Portrayals of Driving Behavior on TV:

The Teacher in the Box




Contents:

Introduction: TV Rage

Observations: 10 Random Selections

Analysis and Evaluation: My Psychological View of Each Program

Rating: A Five Point Scale

Writing this Report and How it has Influenced Me: Epilogue




Introduction: TV Rage

You're driving down the highway in the left lane, and soon find yourself behind a car doing 45 mph. What do you do? One could: a)do nothing, b)pass the car without incident, or c)tail the car until it leaves the lane, then give the driver a stare down, or an occasional "finger". For many of us the ideal option would be letter "c". This option, also known as road rage, is becoming an increasing problem in the U.S. Currently, there are about 177 million drivers in the U.S. This increasing number does not help the problem of road rage either. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, between 1990 and 1996, 12,610 drivers were injured and 218 killed as a result of aggressive driving. The majority of the cases involved aggressors between the ages 18 and 26 years old. Hundreds of cases were instigated by drivers between 26 and 50. And a shocking 86 cases involved an aggressor between the ages 50 and 75 years old. 413 cases involved women, in which 285 used car as a weapon. And this was the result of only one study. Imagine of all the incidents that go unaccounted for.

Television can be considered as the most popular type of media in the U.S. Just think of that for awhile. Can you think of a household that doesn't have a television set? Since people are exposed to television everyday, it often influences the way they think. For example, a commercial might prompt one to buy a product. Or, a television show might persuade one to act in a particular way, in that it is portrayed as the "right way", or accepted behavior. This influencing factor is even greater on children. When I was in elementary school, I thought that everything on the television screen portrayed reality. Even if we do not believe what we see on TV to be reality, many of us absorb bad behaviors unconsciously and accept them. When you swore for the first time, did you mean to swear, or was it picked up unintentionally? And this leads us to the television programs and commercials of today. What are we feeding our children with this electronic teacher? Could some of this information influence the way they will drive in the future?

In the last generation of traffic psychology students, Generation 6, reports were produced to display the types of driving behavior that is broadcasted nationwide. I reviewed Jenifer Kaneshiro's, Kathy Subia's, and Kristy Kato's reports to understand the assignment I was about to accomplish. All of these students seemed to have similar results. Each student had no problem finding driving behavior portrayed on TV. As Kristy stated, "I began finding examples one after another." In all of the examples given by these three students, none of the driving behaviors were positive. In some way or another, each student explained that the bad driving behaviors they discovered will have an effect on the people who view those episodes of driving. In completing my objective, I have made ten separate observations of television programs, commercials and movies that are related to automobiles and driving. My observations are categorized in the sequence in which I viewed them.

Observations: 10 Random Selections

1.

In the beginning of this episode, a law enforcement agent drove a high performance vehicle(a Dodge Viper) in pursuit of another formidable performance vehicle(driven by the bad guy), only to lose the chase. In the end a similar pursuit ensues, and the bad guy is apprehended. When the chase takes place, it involves high speeds, fast turns, and it challenges the wits of the drivers. In addition, the cars are usually used in scenes where violence is included.

2.

This car commercial displayed the Mazda MPV, which is considered a mini-van. In the beginning of the commercial, I watched as children loaded onto the MPV, like it was a carnival ride. Near the end of the commercial, I observed as the MPV was involved in a dangerous maneuver; something that can be done by making a sharp turn at high speeds. While this was occurring, I heard a voice inquire about it's car like handling.

3.

This commercial involved various Ford cars; the Escort, the Thunderbird, the Taurus and the Mustang. In the beginning, I observed as race car drivers(with full racing gear), exploit the performance out of each car. As the cars are racing through cones, I heard the drivers boast about the snappy acceleration and handling. In the end, I had a perfect view of all four cars. And above them, it was printed, "California Action Heroes".

4.

This commercial involved a Ford F-series Truck. As the commercial starts, the F-Series truck enters a bull ring. In the background, a Spanish, "bull fight" theme is being played. Instead of a bull, a bulldozer challenges the truck. The truck and the bulldozer collide, each trying to push the other backwards. In the end, the truck, showing it's power, pushes the bulldozer out of the ring and through the wooden border of the arena.

5.

In the middle of the movie, two race car drivers, who are rivals, decide to rent separate cars to reach a destination. They are observed pushing the car to the limit, bumping each other and hitting objects, while on public roads. When they reach their destination, their cars look like they are from a scrap yard. Even worst, this scene is portrayed as a comical relief.

6.

In the beginning of this Nissan commercial, an old country man tells his wife he is going to town to buy a new car. He comes back with a Nissan Ultima. He starts to do doughnuts in the dirt, yelling, "Yeee Haaa!" All of the animals in the barn is startled, and his wife yells, "What has gotten into you?" The old man replies, "I don't know, but I like it."

7.

This Goodyear commercial introduces their new line of tires, the Eagle F1. During commercial, I observed on separate scenes, a Mustang, a Corvette, and a F1 racing car speeding through bends and around corners in wet road conditions. The commercial claims that those high speed tires are optimal in wet conditions.

8.

In this movie, the main character exhibits an abundant amount of bad driving behavior. He is seen swerving on the road, driving with his head out of the window. In another scene, he nails a couple of police officers, as he is chasing the criminals. In addition, there is a gunfight that occurs while people are driving. The main character catches a bullet with his mouth. All of these scenes are used to create comical aspects of the movie.

9.

NASCAR racing can be described as one of America's favorite sport. As I watched the race, I observed cars pass each other and display aggressive driving to get ahead. Speeds of 200mph are reached during the straightaways. It should be noted that the cars used resemble actual cars in production by GM, Ford and Dodge. This type of racing is supposed to promote the cars that they resemble.

10.

During this episode of "Power Rangers", a Power Ranger was talking to a car, chasing it, and confronting it, like it was a toy. The Ranger is injured slightly as he runs into the car, flying over it. Later, the car, with a Ranger driving, takes fast turns, and speeds past two construction workers. The workers fall in wet cement in trying to produce a comical scene. The car is actually a late model Z28 Camaro with props on it.

Analysis and Evaluation: My Psychological View of Each Program

1. The show "Viper", encourages fast and dangerous driving as it is glorified. Since a law enforcement agent is used, it portrays the bad driving behavior as legitimate and acceptable behavior. It shows how driving with these techniques can make you a winner and a hero(being the slower person makes you the loser). Children will be particularly vulnerable to this concept, as they identify themselves with the winning. It is also bad that violence is tied in with driving. This creates a perception that violence and driving should go together.

2. This is commercial that promotes driving as a game. When you see the children loading on the mini van, it seems like they are boarding a carnival ride. Thus children do not see driving as a serious matter. When the MVP slides across the screen, people get the impression that this is the correct way to drive this type of vehicle. They are encouraged to exploit their mini van to feel it's car like handling.

3. This is another case where cars are driven in a hazardous manner to display their characteristics. When people see this, they want to try those techniques, as they look fun. It encourages the desire for They don't take into account that professional drivers are used. Neither do they take into account that these bad driving behaviors are occurring in an isolated area.

4. This commercial makes driving look like a game. When the truck defeats the bulldozer, the perception that I got, was that the truck is invincible. Therefore, people may try to use their vehicle in unrealistic ways. This commercial also encourages challenge between two vehicles. The fact that force was used to push the bulldozer out encourages the use of violence while in a vehicle.

5. This is a very dangerous scene. It depicts driving as fun, competitive and carefree. This scene creates a perception that this type of driving is acceptable in that "professional drivers" are being portrayed. Even though both drivers are bumping into each other and trying to compete with each other, it does not show the consequence of their actions. No one is hurt, and no arrests are made. In this manner, this scene is very attractive to people who want to have fun in their vehicle.

6. This commercial encourages reckless driving by displaying it as fun. When the old man starts to do doughnuts on dirt, I feel like joining him. It promotes bad driving by showing the most conservative and knowledgeable person (elderly) taking part in bad driving behavior. This makes this type of driving widely acceptable by all generations in that the elderly is held with the highest respect. The old man justifies his behavior by saying that he likes it. This promotes people to follow their urges while on the road. And this can lead to people displaying their frustration in the form of aggression.

7. Before I saw this commercial, I hydroplaned on the freeway and hit the middle divider. Therefore, when I viewed this commercial, I was attracted to the high speed maneuverability in wet environments. You absorb the illusion that your car will perform like these cars do, if you use those tires. This commercial encourages you to drive fast and recklessly in wet conditions. This is dangerous, because there appears to be no limit. When in reality, traction is limited by the condition of the road. People might think that they can fly through one inch of rain.

8. When you observe Jim Carrey driving with "no brain", it brings laughter. People watching this movie might attempt to imitate his bad driving behavior to be funny. No punishment results with Carrey's reckless driving. In this way, his awful driving behaviors are made acceptable by the audience. Besides that, these scenes are hilarious, and therefore, people may not take into account the seriousness that these behaviors may have in reality.

9. When one watches NASCAR racing, they usually don't take into account that these drivers are professionals. Also not considered is the fact that these cars are modified for racing. People with the resembling model of the racing cars may be dazzled by the performance and excitement. In this case, people may try to replicate the driving behavior of the NASCAR racers. The racing encourages the need for high speed sensations. This type of racing also justifies aggressive driving and "emotional driving". This is even truer, when you observe the winner being rewarded with glory and money.

10. This show has a high potential for promoting bad driving behavior in children. First of all, Power Rangers are idols for many children around the U.S. When they display an action, it is honored by children and often imitated. In this case, when a Ranger confronts a moving car, it is portrayed as good and brave behavior. This action creates a toy like image for cars. When the Ranger flies over the car, his condition is excellent. In this manner, injury from a car accident is not portrayed with realistic intentions. As the Ranger speeds away in the car children get the impression that they should drive the car in that manner. When the car nearly hits the construction workers, it displays road violence, yet it is comical. Children may fantasize about doing this as it seems like something fun to do.

Rating:

In this section, I will rate each of the bad driving episodes. Each episode will be rated on three factors: 1)the central theme, 2)riskiness, and 3)realism. Riskiness indicates the risk involved if actually imitated. Realism indicates the chance that it will be imitated. The scale for each of the ratings will be based upon 0 through 5. 0 being the most positive, and 5 being the most negative score.

1. Theme:5
Riskiness:3
Realism:5

2. Theme:1
Riskiness:2
Realism:1

3. Theme:2
Riskiness:3
Realism:1

4. Theme:3
Riskiness:5
Realism:1

5. Theme:5
Riskiness:5
Realism:4

6. Theme:3
Riskiness:2
Realism:4

7. Theme:5
Riskiness:5
Realism:5

8. Theme:5
Riskiness:5
Realism:4

9. Theme:3
Riskiness:5
Realism:5

10. Theme:5
Riskiness:5
Realism:5

Writing this Report and How it has Influenced Me: Epilogue

As you can see, bad driving behavior is portrayed frequently on TV. Even though I watch approximately 5 hours of television per week, I had no problem finding these episodes of driving. I believe that these bad behaviors have quite an impact on the behavior of people who view them. Therefore, the impact on the US is tremendous as nearly everyone has a television set. This may be one of the causes for the increasing incidents of road rage.

Modeling is the most evident means in which people react to these bad driving behaviors. They see something, the admire it, and they purposely display it. But this is not the only way in which we absorb bad driving behavior. Bad driving behavior can be absorbed and displayed through our unconscious mind. Since bad driving behavior is often utilized in entertainment and for promoting purposes, we often take it for granted. We view it, and just accept the episode of driving behavior for what it is. It does not affect us directly. But, when we are faced with certain driving situations, we exhibit agressiveness and promote violence. This is not due to factors of human nature, but, it is rather encouraged by what we have learned. And where do we learn this from? You guessed it, from television. In accepting bad driving behavior on TV, it becomes a part of our norm. And latter, when we are on the road, it becomes an acceptable part of our life.

This writing has influenced me in various ways. First of all, it has produced an awareness for television programs and commercials. Even though I watch at least half an hour of television per day, I did not realize that there were so many driving episodes on TV. Even more shocking, I discovered that the majority of them are negative. Instead of accepting these negative episodes of driving, I try to disassociate myself with them. I try very hard in trying to prevent myself from being caught up in the negative commercials or programs (affective).

Secondly, this report has made me more aware of my driving habits. Since I know that previously portrayed negative driving behavior can influence me, I try to catch myself in the act of doing it. Sometimes, when I become upset on the road, I try to analyze what I am doing (cognitive). Then I try to control my behavior (sensorimotor). This type of self-witnessing is helpful in containing my behavior.

I believe that future generations can promote this activity for the online public by offering ratings for TV commercials and programs. This can be a rating system comparable to the TV ratings that were recently produced to depict violence content. First of all, a rating system must be established. The ratings must be standardized, so that every program and commercial can be classified in respect to other programs and commercials. The next step, and the biggest problem would be to view and classify all TV programs and commercials. Lastly, this activity should not promote censorship.

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