It is also important to consider how we are studying people when driving.  Since we are unable to be in the car with them, we have only their reactions and what they were thinking to look at.  Therefore, self-modification techniques are important to practice since your thoughts and feelings can be modified over time.  Basically, traffic psychology is about evaluating your thoughts(cognitive domain), feelings(affective domain), and behaviors(sensorimotor domain).

   Chris Murakami's Definition
             He says that traffic psychology is, "the study of trafficand the effect it has on the driving behavior of all road users." He goes on to say that traffic psychology allows us, "to retrain individuals in re-establishing their rational thoughts amid potential conflicts." It is important to educate ourselves by recognizing the three domains of driving.  Irrational thoughts lead to impulsive behavior which can then bring on negative consequences.

  Shane Cobb Adams Definition
            Shane's definition of traffic psychology is, "a tool which through subjective analysis, functions to increase the quality of people's lives through concise and subjective behavior observance, identification, and modification." It is important to change our perceptions aobut how others drive in order to increase our awareness about ourselves.  This also causes our sensory output to be different.

            I agree with Shane's definition because subjective analysis is very similar to how we participate in our own perceptions.  Increasing the quality of people's lives is an important aspect of traffic psychology.  Many of the self-modification techniques involve focusing on your own driving rather than on other people.  Techniques such as carrying a tape recorder while driving or quality driving circles all focus on perception.

Sandra Scarbrough's Definition
             She did not give a formal definition of traffic psychology but instead discussed negative energy.  According to her, negative energy is a form of impatience and hostility.  Other drivers become involved in our own negative energy that can in turn cause a lack of control of their emotions while driving.
 
            This negative energy leads to aggressive driving instead of driving with care and caution.  This lack of control can be lashed out at other drivers by yelling at them or cutting in front of them.
That is why it is essential to transform this negative energy into positive energy by keeping yourself calm while driving.  By driving in this manner, other drivers may also begin to drive with more care in response.

  Dina Takahashi's Definition
        Dina Takahashi's definition of traffic psychology is the, "process in which various methods are implemented in order to modify driving behavior." He believes that there are three domains that influence our driving behavior.  A realization of a driving disability is necessary in order for the modification process to begin.  If you can get a person to realize that they are driving aggressively and that they are affecting others, than changes can be made.  Most people who drive aggressively are usually angry at someone which can take an emotional toll on them.

My Experiences as a Driver
            Since I started taking this class, I have become more aware of how I drive.  The ego serves as an important factor that affects our personality as a driver when passengers are in the car.  Freud defines the ego as, "the part of the mind that learns to plan and arrange for satisfaction of drives or urges." Some people feel a sense of control over others behind the wheel.  However, this is really emotional immaturity.

            When I drive with passengers, I tend to drive with more care and caution.  I suppose that I'm trying to prove that I am a good driver by attempting to follow all the rules.  It also depends on who I'm driving with in the car.  If  I'm driving with my friends, I tend to drive a certain way and likewise when I am with a family member.

My Experiences as a Passenger
            When I think of frightening experiences as a passenger, one type of driver comes to mind.  This is someone who drives extremely fast and interrogates other drivers.  This person also believes that they drive perfectly fine and dosn't think that anything is wrong.  When faced with this situation, you can either stop riding with the person or hold on for your life.  It is probably not a wise idea to blurt out that the person is acting irresponsibly and immature.  Voicing your feelings is a better solution rather than giving commands.  You may feel angry or scared(affective) and you may wonder why you're riding with them in the first place(cognitive).  Also you can decide on whether or not you want to let the person know exactly what you are experiencing(sensorimotor).

My Experiences as a Pedestrian
            When you are a pedestrian, you must always respect the driver even if you have the right-of-way.  Some drivers just go ahead anyway regardless of who has the right-of-way.  Often times when I cross the street I feel like I shoud hurry because a car is waiting to make a right turn.  It is important to watch carefully because sometimes cars will just turn.  If I do get upset, it is because my life is being threatened.  Usually the person driving does not want to harm me but rather they are in  a hurry.  Since they are in a hurry, driving can be even more aggressive than usual.

Suggestions for Future Generations
            Traffic psychology involves understanding ourselves and others.  It has much to offer such as techniques on how to improve your driving experiences and how to react to aggressive drivers.  By understanding the three domains in ourselves, we can the benefits to others.  When one recognizes how they are driving, modifications can be made that will help everyone in the long-run.

Epilogue
            Traffic psychology involves both psychological and emotional aspects of driving.  Emotional maturity is stressed because some may not realize that they are lacking it.  Driving without regard for others is one way of not having emotional maturity.  By being aware of the three domains, emotional maturity as a driver, passenger, and pedestrian can be obtained.