Claudine Dela Cruz, G8 Claudine defines traffic psychology as the study of our thoughts and behaviors involving traffic.  She emphasized the different atitudes, behaviors and personalities that people posses in dealing with the daily stresses of being a driver.  Traffic psychology also attempts to identify dangerous driving personalities, behaviors,  patterns, and methods to help modify negative aspects of driving.   MY COMMENTS      I agree with Claudine on her definitions of traffic psychology, most especially her emphasis on the attitudes, behaviors, and personalities that people posses in dealing with stresses of driving. I think that we all process the stimulus we receive from our driving experiences differently. We have different mechanism for dealing with the daily stresses of being a driver. Some peole react assertively while other more aggressively. Traffic psychology is a  field of study the encompasses the braod spectrum of society's definition and labeling of deviant driving behaviors..     Back to the top

 
 
 

Irene Barrineau, G8 Irene conceptualizes traffic psychology as the analysis and the discipline of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while driving or interacting with other drivers.  In the study of traffic psychology we must analyze the problem of road rage and come up with solutions to effectively deal with the problem.  Irene also stated the importance of discipline in the area of traffic psychology.  We must learn how to discipline and modify our behaviors while driving so that we could avoid unnecessary negative experiences of road rage.  Learning how to discipline ourselves while driving is a challenge but we must try to redefine the situation in a more positive manner and avoid any negative confortations.  Since driving is an important means of transportation, we as a society should learn ways in which to promote better driving skills.  The desire to learn better driving skills begins with the individual.   MY COMMENTS      I was impressed with Irene's definition of traffic psychology.  She really focused on the individual's behavior and the responsibility that we have to monitor and modify our driving behaviors.  Through self discipline and self modification we can teach ourselves ways in which to avoid or encourage road rage.     Back to the top

 

 
 

Chris Murakami, G6 Chris views traffic psychology as the study of traffic and the effect it has on the driving behavior of all road users.  Traffic psychology is a field of study that enlightens us and enables us to become aware of our driving behaviors and those of others.  Often we don't consciously think about our driving behaviors.  It seems to become habitual overtime.  However, the field of traffic psychology offers an opportunity for a complete behavioral introspection which ranges from initial self awareness, to ultimately, the modification of abberant behaviors. One becomes aware of his/her driving behaviors and the consequences it has on other drivers.   MY COMMENTS       I thought that Chris made some good points in his definition of traffic psychology.  I agree with Chris that our driving behaviors affect the driving behaviors of others.  We must become aware of our driving behaviors and modify any negative or aggressive behaviors and then maybe we could educate other people to change their driving style.     Back to the top

 
 

Dina Takahashi, G6 DINA's definition of traffic psychology is that traffic psychology describes the process in whcih various methods are implemented in order to modify driving behavior.  Such methods include self witnessing and the quality of driving circles.  We must first realize our inadequacies of driving before we can begin to modify our driving behaviors.  When driving we are influenced by many different situations.  How we process and react to those situations are influenced by our affective, cognitive and  sensorimotor domains.  With traffic psychology people define and views good and bad drivers differently.  We may view ourselves as good drivers while others see us as aggressive drivers.  The meaning you attach to a driving situation depends upon your definition of that situation.   MY COMMENTS      Dina took a different appraoch in defining traffic psychology.  She focused on the methods of modifying driving behaviors.  It is interesting how she mentioned that we must realize our disability in driving before we can modify our driving behaviors.  Also, we must understand that we are influenced by many stimulus that shapes our driving behavior.  I agree with Dina that we must withness our own driving behaviors as well as those of others to better understand the situation we are in and what is the right approach in dealing with the problem.  We just can't simply behave a certain way without thinking about our actions.     Back to the top

 
 

Kimberly Oshiroki, G5 KIMBERLY defines traffic psychology as dealing with our thoughts, feelings, and actions while driving on the road.  The study of traffic psychology is a way of instilling self-discipline, compassion, selflessness and kindness toward humankind. It is really a tool to bring about the teaching of basic moral principles and values; a basis for teaching etiquette, not just on the road, but for all other aspects of life as well.   MY COMMENTS      I thought that Kimberly's definition of traffic psychology was interesting.  Indeed within the field of psychology the primary focus is on the individual and his/her actions, feelings and thoughts.  I never really thought of traffic psychology as a tool for teaching moral principles and values but then again it is not impossible.    Back to the top

 
 

Traffic psychology is needed to help drivers modify their driving behaviors.  People think that they are excellent drivers because they never got any ticket but nevertheless, their driving behaviors is careless.  Driving is like a communication process.  Their must be some mutual ground to ensure successful interaction.  Thus, if people become sensitive to the needs of other drivers and not just on their needs then maybe driving will be a more pleasant and peaceful experience for all drivers.

I also think that cyclist should be more conscious about the traffic around them. Sometimes cyclist are careless and they just take chances on the main road. This is a dangerous situation both for themselves and for other drivers. Also, cyclist should not suddenly cut in front of a vehicle because it is more difficult for a driver to anticipate the actions of a cyclist than a vehicle driver because of the size of the bike compared to a vehicle.