations. For example, how many of us would cut off others in line at the bank or the supermarket? Psychologically people feel safe and anonymous in their car, which they can use to escape any repercussions for their misbehaving. My studies in biology have helped me learn about the connections between health and stress. Stress is a natural reaction to situations that arouse us to fight, flee, store food, etc. and daily stress leaves stress chemicals in a body for unnatural periods of time leading to tension and many health ailments. If driving causes stress, then the driver will arrive at the destination filled with stress chemicals and then be more likely to be "on edge". "Negative thoughts behind the wheel act like mental pollutants, decreasing the enjoyment of driving and increasing noxious by-products—stress, higher blood pressure, frustration, pessimism, and less effective mental productivity that influences health, workplace, and family life (p.31)." Drivers may even start to form aggressive or negative thought before entering the car because the individual has had so many stressful experiences while driving. In this way the stress of driving just produces more negative driving traits. So the key is for each of us to drive in a manner to reduce the stress in the ones around us and ourselves.
Congestion is a key factor in stress and this will take larger planning to overcome. For example, individuals can wake up early and have group tai chi clinics at work to beat the traffic and start the day feeling charges. Or someone can work out at the gym near work so he or she does not have drive home in traffic. Workplaces could offer more flexible shifts; say working from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. City planners can include monorail or train systems as part of all new freeway expansions. I am pleased with how Oahu offers both a bus system and a fleet of vanpooling vehicles.
People from all walks of life should read this book. Teenagers or new drivers should read this book before learning to drive, as this will prepare them for the evils of driving that exist and help mold themselves into responsible and safe drivers. Policy-makers, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies should have this book as part of the training program if any of these abovementioned people will be affecting road users. This will help to dispel myths and provide a common rational approach as to how people can overcome road rage. Persons who have committed road rage offenses should also read this book and practice its many useful steps in reducing the tendencies for socially malevolent driving.
Road Rage Is very relevant to education for all age groups. Young children can perceive how driving makes them feel and with age infer how certain driving behaviors can make others feel. Middle-aged children can be taught how important it is to be a good citizen in all aspects of life, including driving. If good driving is taught to be part of a child's community experience, then more children should view aggressive driving as wrong. Teenagers can most benefit from this book because they can use the supportive driving philosophy for their learning experience behind the wheel. It is probable that more young drivers will be prudent and courteous if they think along those lines while learning to drive.
I found this book a pleasure to read, highly informative, and very constructive in ways to improve my driving and attitudes toward society overall. I learned many things about myself in this book. The strengths of this book include the many worksheets and intelligent ways to improve one's driving, attitude and overall health (three-step driver improvement program, increasing emotional intelligence and supportive driving). I can see no real weakness, but I could suggest that there are other volumes written especially for younger people, as they are the best resource for a generation of good drivers.
Several reviews of this book can be found on the website below, as well as links to Drs. James and Nahl's website .
Road
Rage and Aggressive Driving The Book
http://www.aloha.net/~dyc/booktoc.html