My QDC Report:

An overview of everything

 by

Lynne Faylogna
 

Table of Contents

Introduction

What is a QDC?

        A QDC stands for Quality Driving Circle.  It is a unit or people contributing their self-observation reports while on the road, which consist of three major aspects:  affective response (i.e. attitudes, values, or emotions), cognitive response (i.e. thoughts, beliefs, or justifications), and sensorimotor response (i.e. facial expressions, motor performances, or verbalizations) to any given situation.  QDC is a way to re-educate drivers by changing their negative driving behaviors, thoughts, and feelings into positive.  Participants discuss their driving lifestyle, experience and how others' suggestion have affected them.

        According to Dr. Driving, there are two types of QDCs:  Face-to-Face and Virtual. Face-to-face QDCs can be based in the family, the neighborhood, or the workplace, whereas Virtual QDCs (which my classmates and I participated in)  are Web based.  Participants communicate through the internet, email, telephone, and mail.  For more information on this subject click on here.
 
 

What is my idea of a QDC and do I see myself as a lifelong QDC member?

        My idea of a QDC is a group of people who comes together to discuss issues dealing with the road, whether as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.  I think that we turn a surface of this in my class.  However, majority of our QDC was done on-line.  We were required to go on-line every week and post three messages (Self-Witnessing Report, Reaction comment, and Opinion comment). While on-line we would read the tee-cards that was assigned for that week and post our three messages.  Therefore, QDC does not only have to involve people coming together at a certain time.  An individual can participant at their own time.  The outcome of taking part in QDC should be a change for the better based on one's self-witnessing report, others' suggestions in the group, and the motivation to improve.

        I probably would see myself as a lifelong QDC member.  I can not definitely say yes or no, because I believe that in order to gain the full benefit of being a member one needs to make a commitment  as being an active member and I am not able to do that at this time.  I do not have the time to go on-line once a week or meet with a group consistently.  I probably will miss a couple of meetings and I think that will affect me.     Surely, in the future I will.
 

 Are QDCs needed?

        I think QDCs are needed, especially now where there are more drivers on the road than ever before.  The more people we have on the road, the more congested our highway will become and many problems will arises.  Therefore, we need to start a program, such as QDC, now when things are not as bad rather than later when things get out of our hands and harder to resolve.
 
 

Self-Witnessing Reports (SWR)
 
 

1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10

 
 

SWR#1 (01/20/00):  Attribution Bias in Driving Exchanges;  Symptoms of Confrontational Thinking (TEE Card No. 44C2 & 42C2)

G13 Hawaii QDC  First of all, I don't think the other driver is a complete "idiot" as what everyone in the forum seems to think. He/she is probably in a hurry and so the individual is trying to prevent anyone from cutting in front. I can admit that once in a while I do this myself. There was a time that I knew I was going to be late for work and so I out ran some of the cars that I thought was going too slow (45 miles per hour) by cutting through in and out of the lanes and trying not to let anyone in my lane by following close to the vehicle in front of me. I know that such behavior is very bad because it is this type of actions that can cause one and others to get hurt. However, I think that I've improve throughout the months by being more cautious of my behavior and always keeping in mind that it is better to drive with care and safety to reach your destination even though you are going to be late.  Another reason is that the other driver may not have been alert or did not see my light signal and so that is why he/she did not allow any space for me to get in the lane. Sometimes, when I am driving I notice that some drivers do make last minute light signals or turns that could have cause an accident. It is fortunate that the driver behind is alert. Therefore, I feel it is wiser and advise others to ALWAYS PLAN AHEAD. Always turn on your light signal to let other drivers know your plan of action and see that it is clear to go on the other lane.

Summary:  For this first posting I was trying to show how much empathy I have for this individual.  I know that sometimes I do this myself and I do not think of myself as an idiot.  Therefore, I give my support to the individual.  I catch myself doing reckless or foolish actions on the road simply that I put myself into.  For instance, I would not normally try to be weaving in and out of traffic if I aloud myself enough time to get to where I am going.  Therefore, I believe that it is wiser to always plan ahead.
         I feel I have improve throughout the months by being more cautious of my behavior and always keeping in mind that it is better to drive with care and safety to reach my destination even though I may arrive late.
 

Conclusion:  I hope that people will try to have more empathy towards one another.  We are already living in a complicated world and so why try to add more into it by hating each other.  Instead, we should be supporting each other by understand one another and by having more positive perspective on things.
 
 
 
 

SWR#2 (1/27/00) :  Ten Top Aggressive Behaviors--Which Ones do You do?:  (TEE Card No. 1C1)

Guilty as charge. I definitely have committed some of the offenses particularly turning  without signaling, passing on the right shoulder when a car is turning left, and speeding on yellow lights. I've noticed that it is when I am running late or when I have some much things on my mind that I commit these offenses more often than ever. I just can't wait for the driver in front of me making his turn. I personally feel these offenses are not as severe as the other offenses but I think that it is something that needs to be avoided as possible. As I have become more familiar with the road, laws, and my own driving, I think that I am a much better driver now than before. I try my best to drive as careful and cautious as I can and hoping that the other drivers will too because I personally feel my life is very precious to me.

Summary:  I do not think there is anyone out there that could be considered a perfect driver.  I know I am not because I have done some driving offenses, such as turning without signaling, passing on the right shoulder when a car is turning left, and speeding on yellow lights.  However, I strongly feel that because I can at least acknowledge that I am not a perfect driver I will be able to achieve my goal in becoming a better driver.
         I know for sure that ever since I been learning about how we can better ourselves in driving, I have become much more of a caring person towards other drivers.  I try very hard to put myself in their situation and try to evaluation the different actions that I would take.
 

Conclusion:  I hope that from now on I will always think twice about committing any offenses and that I will never stop improving on myself.   I believe that there?s always room for improvement.  Therefore, I hope I will never get lazy and be satisfy with the person I am now or no longer care to change.
 
 
 
 

SWR#3 (2/03/00):  Competitive Mentality--Which Ones Apply to You? (TEE Card No. 2C1)

Looking through the list, I definitely do recognize some of these things that  I carry along when I am driving. I would constantly check the  speedometer to make sure that I am not going over 10 mph more than  the regulated speed every time that I am behind the wheel. I sometimes  feel that I am driving too slow or too fast and so that is why I have to check  my speed. Other drivers could be passing me which I don't mind because I  feel I am following the law and one day the law will caught up will those  people that do not. The only problem that I have with the law is that going  40-45 mph in the freeway is too slow for me and so I hate to be in the back  of a vehicle that is going this speed. I just can't tolerate other drivers that I  feel is going slow. However, I don't curse, beep my horn, stick my middle  finger, or yell at the other driver that I see other drivers do. I just simply  over take the other driver. When I am in the highway I always try to be a  good driver towards my fellow drivers. I try to carry the aloha spirit that we  have here which to me is letting other drivers come in your lane. I like the  fact that they wave their hand in the air or make a shaka sign as a sign of  thank you and this is what makes Hawaii unique from other places. I know  for sure that Guam does not have this. I've noticed from my trip that the  drivers in Guam are so aggressive in the road. I personally feel, they don't  have a good mentality view of being nice to their fellow drivers. I don't really  mind if a driver did not show any sign of appreciation, the important thing is  that I did my job for that day as a part of the golden rule. At last, hopefully,  as we age we will not use our aloha spirit in the highway.

Summary:  When I am driving, I feel I am going too slow or too fast, therefore I rely on the speedometer to regulate my speed.   I know that there are times when other drivers may be passing me or I would be passing them.  I just can not seem to tolerate drivers that I feel is going too slow (i.e. going 40-45 mph in the freeway).  I do not yell, curse, beep my horn, or tailgate, rather I just simple overtake them.  Whenever, I am driving I always try to carry the "aloha spirit" we have here in Hawaii.  The aloha spirit in the road to me is having the generosity of other drivers, making our highway safe, and definitely not to be aggressive.  I like the fact that we have the hand waving or "shaka" sign as a way of expressing our gratitude towards other drivers, which to me makes Hawaii unique from other places.

        I have notice that whenever someone expresses their sign of gratitude towards me while driving, I feel much better.  I know that it could be a little thing, however, this little thing means a lot.  For me, it could diminish the sad/frustration day that I have experience before hand by uplifting my spirit.  Because the feel of receiving is great I try to return the same feeling to others and hopefully they are enlighten also.
 

Comment:  All of the postings I got back agreed with me.  They find themselves frustrated to be driving behind a vehicle that is going slow and they agree with me that the best thing to do is to try overtaking a driver in a decent way, rather than yelling or cursing and becoming aggressive.  Being aggressive will just add to the frustration and will definitely puts everyone life's in danger.

        In addition, they seem to also feel Hawaii is unique in its showing of "aloha" while driving.  As commented by ry409, "there is a whole world out there and sometimes it takes some exploration of that world to make you truly appreciate Hawaii as a unique and beautiful island paradise."  Majority of my responses feel that it makes them feel good when other drivers show their appreciation afterwards.  They feel better as a driver and influences them to have an optimistic view of other drivers.  According to Shizue," I feel that people in this world would be a lot nicer to each other if they just got acknowledged more for their kindness."  I think getting acknowledge for our good deeds do make a difference.  It motivates one to do better things in life.

 Conclusion:  Hopefully, we will not lost our "aloha" spirit as more and more people join us on the road.  I hope we retain and try to spread it to others and to the world.
 
 
 
 

SWR#4 (2/10/00) :  Road Rage Tendency--What is Yours?  (TEE Card No. 4C1)

It is very interesting to find out that I have a "moderate road rage" because  I thought I was more into the "you're in control of yourself" category if I was  to compare myself with my friends. However, looking through the list I can  see while I would be categories as a person who have a moderate road  rage. I do complain to myself and to any passengers that is riding along  with me in the car about other driver or the traffic. I just can't stand to be in  the road for too long. Just this morning, I was really tired and not very  much in the positive side after being stuck in traffic for an hour. Luckily, I  wasn't driving. I just can't see how my little brother can tolerate to make a  trip that takes an hour when it should only take 20 minutes every morning.  He was pretty cool throughout the whole trip. He didn't try to overtake  anyone, follow the car in front very close, be selfish about letting anyone it, or try to zip through the lanes, which some of the things I would have  done. I definitely think he would be classified as a person who is in control  of his self. To share with you all. The other things that I see myself do on  the road sometimes are I definitely get annoyed or irritated by some  drivers, I feel frustrated and anger in congested traffic, I drive like I'm in a  hurry leaving slower drivers behind, and I break speed limits. These may  seem a lot but remember I only do them SOMETIMES especially when life  gets the better of me. They are just a way to let out a few steam, not to  keep it in and vent on.

Summary:  The test reveal that I have a "moderate road rage".  I have the tendency to complain to myself and my passengers about traffic and can not seem tolerate to be on the road for too long.  I feel that for the time I am stuck in traffic I could rather use it to be doing something better.  I definitely get annoyed or irritated by some drivers.  I feel frustrated and angry in congested traffic.  Because of my low tolerance with things I tend to become a bad and selfish driver on the road.  I overtake other drivers, follow very close to the vehicle in front of me,  try to prevent anyone from cutting in front of me, and I zip through the lanes.
        I know that I do not like the person I have become when I do these types of foolish behaviors.  I do not enjoy treating others negatively.  Sometimes, I even offend my passengers when they are trying to tell me that what I am doing is wrong.  I know that I did not mean to offend them and so I would then have to say I am sorry for my actions afterwards.

Conclusion:  Hopefully, as I mature I will become more open-minded and be willing to take the advise of others.  I know that many have tried to criticize me on my driving so that I can be corrected.  Many have said some negative things as a way to express their great concern for me and I am okay with it.  It is just that I need to let go of my stubbornness to allow these suggestions take an affect me.
 
 
 
 

SWR#5 (2/19/00):  The Driver?s Threefold Self:  Two Phases.  How Does It Apply to You?  (TEE Card No. 8C2)

Recently, I have not been driving because my car in under repair. However,  if I was to recall the times that I was behind the wheel and relate how my  driving threefold self may have been I could truthfully say that I see myself  in both phases. I've noticed that it in when I feel overwhelmed with things  and feel out of control that I tend to be in phase 1. I tend to be more  affected in my sensorimotor self than compared to the three. I do catch  myself do dangerous maneuvers and unaware of errors. I definitely do not  like being this in phase because I don't want anything bad happening to  me or anyone else. Overall, I could categories myself being in phase 2 and  see myself in all three self. So far, I pretty much have things in the good  side and it affects in that I tend to have better judgement of things and  more aware of things that are around me.

Summary:  I personally feel I am in both phase 1 and 2.   I noticed that it is when I feel overwhelmed with things that I feel out of control and tend to be in phase 1.  My sensorimotor self gets affected more than my affective or cognitive self.   I have seen myself do dangerous maneuvers on the highway and are unaware of them.  However, I think that I am more in phase 2 for most of the time and see myself present in three selves.

        So far, I am in control of things and life has been good to me.  I tend to make better judgement on things, whether it is a challenge or not, I try to be very optimistic and hope for the best.  I prefer to be in phase 2 and tries very hard not to have myself be in phase 1.  I know a lot of people who I would considered to be in phase 1.  It is this people that sometimes influence me to be in the same phase as them.  I know that I should be myself and not fall for the crowd, however, I think that others? influence can be empowering.  Therefore, I join in to be accepted.  In light of all things, I am happy to be unique and not fall for the crowd.  I strongly believe that if I listen to my heart, then good things will eventually happen.
 

Conclusion:  I was not aware of this Driver?s Threefold Self at first.  I did not even know that there was a phase 1 and 2.  Moreover, it is a good thing that there?s two phase and not just one;  there is the negative phase and there is the positive phase.  As drivers, I strongly feel that we should always be aware at what phase we are at in order to help us prevent ourselves as well as others from committing dangerous actions.  For example, if we know that we are feeling competitive against other drivers, which then causes us to be irrational, and which then can lead us to do dangerous maneuvers we could wake ourselves before actually finding ourselves at this point.  If a person is aware that his affective self of phase 1 is being affected, then cognitive and sensorimotor selves can be prevented from happening.  Overall, I hope drivers will try very hard to be always in tune of their feelings and actions.  If we do then probably we could increase to have a better highway for us to be driving in.
 
 
 
 

SWR#6 (02/25/00) :  Strategies For Managing Anger-- How Do They Work For You?  (TEE Card No. 9C2)

definitely find the eight techniques to be very interesting and helpful.  Looking through the list, it seems to me that these are things that we (or I)  place upon me as I go through my daily life. It's interesting how we can  take some of the philosophies in life and relate it to driving. I don't think the  techniques are very knew to anyone, because they are things that we  constantly hear from people suggesting to one another to incorporate in  their lives. Therefore, I personally feel that the strategies are great and  easy to follow and remember. It is not something that we could easily  disregard and forget. However, there are sometimes that we could tend to  totally disregard it and let our emotions take the best out of us IF we don't  take the time to listen our inner voice and say this is not the person that I  am. I believe that each of us have the goodness in us and it is just  disappointing when we hinder this quality. Take for example, I had an  argument with my parents while driving to a party. Because I didn't like  what they were saying I took my anger out by doing a foolish thing. I just  totally let my emotions take over. I suddenly pass more on the gas and  sped through the highway. My parents are now getting nervous and  scared, whereas I just didn't care. I didn't think and take the time to care  that I have just endangered my parents, where we could have been involve  into an accidents. The positive alternative solution to our argument would  have been I slowly count to ten, make funny noise, and use the castanza technique.

Summary:  I personally feel the eight strategies for managing anger on the road are great and easy to follow and remember.  It is not something we could easily disregard and forget.  However, there are times we could tend to totally disregard them and let our emotions get the best out of us if we do not take the time to listen to our inner voice and say this is not the person that I am.  I believe each of us have the goodness within ourselves  and it is just disappointing when we hinder this quality of ours.

Comment:  The people in my responses agreed with me that the strategies for managing our anger may seem like common knowledge and we may tend to forget them when facing stressful situations.  A solution we could use to prevent us from forgetting these strategies is to have a constant reminder and practice it in our daily activities so that we can automatically use them when we become angry.  One suggested to post the eight strategies in our cars and we could refer back to it when we do not feel emotionally intelligent.  This way, we not only remember the strategies but we also become safer drivers.

Conclusion:  I think a feeling of anger and frustration will always be within us, but it can be avoided.  It can be avoided if we stop ourselves from getting to this point.   To do so is to give ourselves a break by distancing ourselves from the problem and with the aide of these strategies.  In addition, I think there will be more and more angry management classes being offer in the next year or so, especially in the work place and in driving classes.
 
 
 
 

SWR#7 (3/03/00) :  Threefold Program--Apply It To One Of Your Driving Habits.  (TEE Card No. 15C2)

I've always though myself as a very good driver. I've obey the law and  tries to be a good driver towards fellow drivers. I didn't think that I had a  problem. However, it is during these days when I am not driving that I have  realize I do a problem. It is just now that I realize I am not that person I  thought I was. I have not been behind the wheel for quite sometime now,  because my car is in the shop. I had been asking others a ride and it was  those times that made me aware of my driving. I feel witnessing how  others drive can have a profound positive effect on a person. Many lessons  can be learned from such an experience. Take my experience for example.  Every morning my oldest brother drives his family and I to town. We  always take the zipper lane and H1 freeway. Usually, we get out of the  house by 6:30 am so that we will be able to make it to town by 7:10.  However, if we are 5 minutes late leaving the house then we will definitely  arrive to town late and I know then that my brother will be weaving through  the traffic. It just scares the hell out of me when my brother do weave  through the traffic because of the way he moves in and out of the lane.  There are times when I think he might hit someone. I know that my brother  knows what he is doing because he works with car everyday and I do trust  him. However, I feel that even though he may be a good and cautious  driver, there will be a time where another drive who is careless and  unaware will eventually hit us. I personally feel, we can never be too careful  on the road. Every time that he does this I fear for my three year old niece.  Thank God nothing bad has happen to us yet while driving. Witnessing my  brother's aggressive driving and my friends' bad driving behavior are things  that made me acknowledge that I am not an excellent or a very, very good  driver. The mistakes they do on the road are things that I myself do on the  road, which I have not been aware before. The negative feelings I gained from riding along with this people are things that had open my eyes about  myself. Usually, I portray myself to be good, therefore, it is hard for me to  accept bad criticism and acknowledge that the things I may think are  correct are actually are not. However, I am now more aware and is in the  process of making some changes in my life these days. Luckily, I was  able to learn this lesson at this time and age and not when I actually in an  accident.

Summary:  I was not behind the wheel for two months, because my car broke down.  I thought I would be glad to not be driving for a while before the event actually occurred.  However, I did miss it and could not wait to be driving again.  The good thing that came out of this was I was able to learn a few lessons about myself.  I learned that I was not the perfect driver I always thought I was.  I realized there are some things I need to improve on.  The experience I got from witnessing my oldest brother and my friends' bad driving behavior made me realized that.  Their behavior reflected my own behavior when I am behind the wheel (e.g. weaving though traffic during rush hour, and over speed).

Comment:  One of the posting I received felt that it is a good thing I was able to realized that I am not the best driver after seeing others drive bad.  Some have suggested that I should help the other drivers see what they are doing and how they could improve, while others have said I should witness another driver that I am comfortable with. Overall, they feel the exercises will help me control my emotions and the more driving styles I witness the better I become.
 

Conclusion:  I know for sure that I want to improve on my driving skills.  I care a lot  for my passengers and I do not want to be labeled as a dangerous or aggressive drivers.  I am thankful for the wonderful suggestions my fellow classmates were able to provide.  I think the suggestions are good and would definitely try it.
 
 
 
 

SWR#8 (3/10/00) :  Scenarios Analysis--Select a News Story on Road Rage and Apply a Scenario Analysis To It.  (TEE Card No. 30C6)

From analyzing the story, I definitely agree with Dr. Driving that there were  many ways that could have prevented the whole ugly scenario. A man  wouldn't be dead and the other one be in the hospital if the chain was  broken. A chain was formed by each negative actions done by both parties  in the sense of a domino affect. It is sad to say that it is only after that we  can say IF ONLY he did/didn't do this that could have prevented the whole  thing.  I'm probably being gender bias here but I feel many cases like this one  usually involves men at both parties. It is rare to find two women fighting  that resulted to a homicide. You men out there will hate me for this... but  what's wrong with you guys. Why can't you guys control you're egos and  not sink to the other person's level of anger. I know that society has  always played a big role in distinguishing how a man should act and feel.  However, shouldn't you "men" try to disprove it by making a change. I think the person who do uses their mind and try to control the situation by not  sinking to the other person's level will be the better man in the end.

Summary:  A man would not be dead and the other one in the hospital if the chain of negative decisions and actions were broken.  The chain was a domino effect that would have been prevented from happening if one of the man was wiser than the other man.  I feel whenever a gun and people are in the same picture something bad will come out of it.  Why is it that there is more killing between men than in women?  I believe society's portrayal of how each gender should act and feel has played a role in this problem.  Throughout history, men has been portrayed as dominating, strong, and have the capability to defend themselves.  In light of all this, I strongly think the person who do uses their head first than their hands in controlling the situation is the better man in the end.

 Comment:  I can not believe there were so many postings I received in return for this posting.  Majority of the people said that one gender is no better than  the other.  Men have their own set of problems, while women have theirs.  The difference is how each gender handles it.  For instance, men are more likely to show their aggression than women.  Another reason why more women do not end up killing each other that I received is that not many women own guns.

 Conclusion:  I think the legalization to owning a guns in some states is one of the worse mistake our leaders of this country have done.  It seems to me that a gun is the primary weapon to use nowadays because people are no longer thinking twice of using them.  However, I am very optimistic that we will be able to live in harmony with one another if we learn to deal with each other by having the emotional intelligence, respect and understanding for one another.
 
 
 
 

SWR#9 (3/17/00) :  Drivers Behaving Badly--Replicate With Your Favorite Show  (TEE Card No. 33C7 & 34C7)

I know that Hollywood is the ruler of negative driving behavior style. As an  adult viewer I am pretty amaze by the things I see on tv/movies. I  sometimes wonder what would it be like going 100 mph, weaving in and  out of traffic, chasing another car, and crashing at the end without getting  hurt. If I was able to imagine that, then just think what could go in a child's  mind. Probably, many imaginations that are unrealistic. Therefore, it is  important that we educated our younger generations and distinguish  between realistic and unrealistic.  I am convince to say that Dr. James was right when he said at the  beginning of this semester that we learn to drive from the time we are  riding along with out parents in our car seat. I've notice that my three and  half year old niece is aware with her surrounding when we are to driving  somewhere. She corrects my older brother in times that he may be in a  bad mood and everything on the road irritates him. She tells him, "don't  yell daddy" (at other drivers) or "daddy don't get angry at mommy." She  knows this because my brother talks to her at times when they are driving.  I think that talking to our young generation have a great impact. And  educating them should start from the time they can walk. I am pretty proud  at my niece, because she disprove my belief that children under five can  not think for themselves what's right and wrong.

Summary:  I think that children learn a huge amount through observation, whether it is indirectly from TV or directly from an immediately family member.  For example,  they learn from our behavior and attitudes that we portray while driving.  Children are constantly picking up things and with all the information they are absorbing how many are actually proper and realistic.  Probably many than we can imagine.  Therefore, it is important that we educate our younger generations on what?s real and right to do.  It does not matter how young or old that may be.  What matter?s it that we do try to educate them.  In parallel to educating them, I strongly feel that we try to assess them on how much they have acquired and learned, and what a better place to do it on than on the road.  We could ask them their feelings about the vehicle we come upon to at a red light and have sped fast as soon it was green not considering the speed limit at a residential area.   I think that as much as we try to correct others we should try also to correct ourselves and make it be aware towards a child that what we have just done is not right.
        I know for sure that children are very quick at learning things.  Take for instance, my niece who is three year old knows that yelling and getting angry while driving is not pleasant.  She tries to remind her parents this  whenever  they are not in agreement with each other.  I am proud of her because she is applying the things we (i.e. her parents and I) are teaching her.  It is good to know that she had been listening and therefore, motivates me to continue educating her.

Conclusion:   I greatly hope that when I do have my own children I will be a good parent and not lose my cool (i.e. I will not get angry and give up) when things may get tough, especially teaching them and they do not pick it up at the first trial.  If the time comes, then I hope I will be able to reflect on this class and be reminded of it, especially with what I am feeling at this moment while doing this report.
 
 
 
 

SWR#10 (3/24/00) :  Anger Control Strategy--How Does It Work For You?  (TEE Card No. 55C2 & 57C2)

This exercise have contribute a lot for me. It have opened new ideas, such  as viewing the highway as community/neighborhood, and have recalled old  ideas that needs improvement, such as why drivers are driving the way  they are. The tee-cards have make me deeply think back to the type of  person I really am. I am happy with most of the things I see within,  however, there are few things that I am not happy about and would like to  improve on.  First, I know that overall I have the patience and understanding when it  comes to dealing with others. I try to understand why they are the way  they are or why they behave/think the way they think. If I can't understand  why they may behave/think that way, then I try asking them to explain and  make me understand, which will be difficult and impossible in driving.  Because, we are on the go and constantly moving on the highway, I can't  ask the other driver to pull over and explain to me. All I can do is to reason  out why the other driver is driving the way he is (i.e.. driver is inexperienced,  have a physical disability, or just had a bad day at work) and assume  that's the reason. I try to give the other driver a break which to me is the  smartest thing to do than to get angry.  Second, I can easily empathize with others. I always carry with me the  philosophy of putting myself in the others person's shoes and hoping that if  ever I am in same situation others will be able to emphasize with me and  help me out. I think that having empathy for other drivers will go a long way  when trying to better understand other drivers.  I like to improve on my way of handling with my anger. I have the tendency  to just yell at a someone who have accuse of something at an instant. I  don't think before I act. I don't consider what may come out of my mouth  and actions that I may do. I just negatively act and not think of the  consequence. Therefore, I'll try to implement the breathing trick and pep  talk. I like the fact tee=card #55C2 suggested that we should think of our  highway as a "moving neighborhood," where the drivers around us are not  enemies and competitors, but are neighbors and fellow citizens like  ourselves. I think this notion portrays a much friendlier and warmer driving  environment to be in. It just changes everything that I have always  thought before.

Summary:  The tee-cards on this SWR have allowed me to recall back to the type of person I really am.  I am happy with most of the things I see within me, however, there are few things that I am not happy about and would like to improve on.  I know I have the patience and understanding when it comes to dealing with others.  I try to understand why they are the way they are or why they behave and think the way they think.  Because we are on the go and constantly moving on the highway, it is hard to question other drivers for their driving style and behavior.  I think the best thing to do is to reason out why the other driver is driving the way he is (e.g. the driver is inexperienced, have a physical ailment, or the driver just have a bad day at work) and assume that is the reason.  Because of this class, I always try now to give the other driver a break , which to me is the smartest thing to do than to get angry and start venting.  Another thing is I am happy about myself is my ability to empathize with others.  I believe that having empathy for others will go a long way when trying to better understand other drivers.

        On the other hand, I would like to improve on the way I try to handle my anger.  I am one of those people who do not think before they act.  I have the tendency to yell at others and not think of the consequence of my action.  Therefore, I am now implementing the breathing trick and pep talk that Dr. Driving have suggested in one of the previous tee-cards.  In addition, I like the idea tee-card #55C2 have suggested in which it says "we should think of our highway as a moving neighborhood where the drivers around us are not our enemies and competitors, but are neighbors and fellow citizens like ourselves."  This idea have made me think that we can make our highway safe and a comfortable driving environment to be at with everyone working together.

Conclusion:  I believe that anything is possible if we put our minds and heart to it.  We could improve our dangerous highways and make it a better place to be for our passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers like us.  It may be a challenge at first and may seem impossible to attain because there are many people out there who are ignorant, pessimistic, and stubborn to make a change.  However, I know we can if we care enough to do so and the very first step is to have an optimistic view and attitude.
 
 

         Overall, I feel a sense of joy that I am part of the first QDC member if the world.  I like the recognition that my classmates and I are the original QDC members.  Nevertheless, I feel some pressure to do well on this report and as well as a person because we set to the tune of future QDC members.  It seems to me that if I do not feel I have not improve on anything then others may not and this could create some problems.  Moreover, I definitely can say that I have improve as a driver and as well as a whole person.  I see the changes in my thoughts, feelings, and actions.  I am constantly being reminded of the discussions we have in class and on-line.  I even catch myself discussions some of the issues brought up in the tee-cards and in class with my brothers and friends.  It amazes me that with a semester participating in the forum discussions many good things came out of it.  I have learn to grow and become a much more caring driver.  I can quite admit that it took some challenge, because I am a very stubborn person.  I do not easily conform with the crowd, therefore, it took a while for me to apply some of the suggestions of others that I received.  Lastly, I am very proud of the person I become.

        From my observation, I personal feel many of my classmates have also change for the better.  I can see that their thoughts, feelings, and actions have change from negative to positive as you would look at their postings in the forum discussions.  I see an emotional intelligence growth as the time passes by and from tee-cards evaluation to the next.  They even have become supportive of their fellow members, which I felt is comforting to know.  It shows that they care and wanted to help.  I think that we all work as a team by pulling for one another.  We brought in our own experiences and feelings on the issues raised in the forum.  I am very proud of them for making a change also.  While many have improve there are a few that did not and so I hope that they will one day.  It is not too late for these people to make a change.
 
 

Conclusion:

        I feel relieve that I was able to finish this report, because it took me quite a while to organize my thoughts.  There were so many things I wanted to say here and there and therefore I needed some time to narrow down on what I really wanted to say.  For all the things I wrote down, it came from my heart and own understand of the situation.   I just hope that others will value what I contributed.  In addition, this report has help me understand QDC.  It has help me put everything (i.e. definition, task involve, and the experience as a QDC member) in perspective as a whole.  I now have a better understanding of QDC and helped me become a better driver.
 
 

Epilogue:

As a requirement for this class, we had to go on-line every week consistently to post our SWR, Reaction, and Opinion Comments for ten weeks.  We were given a topic from the tee-cards list to read and evaluate.  It can be time consuming, especially for the first few exercises because you do not know what is really expected of you.  However, as time passes by things will eventually gets easier.

Some suggestions to take that I recommend are:

1.  start by have a positive attitudes

2.  acquire the motivation to change and improve

3.  be open-minded and have the will to gain from others' knowledge and suggestion towards your posting

4.  it is a good idea to view the tee-cards a day ahead and think about it while taking part in the forum so that by the time you want to post something you will already know what to say and not waste time formulating some ideas.

5.  do not limit yourself with just the things you learn in class, from participating in the forum, and Hawaii, rather expand your horizons by talking to others that are not from here about the same issues and listen to what they had to say.

As a whole class, I think that it would have been much better and beneficial if we able to say what we wanted with no hesitant.  In other words, we should have been given the opportunity to say whatever we had in mind and our grade does not get affected.  I am aware that a few of my classmates feel the same way as I do and wish that we were not limited to our opinions.  In addition, I think that it would have been great if our forum discussions were open to the public.  We could have observe how other countries and different cultures address the issues assigned.  I know for sure there will be many differences (good and bad).  For instance, a friend of mine brought up the issue that road rage in Washington is so bad.  She mentioned that people get kill with a gun while driving and there are many tailgate occurrences.  The problems we have here is small compared to the problems in the mainland, I would say.