Definitions Of Traffic Psychology
Examples Of Why Traffic Psychology Is Needed
Definitions Of Traffic Psychology
The first definition that will be discussed in this paper is my definition. Traffic Psychology is the thought process of a driver who takes into account all emotions that the driver is feeling as well as the environment that the driver is in. Now lets see how my definition of traffic psychology stand sup to the other definition from past generations.
Jennifer says that her definition of traffic psychology is "the study of peopleās moment to moment interpretations of traffic events This can include interactions between cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians." This means that the reaction that divers have to events while driving is what traffic psychology is all about. I agree with this definition because the reaction of a driver in traffic events is a good way to determine the types of emotions and sensory motor activities following a traffic event.
Jason wrote the definition of traffic psychology as, "The scientific study of the cognitive, emotional, and physical behaviors of humans as they participate in the interaction of vehicles on roadways." I interpret this as everything that the driver is going through while behind the wheel. This definition is very defined and something that can be studied. This can be measured with test and with surveys.
Renee has her definition in the form of agreement between three definitions. The first being reflecting on our driving persona by becoming aware of our actions. Second is examining thoughts and behaviors in traffic. Third is studying behavioral patterns and psychological theories as it relates to driving in traffic. All of these definitions are related to the analyzing of thoughts and behaviors in regards to traffic. Whether it is awareness or theory, there is the thought of actions and feelings as a result of traffic. I agree with this especially the awareness part. Within awareness there is a certain level of cognition that takes over and is worked on.
Cherilyn gives steps to the definition of traffic psychology. First is the realization of the action. Second is the study of the affective, cognitive, and sensory motor domain. Third is the curing of the negative action. This is definitely the steps to curing a action that is not wanted while driving. I also agree that this technique can be used for any problem that a person encounters.
Chris came up with the definition, "Traffic Psychology is the study of traffic and the effect it has on the driving behavior of all road users." The thing that I agree with most of all in this definition is that it takes into account that we also need to study both ourselves and other drivers on the street. This definition made me think a lot of how not only our sensory motor reactions play a big role in traffic, but also the reactions of the other drivers around us.
Examples Of Why Traffic Psychology Is Needed
The first example of why traffic psychology is needed is when drivers get into a accident. The most prevalent is the accidents that are caused by a driver rear ending another driver. If the driver that hit the front car could study why the accident took place, then maybe it would lower the chances of the accident happening again. In order to help out the driver in this case, the driver must be willing to help his or herself.
Another example traffic psychology can be used is for those drivers that have phobias about driving. If a driver is just afraid to drive or afraid of certain situations, a study can be done to help the driver cope with their fear and drive in the situation. If someone is afraid of driving on the freeway, then a traffic psychologist can help that person over come the fear and start to drive on the freeway.
Lastly, everyone can use traffic psychology so that people can drive with more kindness to other drivers. If everyone were to drive with kindness towards other drivers, then our roadways would be a lot safer.
Other generations can improve on this report by trying to find out what other people who have not taken psychology think about this type of study. Another thing that could be found out is how many people would take advantage of this type of help. If there are not that much people willing to change their negative driving behavior, then it may not be worth pursuing.
I learned through doing this report that my definition of traffic psychology is pretty consistent with those of my fellow students. I also learned that in order to make a change to a negative behavior the driver must want to change.
My Report1: Definitions of Traffic Psychology