MY QDC REPORT:

The Signs of Change

by Leena Dwiggins

Instructions for this report

Introduction

1.  What is a QDC?

Quality Driving Circle (QDC) is Dr. Leon James' (aka Dr. Driving) newest traffic psychology approach to modifying driving behaviors.  It is the meeting of people either in person or virtually to share experiences and support each other in driving related issues.  QDC is based on Dr. James' concept that we should be continually educated (lifelong) in the aspects of driving (especially since more technical features are being added to cars).   It is believed that in the promoting of behavior modification in driving situations we can achieve change and attain quality.

2.  What is your idea of QDC, and do you see yourself as a lifelong QDC member?

My idea of QDC is that like most things new that require effort, it will probably be viewed as not worth the energy and time.  However, after participating in the first online QDC I found it was a great way to give and get help in driving related issues.  It is a good idea and has the potential for success.  During this semester I was able to meet with people both virtually and in person to discuss driving concerns and situations.  This course has challenged me to look at my affective, cognitive and sensorimotor habits in my role as driver, passenger and/or pedestrian.  I strongly support positive changes and after noticing that this course has helped me attain such changes, I do see myself as a lifelong QDC member.

3.  Are  QDCs  needed?

Yes, I feel QDCs are needed.  Statistics have shown that road rage is on the incline.  It is obvious that change has to come about in some way.  With the birth of QDC a sign of change is presented.  In looking at the ways in which we think, feel and physically act while driving and in recognizing why we do what we do, we can become part of the source of change.

For more information on QDCs please see Dr Driving's QDC web page:  http://aloha.net/~dyc/qdc.html

Summary of my Self-Witnessing Reports

Tee card 44C2 covered "symptoms of confrontational thinking:  paranoia, suspicion, and blame" which can lead to road rage and result in confrontation.     

This experience challenged me to evaluate my and my husband's behavior.  It was automatic for us to react with emotions and physical behavior when faced with potential danger and not with cognitive behavior.  I had grabbed the door handle and had braced myself for impact, I was scared and then after there was no accident I was angry at the Bus driver for scaring me.  However, instead of cursing or giving the driver "stink eye" I stopped and revaluated the source of my feelings. I remembered we don't OWN the lane we are driving in and that the driver may be new to this route and may not have seen us approaching because of the incline in the road.  I realized that in being aware (cognitively) stopping before I acted I can changing the react.  I have to stop reacting automatically and be aware of my thoughts and actions.

CH1 admitted that he/she has developed such territorial feelings when in his/her vehicle.  However, he/she does not seem to accept responsibility for these feelings by stating that these feelings may be inherent or learned.  If we are to believe they are inherent then we are saying that nothing can be done about it.  It is my opinion that this reaction is learned. 

TEE 1C1 is a list of driving offenses that should be used to evaluate our driving behaviors.  The TEE serves as a reminder of what we display when we are not aware of our cognitive, affective and sensorimotor behaviors. 

Dr. James' TEE 2C1 wrote "As soon as our gunny-sack of complaints is full on any particular trip, we sense the passion of self-righteousness swell in our chest, and we feel justified in letting it fly, exploding with rage, with disapproval, with condemnation, with thoughts of violence."  I noticed that my husband was guilty of letting (his score keeping of what he viewed as personal offensive against him) passion of self-righteousness get the better of him.  

R. Solmssen presented an example of charitable thought in explaining why driving in Waikiki requires our undivided attention and extreme patience. His personal experience and explanation reminds me of how I feel whenever I drive in an unfamiliar place.  It is obvious that R. Solmssen possess a high level of emotional intelligence. :)

Road rage results from our being a slave to our passion (anger).  In reacting to the potential danger and thinking before giving into my feelings of fear I was able to avoid road rage.  I justified the S.U.V.'s driving  by thinking it must have been an emergency that he had to get over to the right lane; or he is not familiar with driving in Aiea and was trying to avoid missing his exit.  In being aware of myself and those around me (defensive driver) and incorporating charitable thought in while driving I am able to cage my tendency for rage. 

Guerra seems to view horn honking as helpful.  However,  I don't see how showing someone they "suck" at driving will result in a correction.  Although I have been guilty of honking at people, I now realize that we cannot "hope" that others realize their mistakes and correct it. It is my opinion that many people are unaware of how unsafely they drive.  I know we are all human and making mistakes is part of being human.  We also share the same roads.  As much as we could all improve, change only can come about when we realize it is needed and are willing to do something about it.  

Shizue's reply was very supportive and interested in finding positive ways in which to modify our driving behaviors.  It is obvious that Shizue has emotional intelligence (stating that getting mad at my husband might make the problem worse) and therefore can avoid road rage.

A. Bumanglag's response indicates that he does not feel he can manage his emotions while on the road.  Like my husband and Guerra he agrees that it is okay to let the other driver know how their actions affected them.  I agree with all three of them that these drivers (seemingly careless) are dangerous.  However, if they are experiencing emotional high jacking couldn't my horn honking push him over the edge?  I ask myself if my reaction would help the situation.  If not then I don't feel I should waste my energy on it.  I am optimistic that all three men can learn to manage their emotions in the face of careless/dangerous drivers.

I stopped to let the Bus in yet when the driver was slow and the car behind me was impatient I felt myself get irritated.  I had to stop and think about why I was getting irritated (especially since I slowed down to let the bus in).  I discovered it was because the Bus took long to get into my lane that I had to stop and let him completely enter my lane and the car in back was impatient and passed me and the Bus unsafely.  

Isabel has a clear understanding of what is means to have emotional intelligence.  I feel she will be able to apply this in all aspects (other than driving) in her life.

I had to acknowledge and search for why I was so irritated, especially since I have been guilty of "inching" closer to cars at a stop light.  I realized it was wrong of me to be so rash in my judgment of her actions when I have been guilty of doing the exact same thing!  It is not easy to witness others' errors and realize you commit the same ones.  I learned that if it bothered me that someone "inched" up on me, then it probably bothered someone when I inched up on them.  This realization and technique of putting myself in the other person's place helped me modify this error. 

This SWR ties in with Goleman's emotional Intelligence chapter on Passion's Slave (p 56-77). It also ties in with the theme of Psychology 361 (Transpersonal Psychology) practice of being in the moment.  Everything we do in this moment gives rise to what happens in the next moment, therefore it is important that we are aware of our emotions in order to avoid the triggering of emotional high jacking.    In the scenario above I image Lemm's life would be without injury and medical bills if he had not honked his horn and given into the altercation with King.  King's record would not be tarnished and he would not be sued if he had not let the horn honking erupt into the altercation.

I found this experience a perfect time to plant the seed of responsible driving into my niece and nephew's minds.  I thought it was important for them to learn that there is a positive way to handle situations even though it was easier and "socially acceptable" to handle it negatively.  I feel it is my responsibility as an adult to be a good example and reinforce accountability in my family members.

I found the strategies helpful because they allowed me to look at my ability to control  anger.  I found taking this course in conjunction with Psy 361 challenged me to be mindful and accountable for my feelings/actions.  I learned that how I think, look and feel about a situation will determine how I handle the situation.  I found the these strategies useful and further strengthened by Psy 361's course theme, what I do in this moment determines what happens in the next moment.

Shanen's response demonstrates her understanding and knowledge of what is need in order to make changes.  I am sure that if Shanen wanted to modify her driving behaviors, she would be successful in doing so because she possess high emotional intelligence.

Conclusion

These cards first had me becoming more conscious of my emotions while driving, walking and riding.  I found that with practice in being conscious I was more calm when faced with negative driving situations.  This result came about because I made it a habit of being aware of my emotions while driving.  It is so natural for us to "get in the habit" of doing and loose sight of our actions (e.g. shifting gears requires a sequence of synchronized actions) in order to get things done.  I found in accepting that I cannot control the actions of others, in practicing charitable thought, and in taking responsibility for my action/reaction I am in touch with my higher feelings.  I admit it is difficult to break a habit such as those Dr. James describes in "negative driving culture" (e.g. cussing, flipping the bird, etc).  However, with most habits being consistent is the key to changing negative habits thereby making it more likely we will succeed in making a permanent change. It is not easy, but when we are ready, it is possible. 

My personal formula has been conscious and consistent in order for me to produce change.  The TEE cards made me surprisingly aware.  In addition, the weekly SWR had me looking at myself as a driver, passenger and pedestrian.  I soon realized that my action/reaction were part of the problem.  I am working to change being a part of the problem and becoming an example of a driver with emotional intelligence and hopefully being a sign of change.

Epilogue

It is my hope that we take on this challenge and become the positive sign of things to come.  In doing these Self-Witnessing Reports I was forced to look at my cognitive, affective and sensorimotor behaviors in my role as driver, passenger and pedestrian.  I became aware of the error in giving into my emotions and have been able to apply the lessons I learned into other areas of my life.   I feel that my quality of driving has improved and recommend it to those who are ready for the challenge.  

It is the goal of Dr. James that we continually evolve and improve.  Therefore, feel free to write to Dr. James about his new concept of being continually educated (lifelong) in the aspects of driving.   In the promoting of behavior modification in driving situations we can achieve change and attain quality.