Cherilyn
sees Traffic Psychology as a personal matter. First the person must
recognize and accept that they have a negative driving style, to determine
this one must look at the antecedent behaviors dealing in cognition, affect,
and sensorimotor. The next step would be to try to modify these behaviors
that are seen as negative to produce a positive result. Traffic psychology
is not only applicable to the driver but also the pedestrians, the passenger(s),
and bike riders.
I found Cherilyn's report
on the definition of traffic psychology very useful and informative.
I agree with her that a person must realize they have a problem before
any change can occur. I felt that she has hit on a very good and
plausible idea that can be seen as useful for any negative problems a person
may have.
Ryan
defined traffic psychology as learning to control anger so that we control
ourselves better behind the wheel. He also describes how he tried
to modify his own behavior when he is behind the wheel of a car.
He describes driving fast as a control issue. By controlling the
car there is an empowerment but if there is no control then there are implications
of helplessness.
My reaction to Ryan's
report comes with a little anxiety. To think that there are people
out there who drive fast because of a power trip, shows a disregard for
the health and safety of other drivers. I do not agree with the view
totally though. I have sped before and have the tickets on my records
to show this but I never felt that it was an empowering attitude.
I felt it as more of a running late
problem.
Aaron
defines Traffic Psychology as the study of behavior in any kinds of traffic
including automobiles, pedestrians, airplanes, etc. I mean the list could
go on and on and on. This is any and all behaviors that a person
or persons may experience in traffic.
I like the simple definition
that Aaron gives for traffic psychology. I feel that his definition
is simple yet broad and wide ranging. I often associate the word
traffic with only automobile, but as Aaron demonstrates traffic is wide
ranging and involves any thing in where there is a congestion of people
whether in a plane, shopping mall, car, etc...
Shane
describes traffic psychology as an examination of our behaviors in a subjunctive
manner. These behaviors deal with affective, sensorimotor, and cognitive
areas of people's actions. Traffic Psychology should be seen as a
tool which looks at these aspects and tries to alter them to modify and
better society's road behavior.
I agree with Shane's definition
but it lacks the aspect that traffic deals with more than just automobiles.
But I do like the fact that he sees traffic psychology as a tool to better
the quality of our society. If we look at traffic psychology as a
tool than I feel it makes it available for more individuals than if it
seen as a sub field in psychology.
According to Dina
Traffic psychology is used to describe the process in which various methods
are implemented in order to modify driving behavior. Examples given by
Dina are: Self Witnessing and Quality Driving Circles which are used to
identify driving deficiencies necessary to begin the modification process.
She describes driving behavior as influenced by the affective (feelings),
cognitive (thoughts), and sensorimotor (actions) domains, these three are
in effect while on the road. Also Dina wrote " A good driver is one that
understands the needs of other drivers. He/she drives defensively and is
prepared for any situation that might occur. This is exhibited through
use of the turn signals(sensorimotor), appropriate distancing, and awareness
of their surroundings. They are also gracious and respond thankfully. This
in turn makes the other drivers feel appreciated (affective). "
I like and agree with
Dina's definition of traffic psychology. She goes into some detail
and introduces the factors that affect the behavior people represent in
traffic. I also enjoyed her example of a good driver and how a good
driver is not only good because of their attention behind the wheel but
the attention and positive affect exhibited to others on the road.
While I have never really
looked at my behavior while driving, I do know that I am a driver who despises
traffic. I feel that this more of a affective issue than sensorimotor
or cognitive. I can not put my finger on it but it is an anxious
feeling. These feelings often cause me to react in irrational
ways and I see myself as not expressing positive affect to my fellow drivers.
Unfortunately this also occurs when I am in a crowded area, or if I standing
in a line. I think I could probably overcome this now that I know
that I exhibit this behavior. These observations are done after the
fact and not while I am driving. I have approached it this way because
if i concentrate on my behavior while driving then I think that I could
be a hazard on the road.
As a passenger I have
experienced the driving of a "California Driver", a impatient driver who
tends to disregard the speed limit. While observing this behavior
of the driver I feel that she is speeding unconsciously. She does
not speed because she is in a hurry but rather because it is a personality
trait. I find myself showing more positive affect as a passenger
in all situations then I do as a driver. I think this is because
I have a negative affect to the act of driving.
Of the three personal
experiences I have written on this one scares me the most. I feel
that drivers do not respect anything that is not in a metal cage(car).
And even in the car there is not much respect. I feel this
lack of positive affect and cognition is what leads to accidents between
cars and pedestrians. I feel that these affective and cognitive problems
are two sided. Drivers disregard the laws that pedestrians have the
right of way and pedestrians disregard common sense, if a driver is not
slowing down near a intersection than it is probably wise to not try to
step in front of the car, simple physics. As a driver I try to let
pedestrians cross but sometimes I just plain forget. Being a pedestrian
is one of the scariest roles in traffic.
To future generations
start your projects early. The process of finding relevant generational
postings is long and arduous. It is better to finish your project
early and try to improve on them over the course of the semester than to
wait to the last minute. And also remember that as a generational
class on the internet your writings are public domain so make sure what
you write is what you believe.
The process of writing
this report was extremely tiring. I have felt very tired and my whole
body has been aching from the hours sitting in front of the computer doing
this report. I must say that I have gained some knowledge in the
area of traffic psychology and also about my own behaviors. This
is a very hands on class and requires a lot of time to learn the issues.
After only a few weeks in the class I feel that my abilities with web pages
is increasing every time I log on and my knowledge base has expanded in
psychology.