November 3, 1998

I rode the bus in to school today and this is what I observed.  The bus driver was very courteous, said goodmorning to me and smiled.  She appeared to be in a good mood, perhaps she just started her shift.  I say that because sometimes the bus drivers can be pretty cruel and non-observant of his or her passengers.  However, today she was civil and pleasant.

This particular bus goes on the freeway, so I took my opportunity to look for any situations we might have on the road.  There is plenty of traffic, which is to be expected since it is early in the morning.  I am amazed at how the driver of the bus can maneuver this huge vehicle.  She gets us in the carpool lane and drives at a fairly good speed.
Oh-oh, there's somewhat of a sharp brake.  It appears that the vehicle in front of us is trying to change lanes and waited till the last minute.  Our bus driver, doesn't appreciate this, she hits her steering wheel and mumbles, but I can not hear what she mumbled.  It is now time for us to merge lanes and these bus drivers are really tricky.  She maneuvered the bus into the next lane, by little by little sticking the bus' nose a little to the right, until somebody allowed her in.  Nonetheless, the driver still waves her hand to thank the vehicle, even though they were not going to allow the bus into the lane.  The only reason we got in to the lane was because of the drivers' persistence.

I noticed the other day that the bus has a sign in the back that says "Give our passengers a Brake".  It made me wonder, why most drivers don't give passengers on the bus a break.  People that take the bus are helping to reduce traffic congestion as well as our environment because there are less vehicles on the road.  Can you imagine if all the people that take the bus decided to drive?  Hawaii's roads would be in major trouble.

Methods of communication used:  smiling, hitting steering wheel, mumbling, wave of the hand

November 17, 1998

On my way back home from my daughter's school I encountered this white pickup truck that was driving extremely slow.  I wondered, what's the deal?  I was in a hurry.   I needed to hurry up and get home so that I could get ready for school.  This man started swerving a little and then made a right hand turn, but instead of getting in the closest lane to him, he got in the farthest left lane.  He didn't even put his signal lights.  I had a bad feeling about this driver, so I kept my distance.  I then realized that this inconsiderate, poor excuse for a driver had a cigarette in one hand and his cellular phone in the other.  This really upset me, because this man needs to pay more attention to the road.  If he wants to smoke and talk on the phone, then he should pull over and do just that.  He doesn't realize that he is putting other people in danger, by his actions.

I didn't do anything extreme, except nod in disapproval and I gave him the meanest look I had in me.  I just kept my distance until I had the opportunity to move as far away from him as possible.

Methods of communication used:  nodding head in disapproval, staring-mean looks
 
November 19, 1998

Today, I witnessed an accident.  I was on my way to the bus stop (by Mos Burgers) when I saw it.  There was this dark blue sedan parked on the side, by where the meter parking is, and apparently she got tired of waiting because nobody was leaving and so she decided to make a U-turn.  Yes, a U-turn, right in the middle of the street.  I would like to say that this is not the first time that I see someone make a u-turn here.  However, this was not a successful turn for her.  She did not see the incoming car that was in the opposite lane facing her and BOOM, she hit the other vehicle.  It made a huge crashing sound.    They both seemed shocked and scared.  They pulled over the side and the guy in the incoming car was a bit upset.  Nobody yelled and screamed, but I could see the guy shaking his head in disapproval.  I don't know what resulted after that.  But, it was extremely apparent that the girl that made the U-turn should not have done that.  First of all, it was not an appropriate place for a turn like that and she did not look to see if the coast was clear.   She is in BIG TROUBLE.

Methods of communication used:  nodding head in disapproval
 

METHODS OF COMMUNICATING

There are so many different methods of communicating while on the road, some nice and some not.  For example, we can thank someone for allowing us into a lane with a simple wave of the hand or we can flip somebody the bird when we are upset.  But, warning a flip of the bird can sometimes have repercussions.  Methods of communicating that I encountered:

1) 'Shaka'--wave of the hand:  means to say thank you and a way to spread aloha while on the road.  This method of communicating is extremely widespread here in Hawaii.  I believe that it is very effective, people are satisfied when they know that your generosity as a driver is appreciated.
 
2) A smile--A smile really does say more than a thousand words.  Although,  sometimes it also depends what kind of smile you give a person.  I know some people that smile in a 'Ha, Ha' I got in anyway, without your help', which is really more of a sarcastic smirk, which may or may not get a person in trouble.  On the other  hand, a combination smile and wave of the hand can reiterate to another driver how appreciative you are to have been allowed entrance into a lane or any other 'good' action done towards you.

3)  Nodding Head--a sign of disapproval tells other driver that you think they have done something wrong;  This occurs all the time, especially since we all think that we are right and you are wrong.  This method is really not very effective, because it does absolutely nothing.  For one thing the other person might not even acknowledge you or acknowledge that they have done something wrong. Function this would do for the doer, would be expressing their disapproval to the other driver.  Function for receiver would be maybe to get them angry themselves and also so they can acknowledge that they did something wrong.

4)  Hitting the steering wheel-- is a sign of anger.  It is a means to express outwardly how aggravating someone makes you feel.  This method of communicating is perhaps not as common here in Hawaii as it probably would be with New York taxi driver.  I am assuming that from what I view on television shows.    So, although people do hit their steering wheels, I don't believe it is a widespread method of communicating, especially, since I have seen some people hit their steering wheel when they are happy and beating to the sound of the  music.  Function for hitting steering wheel, can be one of relieving anger withheld or as a means of enjoying music.
 

RECOMMENDATIONS:  DEVELOPING METHODS OF INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION AMONG DRIVERS

I believe that the best method of communicating with other drivers are the methods we currently have.  Universal language is one that everyone can understand:  a smile, a simple wave , nothing extreme.  Here in Hawaii I think that the 'Shaka' is very effective as a means to thank someone, although, I did meet this grad student that said when he first came to Hawaii, someone gave him the 'shaka' sign and he thought they were flipping him the bird.  He didn't understand what the 'shaka' signified.  Because he thought they were flipping him the bird, he flipped the other driver off, which got him in trouble.  When he pulled in to his destination, so did the other driver very upset.  But, once my friend explained that he didn't know what the 'shaka' was then he was let off the hook by the other driver.  But, this might have turned into something that he would have really regretted.

Methods to make someone aware that you think they did something wrong:  a honk of the horn.  Honking the horn is a wake up call in my opinion.  Wake up and watch what you are doing.  I mean isn't that the whole purpose of having one in your car.  Car manufacturers put in there for your protection.  So, if you see that someone is making a turn where they aren't supposed to and is putting you in harms way, then honk.  They might not have seen you.
 

I don't think that you should flip the bird to anyone (although I have done, but haven't since taking Psychology 409-Traffic Psychology in Summer 1998).  You should never follow someone or have a verbal fight when in vehicles because road rage is something that we should really be careful about in this day and age.  Therefore, a simple smile and wave of the hand to say thank you and honk your horn to give somebody a wake up call.  I think those are the best solutions.

I also believe that Drivers education should be enforced to everyone, not just some.  Also, every so many years drivers education should be a prerequisite to renewing your drivers license.  And insurance companies should give some type of perks to encourage others to participate in these classes.
 

PREVIOUS GENERATIONAL REPORTS

I encountered several reports that dealt with the subject at hand and I have to say that they were all very good.  A lot of the reports that I encountered summarized Kristin Subia and Andrew Shapiro's reports, so I decided to take a look at those.  I figured, Dr. James assigned those for a reason, so I examined the reports for myself.

In Kristin Subia's report she wrote about the importance of communication on the road.  She states that there are many hazard that can come to drivers, but that there are means of avoiding altercations while on the road.  I tend to agree with her.  On a daily basis, we will encounter dilemmas, but it is how we decide to deal with them that makes the difference.  We can either react to what we think is being done to us and that can and will in many cases cause further damage, or we can stand back and be aware of what is occurring and avoid what might occur.
 

She mentions that little things such as using your signal lights when making turns and yielding to other drivers and pedestrians can make a difference.  She also mentions making room for other vehicles when they want to cut in instead of fighting for the space, can cause peace on the road.  It is when we react towards other drivers and refuse to share the road that we 'ourselves' become hazardous on the road.

Andrew Shapiro also wrote a report that dealt with the effectiveness and communication among drivers.  He performed a mini observational study where he observed drivers while on a four-way intersection.

He says that many people make gestures while on the road.  Mr. Shapiro says this is done for several reasons (while at intersections):   perhaps they are unaware of 'right on way' regulations, or perhaps out of politeness, and in some cases people use gestures as a means to display anger towards their counterparts on the road.

Mr. Shapiro reports that he found more courteous and polite people than he did aggressive drivers.  He follows by giving his readers advise.  he says that in order for us to prevent accidents we should follow the rules and if others don't yield to you when they should then don't get angry just let it go.  Mr. Shapiro says for us to make our driving experience a pleasant one by being patient and make your intentions clear by using appropriate gestures.

I agree with him.  When on the road we should treat others as you yourself would like to be treated.
 
 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Future generations, I encourage you all to participate and do this report.  Why?  Well, because it gives you the opportunity to observe other drivers as well as observe your own reactions to what they are doing.  It is also a perfect situation for you to self-modify your own behavior because of what you learn others do.  I have to admit that taking Psychology 409 during Summer 1998 changed my whole perspective on driving.

I also recommend that do carry around with you a tape recorder or a notepad, because there were times that I saw a situation that I would have liked to have written about, but at the last minute I couldn't recall details and facts.  So, I missed out in recording these situations and you, as a reader, also missed out because you didn't have those situations to read and observe via my interpretations.

EPILOGUE

Well, future generations, as I have stated previously in this report as well my other reports.  Give yourself enough time to gather your information, because the information you gather is what will determine your grade as well as the quality of your report.  I spent quite a bit on time on this report, but not nearly as much as I would have liked to have spent on it.

I have to say that observing other drivers and in the process observing myself, I have extremely benefited.  This report gave me the opportunity to observe my own actions on how I communicate as well as how others do.  I have tried through this report to understand why people communicate the way they do, but that would be an entirely different report all together.  So, I stuck to my observations and how I interpreted what occurred.  I hope that you will all benefit and maybe think about doing this report yourselves, because I truly believe you will gain new insights.