Coolboard Discussion G13

This is Part 1

Dr.Driving 12/15/99 02:12PM

What's wrong with venting anger

Anger is probably the most common of human emotions. But aggressive behavior is not an automatic reaction to anger--it's just one of the several available responses we can choose. Since aggressive driving is a major problem today (see my congressional testimony at http://aloha.net/~dyc/testimony.html), it's critical that we train ourselves to mamage traffic emotions. I hope we can sahre information on (a) what are our traffic emotions and, (b) what are you doing about controlling them?

Leon James http://DrDriving.org

Kyle_Cao 01/11/00 11:21AM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

Is there a good product that can help us manage our anger on the spot when we get irritated on the road? I would love to see something like that available to drivers who don't want to vent their anger on other cars but inevitably get upset. I heard that a company has developed a small punching pad for drivers to relieve their driving stress in the car. Now when drivers get mad, they would punch the pad to channel their anger instead of retaliating with other cars. What's your opinion on this?

DrDriving 01/12/00 08:15PM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

It sounds harmless on the surface but when you analyze what's actually going on in the mind while venting it amounts to stress and strengthening a mentality or attitude that is injurious and anti-social. If you wonder about this I suggest you try what I have done for many trips: carry a tape recorder and speak my thoughts out loud throughout the trip. Others have done this and they all got to know themselves as drivers--quite a shock sometimes!

I have more on why it's injurious to vent in this article:
http://aloha.net/~dyc/rr.html

Leon James
DrDriving

Kyle_Cao 01/14/00 06:09AM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

learning new driving behaviour takes some time. Before we can master the aloha mentality, what product is useful to manage our driving behaviour in the meantime?

kseo 01/17/00 1:44 PM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

I think we definately need some kind of outlet for our frustrations. I'm not too sure about a small punching bag though. We need to keep our eyes on the road and stay focused on driving. So I'm not sure what would be a good way, but we need something to relieve our stress.

Blinking 01/18/00 1:02 PM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

the only thing i worry about is that violent manifistations are detrimental in the long run. When you hit things in anger, you are only offering release for your immediate emotions...you may tend to carry these actions out in other frustrating incidents. You are not dealing with problem at the source....what about the guy cutting you off? Does it make you feel like someone is getting the better of you and you have to be the first or the best out there on the road? I think counting to ten and recognizing the fact that there really are good drivers out there is a welcome alternative.

isabel 01/18/00 05:18PM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

(Opinion comment)

I think everyone has stressful emotions like anger and an outlet is usually sought. However, if we can manage our traffic emotions better, anger may become a thing of the past. A punching pad may be a good idea as it can help to monitor our aggressive tendencies. It can remind us that we are getting angry and should calm down a bit. We can gradually learn how to manage our anger by noticing the number of times we use the punching pad and seek to reduce it. Hence, it can be quite effective. In sum, the best solution of all is to learn how to manage our traffic emotions better.

LDwiggins 01/18/00 7:50 PM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

I have heard and read that venting is healthier than supressing. However, when venting involves or takes place during a time when your undivided attention is needed (as in driving) then it becomes dangerous. I have seen people become so angry that what ever is in their hand(s) becomes an extension of themselves and shares in the expression of their anger. I understand that anger is a natural and an instinctual reaction and we are all human. I feel it is wrong to vent anger when driving because of the high probability that it may result in an accident and/or death. We all know our own temperment therefore we should be aware of our emotions while driving and make an effort not let our emotional mind blind our rational mind.

DrDriving 01/19/00 7:31 PM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

Here is an article published in an APA psychology journal showing that venting INCREASES your anger, contrary to popular belief:
http://www.apa.org/journals/psp/psp763367.html

Dr. James

LDwiggins 01/19/00 8:55 PM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

Dr. Driving:

Thank you for dispelling the myth that venting decreases anger. I found the journal article very interesting and enlightening.

Sincerely,

LDwiggins

isabel 01/20/00 1:23 PM

Opinion comment 1

I think everyone has stressful emotions like anger and an outlet is usually sought. However, if we can manage our traffic emotions better, anger may become a thing of the past. A punching pad may be a good idea as it can help to monitor our aggressive tendencies. It can remind us that we are getting angry and should calm down a bit. We can gradually learn how to manage our anger by noticing the number of times we use the punching pad and seek to reduce it. Hence, it can be quite effective. In sum, the best solution of all is to learn how to manage our traffic emotions better.

isabel 01/20/00 1:23 PM

Opinion comment 2

I agree with LDwiggins that it is healthier to vent anger than to suppress it. However, it is especially dangerous to do so on the road while you are driving. LDwiggins explained the reasons very well. I think the best and ultimate solution is not to vent our emotions but to learn how to manage them.

jamesy69 01/25/00 10:33 AM
RE: What's wrong with venting anger

I think that by venting our anger we allow ourselves to develop a habit of releasing our anger physically rather than dealing with it emotionally. This behavior will soon be conditioned and become second nature to us if this physical venting of anger brings us temporary relief. Not only would we be conditioned to release our anger physically on the road, but also at work or school. I think we need to calm ourselves down rationally whether it's counting or thinking happy thoughts rather than acting on impulse and regretting the consequences of our actions.

isabel 01/28/00 12:04 PM

RE: Is air rage like road rage? (OC-3)

The issue of air rage is new to me. I have never thought much about it. I used to travel on planes a lot and I think I am usually a good passenger and I seldom got mad. Is air rage like road rage? Well, I think they are similar in the sense that they both involve aggressive tendencies but I think road rage is more dangerous than air rage because you are the driver and the roads are dangerous if you are not careful.

jamesy69 01/31/00 12:50 PM
RE: Is air rage like road rage? (OC-3)

I think that road rage and air rage have similar characteristics in that both involve the lack of control in situations. When you are driving you may have control over your car but you do not have control over the environment that surrounds you. Same thing when your a passenger on a plane. You may have control over your actions but you cannot control the pilot or the other passengers on board. I think it is this lack of control that gets people irritated and angry. I think people cannot handle that fact that they cannot be in control 100% of the time. When people realize that they cannot do anything to change their circumstances that they are in, frustration rises and is released by the only thing they can do, being angry and hostile.

Guerra 02/01/00 12:16 AM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger RC#3

I just wanted to post this note because I've also heard that using a punching bag can actually be harmful. BTW I talked to an anger management instructor once, never did take his class, but just talked to him. And yes a punching bag is a bad thing. The instructor suggested that we either count to ten, or just take deep breaths.
I think that those two methods, even though they sound stupid, actually do work.

One problem I have with everyone being grouchy about aggressive drivers is this: I have had all of my accidents or gotten all of my tickets while cruising, as in I was not aggravated, trying to race, or being aggressive. I got into my accidents or got my speeding tickets because I was not being attentive to the road. When I used to race or when I get grouchy at people, I feel like I'm a more attentive driver. The reason for this is that I concentrate on driving, concentrate on watching for police officers. When I'm just relaxing I don't watch for cops or watch other cars as much. I tend to just phase so the drive doesn't seem as long. I don't know these are just my thoughts.

What do you guys think?

holma 02/18/00 3:14 PM

RE: What's wrong with venting anger

After reading all you guys' thoughts about what to do with our anger while driving, I reached one conclusion. The best thing would be to change the way we perceive things on the road. If we perceive things differently, we might not react with anger as often as we normally do. You might think it's rude if someone cuts you off for example,but so what? What is the big deal? Maybe there were a good reason for that driver's action? You probably did the same thing to someone else before, with no intention to harm. To try to see things from other perspectives prevent frustration. I don't believe that venting anger in a way that others can notice it, is a good idea. Because those who feel targeted might get hurt and angry too, and they might reply with anger or hostility. That will probably cause the first person even more frustration. All this might lead to an evil circle where everyone tries to hurt each other. Venting anger in a way that others doesn't notice (by punching bags for example) is a better alternative. Still, it is not a good alternative.As we read in the journal article provided by Dr.Driving, venting anger will not decrease anger, it will actually increase it.
I thind that we need to focus on how to not get angry in the first place.

Dr.Driving 12/15/99 2:18 PM

Is air rage like road rage?

Road rage is an angry outburst that clouds one's thinking and leads to aggressive behavior. We hear more and more about air rage happening--see documentation at http://aloha.net/~dyc/airrage.html I believe that road rage and air rage are related. They both involve an angry reaction to our sense of being disregarded or violated by some stranger. I think air rage and road rage and workplace bullying are going to increase unless we promote the value of emotions education.

Leon James http://DrDriving.org

Marissa_ 01/19/00 11:53 AM

RE: Is air rage like road rage?

Road rage and air rage are very similar! More people today are traveling by air, and as the airways become crowded people become stressed. An air raged person may cause people around them to feel uncomfortable. This in turn may be contagious and may cause other people to get stressed.

On my to Hawaii from Los Angeles, an elderly woman besides me was highly stressed and complained a great deal about her seating arrangement. Since I knew a little about air rage I decided to lend an ear to the woman. For two hours I sat and listened patiently as she let out her frustration. I felt that by listening to her it helped to lessen her stress, prevented her from lashing out at the flight attendants, and from aggravating the other passengers around her. I’m not saying that everyone should lend an ear to a person who is aggravated on a plane, but there must be something that can be done to educate passengers about the importance and safety of remaining calm throughout their flight. Perhaps one day there will be in-flight counselors aboard airlines.

holma 02/18/00 3:51 PM
RE: Is air rage like road rage?

I totally agree with Marissa in that air rage is similar to road rage and that it is an increasing problem. Long flights can indeed be very challenging. I frequently fly between Sweden and Hawaii and those flights are extremely exhausting both mentally and physically. Sitting still for so long is not easy! I can understand that some people get frustrated. But it is not right to went one's frustration in a crowded airplane because ,as Marissa said, it might make other people uncomfortable and stressed. It is important for the safety omboard to remain calm during the flight. The idea of having an in-flight counselor aboard is great! Having someone to talk to could be an efficient way to relieve stress. I also think that stress reducing tapes should be provided, to make stressed passengers more relaxed.Even thought I think it is nice to be able to drink a glass of wine to the dinner served omboard, I don't know if it is a good idea to serve alcohol on airplanes. Most incidents described in the article were caused by intoxicated passengers.For the comfort of fellow passengers, maybe some restrictions should be made on the amount of alcohol it is allowed to consume during a flight?

Dr.Driving 12/15/99 4:19 PM
women drivers, men drivers

It's a cultural legend to discuss women drivers in comparison to men and there are gender stereotypes about drivers as there are about other areas of behavior (see some of the research reports here: http://~dyc/gender.html

However, besides the legends and the myths, little is known. Newspapers have recently reported that women drivers are getting more aggressive. I have some new data in from my national road rage survey showing contrasts between women and men drivers of various ages and influenced by type of car they drive--see here: http://aloha.net/~dyc/surveys/survey2/interpretations.html

At any rate, perhaps you'd like to share your experiences with men vs. women drivers (fathers vs. mothers, boy friends vs. girl friends, daughters vs. sons, sisters vs. brothers, husbands vs. wives).

Leon James http://DrDriving.org

nancy_ann 01/02/00 9:56 AM
RE: women drivers, men drivers

Regarding men vs. women drivers, I must say that every time I have ever been tailgated or passed in a big huff, it has been by young men. I know this might sound sexist, but it is what I have observed by my own experience.

kseo 01/18/00 11:35 AM
RE: women drivers, men drivers

I hate to sound sexest also, but a lot ot times I see more women drivers who don't look like they know how to drive. I also see more men drivers speeding than women drivers. Overall, though, I guess there is probably about the same number of "bad" drivers. We just have to drive the best that we can and be aware of "bad" drivers.

ShaunnaM 01/20/00 3:39 PM
RE: women drivers, men drivers

So far, all of the replys to this topic are stereotypical to the opposite sex even though they claim not to be sexist. Men and women drivers do have different driving personalities, but this does not automatically mean it is a bad thing. There are many bad drivers out there, but I believe that you can't pin it down to one sex or the other. Certain tendencies may vary between men and women, for example, women are seen to be more cautious drivers. Lets look at some possible answers to this. One explanation could be because women have children in the car more often then men, and are looking after the well being of the children. In the same situation, one could look at it that, the women, having children in her car, is often distracted by the kids in the back and may drive more poorly. The same can be applied to a man, for different driving stereotypes put on them. I believe that it is the situation, lifestyle, and personality of the person driving that affects other's outlook on how they drive. It just so happens that women tend to have similar lifestyles as other women, as do men with other men (Of course this is not always true - but for the most part...)therefore being some of the reasons for similarities and differences.

ry409 01/25/00 12:16 PM
RE: women drivers, men drivers

I think that's its' difficult to say for sure that there is a distinction that can be gernaeralized to the whole of society when it comes to which sex is the better driver. I can only share my own personal experiences. My mom drives a van, and she hac absolutely no problem drivingin traffic, or freeways, parking in lots or parallel parking on the streets. In fact I would have to say that she is perhaps a more patient driver than I am. She also does something that I'm working on doing which is allowing more time to reach my destination so as not to experience even the slightest form of road rage. My sister on the other hand is an entirely separate story. She has trouble driving her Honda Accord. For her parking next to any car is a nightmare. She just can't seem to judge the safe distance one should be from a parked car in order to park correctly in a stall. So she has to go back and forth until she is finally satisfied with her location. It's a waste to time but I try to wait patiently. I am always reminded why I should drive instead of her. So you see that there are excellent and not so excellent female drivers. There are also excellent and not so excellent male drivers as well. I consider myself to be a driver with fairly accurate driving skills, except for the allowing for enough time thing. My dad on the other had is the craziest driver ever. He doesn't press the accelerator at an even rate. Instead he like to press and depress constantly, especially on the freeway, so that the passengers all need a neck brace by the time we reach out destination. I don't ever get motion sickness in a car but when my dad is driving I get really close to it. In the end I think that it boils down to the individual. Sure there could be trends but I think that trends go one way and then the other from time to time. Basically the difference in driving between men and women comes from a culmination of factors that should be considered before making a statement supporting either side. I think that it's probably best to leave that up to the professionals. As for me, just a warning, look out fot the girl driving her car back in forth in the parking lots. No she's not going out she's parking. So find another space.

holma 02/23/00 10:25 AM
OC: women drivers, men drivers

I don't think that it is fair to draw overall generalizations like; female drivers are bad drivers and male drivers are good drivers. There are many examples of female drivers that are way better drivers than males. But there are statistics that show some characteristics that are more prevalent in one or the other gender group. Females show more compassion than men when driving and men are generally more agressive drivers. On the other hand, I think that men feel more confident and secure as drivers. I think a lot of female drivers are more insecure and belive that they are bad drivers, even thought it might not be true. I have noticed this among many of my friends, it is often assumed that the guys are the better drivers. Guys also like to tease girls that they don't know how to drive. I believe that this difference in confidence is caused by the generalized difference in personality between males and females. In our society, men are supposed to be tougher and females are supposed to be be more timid. Luckily this is about to change! It used to be more common that the father in the family drove the car, I don't know how it was in the US but that used to be the case in Sweden, but I've noticed more and more mothers and wifes on the road these days.That is good, because the more we drive, the better we get! Maybe a more compassionate and careful "mom-driver" is a better role model for small "to-be-driver" daughters and sons", than an agressive and fast-driving dad.

Dr.Driving 12/15/99 4:24 PM
Scared to drive

What would you advise young people who are afraid to drive? Here is the story of one such person.

++++++++begin

From n@worldnet.att.net Tue Nov 24 17:59:35 1998 Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 15:07:12 -1000 From: NY<ny@worldnet.att.net> To: dyc@aloha.net Subject: road test

aloha Dr. Driving,

I am a college student, who has taken the Honolulu D.M.V. permit test many times. Is there some solution to WHY AM I SO CHICKEN TO TAKE THE ROAD TEST. I know that my parents will not be here forever and I do need to learn how to drive. I am the one who needs to ask for rides when we go out somewhere. I depend on the bus alot during the day.

There are days when I want to take the Road Test, then I freeze. I have been putting off of taking the test so many times, maybe I am just not driving material. I don't have the WANT TO DRIVE then sometimes I DO. Call me weird??!!!! My dad says do take the road test when you are READY... I have a car, I pay insurance on it-everything but, I would like some one to guide me and do everything for me. I know that I am asking for the WORLD. I guess I need to get my act together and I am just afraid of too many cars on the road. Maybe I need practice or something...I don't know WHY I AM SUCH A LOSE WHEN IT COMES TO DRIVING. I even thought of going to the neighbor island to take the road test...hardly any people there...LOL but, nah-- too much hassle. When I was learning to drive at 5 am. It was cool- no cars on the ROAD. but, as soon as 6:30 am came around...I just got so nervous. I feel like I am going to slow or in their way on the road. I just need to stop and get out of their way so that the other cars can pass me by.

do you think I'm nuts or something....I do want my license but, I AM CHICKEN TO TAKE THE ROAD Please help DrDriving!

+++++++++end

What is your diagnosis and your prescription? I'd like to hear your advice as I get such notes from time to time.

Leon James http://DrDriving.org

nancy_ann 01/02/00 10:05 AM
RE: Scared to drive

Practice, practice, practice! The more you drive, the more comfortable you will feel (at least with the mechanics of it!) :)

I practiced for several days in advance of my driving test, around the area where it was going to be. I got a 98 on my test, thanks to my husband who helped me get it right.

As for others' behavior on the road, it makes me more scared to drive every day. Just yesterday on an errand I had two people cut me off, one following too close, and a pedestrian wandering in the middle of the road in front of my car. It terrifies me.

I think I suffer from Road Fright, not Road Rage.

blinking 01/18/00 12:46 PM
RE: Scared to drive

i agree, practing driving is a very good way to become familiar. once we engrain the good techniques for driving, we will have them for a very log time, and the best way for storing something into our long term memory is to practice it. I also think that visiting a site for the first time causes us to become distracted by too many things (1.e. looking for the right stree, worrying about holding up traffic, etc). by familiarizing ourselves with the location we need to go to and the route, we can eliminate some of these feelings and distractions.

LDwiggins 01/18/00 8:20 PM
RE: Scared to drive

It is very natural to be scared to drive especially when it is something new. I moved to Hawai'i 10 years ago (coming from Guam) and it was a whole new experience to go from driving on one main road to driving on a freeway! When I first started driving I equated it to freedom, however, with this as with any other privilege comes responsibility. This in addition to being surrounded my other more experienced and sometimes impatient drivers can understandly explain why some people are scared to drive. Maybe to be rid of the fear you could ride along with a person whom you feel safe with and then once you feel more confident switch places with this person. Practice driving in less traveled areas slowly progressing to driving on the freeway during "slow" hour (compared to "rush" hour). We all know our comfort level so pace yourself. Good luck and safe driving!

ABumanglag 01/23/00 11:54 PM
RE: Scared to drive

It's okay to be afraid of driving. Like any new endeavor, it takes a while to get used to it. Think of it like swimming - granted there are some risks involved, but after some practice, it would start to become natural --like an automatic reaction. You just have to start at an easy level before you can expect to move on to more challenging things. Maybe start by practicing during hours when there is very little traffic, somewhere between 10 am & 12 pm - clearly when everyone is at work or school. Night time is usually not a good time to practice driving because that's when drivers have a tendency to speed - that in itself can be very intimidating. Anyway, once you start to get comfortable with regular traffic, move on to driving during busier conditions. Before you know it, you'll be driving without even thinking about it - it'll be like second nature.
Also, I think that maybe you're not really afraid of driving in itself, but rather more afraid of failing the road test. You were thinking about taking the test at a neighbor island, which indicates that you probably have some confidence in your driving abilities. My advice is to see what you feel. No one HAS to drive - it's all a matter of personal choice.

holma 02/23/00 11:02 AM
OC: Scared to drive

I totally agree with the others that practice is the key to overcome fear of driving! I too, used to be scared of driving when I first came here, because I come from a smaller place where driving is really easy, (except for difficult weather conditions). Driving on highways with several lanes and driving in heavy traffic seemed really scary to me.I don't know exactly what I was scared of; maybe I was afraid of doing a mistake and get into an accident or being honked at by angry, more experienced drivers.I just decided to face my fears and start on a small scale; I drove on smaller roads in my own neighborhood with little traffic. When I started to feel more confident, I increased the level of difficulty. After a while I got used to it, started enjoying it and now I can even drive in rush traffic in central LA without problems! I still think that it is a lot harder to drive in unfamiliar places where I have to concentrate on driving, following directions, and looking for signs at the same time. But that too, gets easier with practice and I must say that driving automatic is so much easier that driving with stick shift, which is the norm in Sweden!

Dr.Driving 12/17/99 1:28 PM
Truckers have a bad image--Why?

I received this letter:

"Dear DrDriving: What can truckers do in response to the negative image they have in many people’s minds?"

Trucking brings daily food and commodities. We love that. And yet, truckers have an image problem. People often resent sharing the road with large trucks. Truckers feel their needs are misunderstood and they're conscious of an image problem. DrDriving wants to help improve relations between 4-wheelers and 18-wheelers. Please convey your ideas about what's wrong and how we fix it!

Visit DrDriving's Trucking Safety Site at http://DrivingConnected.com

Leon James Visit http://DrDriving.org

ShaunnaM 01/20/00 3:49 PM
RE: Truckers have a bad image--Why?

Whenever I saw truckdrivers on the road, I would never stop to think that they are responsible for transporting goods that consumers use and need. When I see it in that light I have more respect for their image. I believe that most people would agree, that if it is brought to other drivers' attention, then mabey they could be seen differentlt. I think that most people on the road are intimidated by these massive trucks that could easily knock any little car off the road without even a thought, I know I am, I get nervous every time one drives by, and I try to stay far away. It is like there might be a barrier between truck drivers and regular commuters. Their reasons for being on the road entirely different, so they think of each other in different ways, mostly negative, which is why there is sometimes problems on the road. I'm not sure how to change it, but I think if more people were educated or even informend about what it is they are actually doing and go through, there may be some more understanding.

holma 02/23/00 11:23 AM
OC: Truckers have a bad image--Why?

I agree with Shaunna that people need to be informed, reminded and educated about how to help truckdrivers out. It is scary sometimes when their huge trucks are around, and sometimes they are annoying since it feels like they are in the way, but we need to keep in mind that they fulfilling an important task and that their job is not easy. I am truly impressed by the skill many truckdrivers show in maneuvering their long and heavy trucks and I think most people should be.One suggestion is that all truckdriving companies go together and start sending informative commercials of how we can make it easier for them. I am pretty sure there are many things that cardrivers do that is annoying and dangerous to truckdrivers.People also need to be reminded that these trucks are on the road to transport things that we all need.

shanen 01/23/00 3:43 PM
OC {RE: Truckers have a bad image--Why?}

It may be because we see some of them use their big machines as what we would call irresponsibe. Or it may be that us 4 wheelers don't unserstand that their machines are dificult to maneuver and want to travel in a constant, stopping or moving for no one. i see them on the roads of Hawaii and think, "that's got to be hard to drive!" i don't think that I have a negative image of the one's here, but I constantly am reminded of their reputations on the mainland by movies about rough truckers. Anyone remember the Stallone movie, "Over the Top"?

CH1 01/23/00 11:44 PM
RE:(OC) Truckers have a bad image--Why?

I have never personally had anything against truckers, however, I can think of some possible reasons why people may categorize them in a negative way. A portion of the blame must be given to the media for their often less than positive portrayal of the kinds of people who drive trucks. Although is is hard to say whether these stereotypes were originated by the media, it seems as though they have done their fair share of perpetuating them. As another respondent had mentioned, the stereotypical idea of the make-up of a truck driver is like those portrayed in movies like "Over the Top." So the image that some people have of truckers seems to be created, and not something inherent. Another part of the problem is just plain ignorance. I'm sure those people who have a bad image of truckers would quickly change their minds if given the opportunity to meet and interact with some of them. But because of the limited (if any)exposure that they have to base their opinions on, what's left to mold their views? Bad movies like "Over the Top."
I definitely think that exposing the lives of some of the truckers, perhaps through commercials or through documentary, could help eliminate the bad feelings that people have. In a similar way, many mainlanders used to (or probably continue to) assume that residents of Hawai'i live in grass shacks and eat cocconuts all day. While this image is totally inaccurate, it continues to be perpetuated because of ignorance.

Dr.Driving 12/21/99 8:02 PM
Want to lead a Quality Driving Circle?

Please check out what QDC groups are at this location:

http://QualityDriving.com

Please come back here and post your reactions. This is a historical decision for the future: WILL YOU BE THE FIRST QDC IN THE WORLD??

The time is coming when every driver will have to be in a QDC in order to keep the license!!

Leon James
DrDriving

Dr.Driving 01/11/00 10:05 AM
G13 Hawaii QDC

Welcome to the G13 Hawaii QDC! Visitors who want to participate in this QDC online may do so. Please e-mail DrDriving@aloha.net and start participating!

The instructions for this discussion thread can be found here:

www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy13/forumdiscussions.html

kseo 01/16/00 6:50 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

While reading the TEE cards, I found myself getting angry at some of the topics. Meaning, I often get angry when there seems to be "idiot" drivers around me. I'm not the type to yell or act aggressive towards them, but I do get frustrated and start to wonder how some of them got their driving license. I also found out that I sometimes do other things that I shouldn't do. During the exercises I also realized how many good drivers there are (along with the bad). Usually I notice a lot of bad drivers, but I also started to notice how many good drivers there are. I guess all we can do is drive the best way we can and hope that others will do the same.

jojo79 01/18/00 6:48 PM
Reaction Comment (RC)

Hey kseo!!!
I do agree with you. I too, often find myself getting upset at "bad" drivers and I'll say some obscene words, not so that the driver can hear me but to just let off some tension. I must admit I have been getting a lot better at not swearing, but I still can get a bit flustered. I noticed that one thing helps me with my frustation, that is to have a friend with me. For some reason, I don't get upset as much when I have someone with me, perhaps it's because I am responsible for another person's life, someone who I know, thus I realize that it is not worth getting upset over.
Plus I can't ruin my "cool image" that person has of me... hahaha =) I'm only joking.

Marissa_ 01/18/00 10:56 PM
Be Cool. Don't Drive Like a Fool. (OC)

Ahh, no driver is perfect. It’s nice to hear that there are drivers like me who are still learning to become better drivers. Having a friend does help alleviate frustration. I’m glad you mentioned that. We must not lose our “cool” in front of our passengers. Let’s keep the road a safer place!

Marissa_ 01/18/00 10:47 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC (RC)

Yes, there may be “idiot” drivers driving around, but the best thing to do is not to let it get in the way of your driving. Let it go. Don’t throw them a stone. As frustrating as it may be we must think happy thoughts. The driver may not have known they did such a thing to make you get upset. Perhaps it was the first time it happened and it was an accident.

melo1 01/23/00 4:13 PM
G13: OC #1 RE: G13 Hawaii QDC (RC)

I agree with trying to keep your cool when another driver frustrates you. But sometimes it is just so hard to disregard their "stupidity" which can be a cause of accidents. The roads are not the bumper car rides at carnivals. The object of driving is to get to your destination safely.

shizue 01/20/00 8:34 PM
RE: RC G13 Hawaii QDC

Just like you, I also noticed that I tend to focus on all of the "bad" drivers out there. In actuality, there really are so many more good drivers. It helped me to control my road rage by focusing on all of the good aspects of driving instead of all the negative ones. I guess that goes for anything in life. We can either focus on the positive or the negative and depending on which we choose, our reactions and consequences will differ. I used to find myself constantly getting frustrated on the road and by the time I reached my destination, I was usually so enraged already! Now, after this exercise, I've actually calmed down a bit and I have less stress and anxiety when I'm driving.

ShaunnaM 01/26/00 12:07 PM
RE: RC G13 Hawaii QDC

It's true that most people only focus on the bad and never the good, I noticed it in myself after I read the posting , I didn't really even pay attention to any other drivers AT ALL unless they did something wrong or were driving wrecklessly. But even though we notice other bad drivers, what can we do about it? - Nothing. The only thing that we can do is be aware to stay away from them, let them drive wrecklessly and ruin their own car, but when people try to but in and intervene, that's when accidents are caused, or even acts of road rage. I have seen it before, on the highway, other drivers try to stop speeding cars weaving in and out by blocking or slowing down, only to become the victims of a crash. It's better to stay out of the way.

amin 01/24/00 4:03 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

There really are sane drivers out there, who don't want to play the dangerous game, as well as admit that sometimes they do things they really shouldn't. It's so easy to talk about driving intelligence, but when it comes down to someone endangering my life, I would get pretty ticked off too, and call them worse things than idiots..
In fact, if someone is in the car with me I often begin ranting to them how come the other driver cannot do this or that. It's always good when the person is calm and makes sure I calm down and forget about it, as long as people are safe as of now.
Laters.

jojo79 01/18/00 6:49 PM
SWR-1: Tee cards 42c2 & 44c2

WOW!! That's all I can say. It kind of surprised me how much people blame other people's "idiot" driving. I wouldn't doubt that people call me an idoit on the road, because I too, do the same. At times I'm not aware that everyone drives differently, some more cautious than others. It hits me when I get annoyed at a driver ahead of me (because he/she is driving really slow) and when I pass the driver, I realize it is an older person taking their time, the first thing that comes to my mind is "they shouldn't let people that old drive". What I realize later after thinking about it, is that they were obeying the speed limit, because they don't want to take unnecessary risks, then do I feel really stupid. I have to say that I'm not the best driver, but I have come a long way. I realize that getting upset isn't going to solve the problem or get me out of the traffic that I'm in, but sometimes (not as much as before) my emotions do get the best of me.

ry409 01/21/00 7:18 PM
RE: SWR-1: Tee cards 42c2 & 44c2(RC)

Yes I know exactly what you're saying. When my sister and I are driving in the car, and she's the driver her personality changes. She would never think to swear or get as angry as she does when somebody in front of us is driving, what she considers too slow. I often need to remind her that they are driving the speed limit, and that it's her that is driving too fast. As she speeds around them and she peers into the car more often then not it's a older person. Then she proceeds to tell me why "old" people should have their licenses taken away because they can't drive. Funny how when one looks at the statistics of driving accidents is the younger 20's to 30's that are in most of the major accidents not a mojority of retired elderly. That's not to say that I don't get angry myself when I'm behind what I would consider to be a slow car, I do. But I'm learning to prevent this I have to afford myself a little extra time to get to where it is I'm going. I tend to underestimate the time it takes to get to places and think that I can make it up on the freeway. I realize that it's a horrible way to think about it but I am trying to fix the problem by getting at the source of it. I have to start off by leaving earlier.

makana 01/26/00 2:07 PM
RE: SWR-1: (RC)

I can relate to the author of this SWR because I have had many of the same experiences and do act in the same manner while I am on the road at times. When I am in a rush I do get irritated with slow drivers in front of me but am getting much better at being patient with others. As far as the psychological aspects, I feel that it can bve cosidered a norm for younger drivers like myself to behave in this manner but as we get older you can see that people have an easier time being patient and relaxed on the road. I feel that many people can learn to be more patient and couteous to each other on the road by putting themselves in a better mood, I do it by listening to a cd that I really like and singing along, also by talking to the person in the car with you to keep your mind off of the traffic. These and many other things are way's that can help us all become more patient on the roadand more courteous to other drivers.

blinking 01/18/00 12:34 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

the artciles were very interesting and at the same time very true. I have noticed a growing popular trend in the way people think about driving, and that trend seems to revolve around the simple thought, "not my fault". it always screamed at an accident, and it seems to always be heard on someone's tongue, while doing something wrong. If we just take the time to relate to another's situation, maybe we can tap more into our own God-given stores of compasion and refrain from comments like "idiot drivers" or from using colorful metaphors to describe other drivers. I try to keep an open mind while driving and not to take things personally....because the other driver is not out to get me personally.

Hatsumi 01/19/00 7:37 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

Well, it's all fine and good to be understanding and I basically agree with the idea that we shouldn't call people idiots. However, there are times that I think we should be allowed to be upset. I'll give an example of something that happened to me not too long ago. I was driving on a road with a speed limit of 25mph. I was going about 20mph. A cross street with a stop sign was coming up. As I approached it (and I was planning on continuing through, not turning), I noticed that a man was driving toward the stop sign and not slowing down at all. I had a choice to slam on the brakes (which would have ended up causing an accident) or speeding up. So, I sped up. The man nearing the stop sign had to slow down. What did he do after that? Turned and got up next to my car and started calling me names like "f**king b*tch and c**t." He told me that I should be considerate and let him do whatever he wants on the road. It took just about all my self control to keep my mouth shut. I was angry and I wasn't about to just be understanding and all that. I did keep myself from speaking, however, and therefore I kept myself out of trouble. However, I think that I had a right to be upset. I'm not saying that we should yell at people or anything like that. I just think that your average person cannot be a saint. I honestly hope my rant doesn't upset anyone too much, but I want to retain my right to my feelings. This doesn't mean that I want them to affect the way I drive, though. After this incident, I pulled off into a driveway of a grocery store or something and cried my eyes out. I felt better and went home. And I didn't endanger anyone.

shizue 01/20/00 8:41 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC (OC)

In this situation, I do believe that you had a right to feel both violated and upset. I'm just so happy to hear that you didn't take that anger and displace it on someone else that was driving on the road. It was great that you took the time to pull over and calm down and let out all of your emotions before heading back out onto the road. If everyone could be like you and make sure their emotions are in check before driving, I believe there would be a lot less incidents of road rage. Speaking from personal experience, if I've had a bad day at work or at home or in my personal relationships, I also tend to be more angry when I'm on the road. I needed to learn to not bring out these emotions about other things in my life onto the road because I could be making the road more dangerous than it already is; and I would hate to endanger the life of someone else!

makana 01/26/00 2:19 PM
(OC) G13 #1

Being able to calm yourself while on the road and after another driver has angered you is a very difficult thing to do. I know that I can rarely do this and my anger is usually still with me after I get to my destination, having a lasting negative effect on the rest of my day. I think that when someone is with you in the car it is easier for you to calm down because they usually aren't as upset as you are. However, taking a deep breath even pulling over to scream and let out anger definately help to relax you so that that stupid event that happened on the road doesn't ruin the rest of your day.

blinking 01/18/00 12:35 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

isabel 01/20/00 1:10 PM
SWR 1: TEE card 38C2

As a pedestrain, I have seldom met bad drivers on the road. I usually
look carefully before I cross the streets. At the traffic lights, I often try to hurry up and cross the streets because I feel that some drivers are impatient. You feel tensed sometimes, not knowing if the driver will get impatient while waiting and may even start honking. This makes me walk faster to cross roads. I seldom look to see who the driver in the car is so sometimes I wonder who the person is and what they are thinking. I just concentrate on getting across the street. I often look at the lights to make sure it is green, even while I am crossing the road. If it is blinking, I walk faster. I usually feel safe crossing at the traffic lights because I know that the drivers will wait for me. I feel safe as a pedestrain generally and seldom get angry at drivers.

ABumanglag 01/23/00 11:35 PM
RE: SWR 1: TEE card 38C2

The subject of pedestrians is an interesting one indeed. Ideally (as we are taught during our driving exams), pedestrians always have the right of way. However, I think that after some time of being on the road, some drivers tend to forget or overlook that. That's why, I slightly disagree with you regarding crossing streets. I feel that being a pedestrian is more dangerous than being in a car because, not all drivers yield for pedestrians. Sometimes, being pedestrians, we may feel a false sense of security because we are walking in a crosswalk, or perhaps because the light is green. However, there is always a chance that some careless driver may not realize this and fail to stop. I think this is how most pedestrian accidents occur. Both parties are expecting the other one to stop and yield. Sadly, there are times when neither parties yield and the end result is an accident. Ideally, the crosswalk is supposed to keep pedestrians safe by giving them right of way. However, it does not provide complete protection. I think all drivers should somehow be reminded, maybe even brainwashed to look out for pedestrians on the road. However, there are times when even the most cautious driver might fail to see a pedestrian. Therefore, pedestrians have to also do their part and be aware of their environment to spot any careless drivers and prevent accidents.

ShaunnaM 01/26/00 11:59 AM
RE: SWR 1: TEE card 38C2

I agree with this person, that generally, cars are good to pedestrians -- as long as you stick to the rules of the road. I find it easier to walk around in a city so most of the time I am a pedstrian. If I pay attention to the lights, go when they tell me to and keep in my own "territory" I never have a problem. Pedestrians have the right of way -ALWAYS- and I think mostly all drivers know that. I know in my opinion as a driver, I have gotten mad at a pedestrian that runs across the road at the last second, or a really slow person that makes me wait, but it's not like I would ever run them over to punish them. I just get irritated for a couple seconds and then forget it as soon as I start moving.

Marissa_ 01/18/00 10:29 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

It’s easy to blame someone while driving if I see something that’s out of the norm. I do keep in mind that it may not necessarily be their fault. In order to avoid making a situation stressful, I have learned to try to change the way I think. If I am able to keep a clear head as a driver I will be more apt to look ahead and avoid any obstacles. As a driver I have never rolled down my window to yell angrily at someone, although I must admit, I mutter under my breath at times. I must try to change that so that my passengers cannot hear me. I do not wish to have them learn bad driving habits or to feel uncomfortable.

I do not drive power hungry. As far as being in heavy traffic in the far left hand lane and wishing to switch to the right lane so I can make a right turn at the next intersection, I try to plan ahead at all times. I know that there may not be an opportunity to cut into the lane the closer to the exit I get.

amin 01/24/00 4:08 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC OC

I think that Marissa is right when she says that she changed her thinking. It's a bad habit to think me first. I hope I can change my thinking too by simply obeying the rules, which I don't always do.
Like stopping completely at a stop sign, because I might scare people.
Or signaling before I switch lanes, otherwise someone else who signaled in before me might have gotten there at the same time.
Thanks Marissa.

Hatsumi 01/19/00 7:23 PM
TEE Exercise 1

I'm not sure what to make of the whole "idiot" thing. I try very hard not to label people or jump to conclusions. I also try not to make value judgments. I have definitely been known to drive like an idiot, though. That's why I've made rules for myself about driving. When I was a teenager, I used to love to get in my car and drive when I was really upset about something that generally had nothing to do with driving. I drove like an idiot. So, if I'm upset, I take a walk. I also try to avoid talking on my phone. I also have a rule about singing. I sing, so I get a lot of oxygen, and am therefore a bit more relaxed. I don't get nearly as mad when someone cuts me off if I'm singing. I'm not perfect and I don't expect others to be perfect, either. I get angry. So, I mutter under my breath and sing louder. People look at me real weird sometimes. :-) After taking that survey, it said that I'm in the medium risk category. I can live with that. I've never yelled at anyone on the road or made obscene hand gestures. I rant when I get to my destination. I do this for two reasons. The first is that if I don't let it out somehow, it will eat me up inside. The second is that since I'm at my destination, I'm not driving anymore so I'm not going to endanger anyone on the road. That accident on the freeway with the wrong way driver that started out as a road rage thing certainly makes me happy that I don't feel compelled to yell at people. I hope that makes people more aware of the dangers of road rage. Well, I think that's enough.

ry409 01/21/00 7:29 PM
RE: TEE Exercise 1(OC1)

I will admit too that I have driven like an "idiot" more times than is good for any one person. I mean some times emotions get the best of even the most controlled person. Emotional stress and driving can make for a deadly combination. I definately look back at all the the idiotic things I've doen while driving a car and thank god that I wasn't hurt or hurt anybody else. I think that your singing idea is a good one. In fat I often practice it myself. I just got this new CD player in my car and now I can listen to my favorite music. I love to sing in the car and I know that I probably get some funny looks as well but it's hard to develope road rage when singing or just listening to your favorite song. Don't get me wrong, I would never get to caught up in the music that I would lose my concentration and start driving irratically. The volume of my radio is never so loud as to cause that or cause me to be unable to hear an emergency vehicle siren. It's on only to help me relax and be more patient of other drivers. after all if you are having a little fun in the car you are not in such a hurry to get out of it.

melo1 01/28/00 9:58 AM
G13 RC #2 RE: TEE Exercise 1

I agree with the notion of singing in the car. I get hot headed at times on the road, but when I hear something good on the radio, then I forget all about it. I know people are giving me that "look at the girl...she's weird" face but believe it or not, almost everyone does it. They are just afraid to admit it. But if listening to good music can control my temper and keep me away from bumping into another frustrated driver, then it's worth all that look.

Hatsumi 01/19/00 7:46 PM
OC Week1

It seems to me that a lot of these discussions are about and are going to be about how we feel when we drive and how we bring our current stresses behind the wheel when we get into our cars. There is something that I think about, though, because my boyfriend does this. He's a conscientious driver and doesn't incite road rage. However, he hates being stuck behind slow Hawaii drivers (he's from the mainland) and he often complains that people don't know how to drive. Okay, fine. I can deal with his complaining. Here's what's annoying as all get out. Something as minor as getting stuck in traffic or getting cut off on the freeway can put him into a bad mood, in which he sulks and mopes. He doesn't talk to me and when I ask what's wrong (as if I don't already know), he just says, "Nothing." I don't know what to make of that. It's just driving. And he doesn't spend that much time behind the wheel since he lives and works in close proximity. So, in any case, I think it's important to notice how what happens on the road affects us when we're NOT in our cars.

faylogna 01/20/00 10:43 AM
RE: 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.

Hatsumi 01/24/00 9:51 AM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

I haven't gotten the impression that most of us on the forum think that drivers are idiots. The only reason why we're even using that word is because it's in the TEE card thing. Being in a hurry is definitely a possibility, but as you pointed out, that can be dangerous. Your idea of alotting extra time to get places is a good one. I also think that drivers can definitely not notice things around them or make mistakes, though, which I think is something that you mentioned in your post. The more we realize our own attentiveness or inattentiveness, as the case may be, the better equipped we'll be at safe driving. :-)

isabel 03/21/00 6:45 PM
(RC #1) On Road Rage

The issue of road rage is quite popular nowadays. I suppose many drivers tend to get angry easily with other drivers. Although anger is a natural human emotion, we should be more careful and alert about these negative emotions and not let them get to us especially on the road as it can be dangerous. One way of doing that is to place safety as our priority. Safety should take precedence over whatever things that may happen on the road. We should also try to keep our emotions under control when we try to get mad or something. Usually, drivers don't realize that their emotions are getting to them until it is too late. This is usually the cause of many traffic accidents and problems. I believe it is stressful driving on the road. However, if we can learn to understand the source of our stress and also manage our emotions better, driving does not have to be all that stressful. In addition, drivers must always remember that safety comes first on the road no matter what happens.

tanthony 01/20/00 3:11 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC/SWR 1

I believe that driving during rush hour has the potential to be one of the most stressful and frustrating situations in life. I think that it can be both physically and psychologically draining. While I sit in traffic, I can visualize the times when I have driven freely through the traffic light which I find myself now having sat through for the fourth time. I wonder to myself,why traffic has become so bad? Was there an accident? If so I hope nobody was hurt. Are there just too many cars on the road? If that is the case, why didn't city planners foresee the types of roads we would need to sustain the amount of drivers here? I think about how I would love to be home or how we should go back to using horses for transportation. If I allow times like these to get to me, I can definitely feel a psychological strain. On the physical side, my leg gets tired of hitting the brake. My eyes and neck also tire from looking to see if somebody is trying to merge into my lane and checking my rearview mirror to see if the person in back of me will stop in time not to hit me (this is a worry experienced by someone who has been rear-ended 8 times while riding in or driving a car). I think that with strain and fatigue we become more vulnerable to losing control of our emotions. I have found it logical to try and blame someone, anyone, for the difficulties I have experienced while driving. I have felt anger and frustration and at one point after my radio had been stolen and my air conditioner had broken and I sat in a silent and hot car in bumper to bumper traffic, I decided that if there was a Hell, this is what it would be like. I am not a confrontational person though, so I would never openly express animosity towards another driver. Because I contained all of my feelings, I was the only one who suffered from them. I'm am not sure through what process it happened, but one day I decided that I should not have to suffer. I decided to become as much of a relaxed and giving driver as I could be. When I feel stress and anger starting to wash over me, I smile, sing, and dance a little more in my seat. I tell myself that getting worked up will not get me where I am going any faster. When traffic is bumper to bumper, I allow a large gap to open up infront of me, this gives people a chance to change lanes without my having to worry about them. I also feel good about hopefully having made someone's life a little bit easier, since they didn't have to fight their way into the lane. The large space also allows for easy braking on my part if the people in front of me slow down. I can't say that I never feel frustration on the road, but realizing that in every car there is another person a lot like me and through practicing what I explained above, my driving experiences have become much more pleasant. I just hope that other drivers will try and make driving a more pleasant experience for themselves and others.

shizue 01/20/00 8:57 PM
G13 Hawaii QDC (SWR-1)

I'm not too keen about the word "idiot" being used so much on this topic. I found that even when I was getting "angry" on the road I didn't tend to think of the other person as an idiot, or stupid. In fact, I found myself thinking up logical reasons for why that person did what they did. For example, they were driving slow because it was their first time in that area and they might be lost, or they were elderly and therefore their reaction time is a lot slower and they need to be more cautious. Also, the common assumption I made was that the person was in an extreme rush to get somewhere and therefore was thinking more about getting to their destination rather than their driving habits. Before this exercise, I was an average driver who would occasionally get upset when certain situations on the road occurred, especially if I was already having a bad day. Now, I realize that my getting upset really doesn't make the situation better and others on the road might have had a bad day too. I find myself in more control of my emotions and better able to handle "bad" driving experiences simply by being aware of my actions. Before this, I never really thought about my actions on the road, but this class forces me to really pay attention to my driving habits and I think I'm better off for it.

Sandee 01/24/00 12:39 AM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC (SWR-1) RC-1

I totally agree with you. I feel that drivers have reasons for the way that they act while they drive. I notice that I too also get angry and then realize that me being angry does not change the way other drivers drive. People may drive because they are not familiar with the area or they could just be driving to be safe drivers. I think the aggressive drivers are the ones that usually get into major car accidents. People should realize that they don't own the road and respect the way other drivers drive.

Guerra 01/25/00 1:14 AM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC (SWR-1)

I am writing this post in reaction to this self witnessing report. I am glad that there are some safe drivers out there. Many people that I know are very nice people in person, but are really scary drivers. I don't believe that I am a scary driver, but I often cut people off or don't let them enter my lane. This is not due to the fact, that I would like them to miss their turn or am an idiot. I don't let people into my lane, because of previous experiences. While driving to say, work in heavy traffic, I am hurrying along, and another car wants to enter my lane. I used to allow them to enter my lane. The problem with that was that they often slowed me down and weren't keeping up with the cars in front of them. This has led to my missing of many lights and being stuck at a red light. That sort of thing really upsets me and has changed my fifteen minute drive to work into an twenty five minute drive.

isabel 03/21/00 6:49 PM
(RC #2) Re: G13 Hawaii QDC (SWR-1)

Hi Shizue,
I agree that it is good to think logically about situations because they may be really what it actually is. The driver may be driving slow because it's the first time for the driver in that area and the driver may not be familiar with the place. However, I do believe that there are many drivers who really don't know how to drive or are power hungry. There can be all kinds of reasons that a driver does certain things. Some situations may be very obvious and others not so obvious. Of course, the situation would be different if I am a driver myself and on the road. Maybe I will be able to understand what's going on better. Since I don't drive, I can only see things in my perspective as someone who doesn't drive. However, I never have any bad experiences as a passenger in a car or a bus. I do remember what happen when I was sitting in a friend's car. She usually gets kind of angry at people who drive recklessly like cutting in front of her and catching her in surprise. I think I will be really mad at that too because it can endanger my life. My friend doesn't get angry like she is going to kill that person though. Often, it is just a remark that she makes. Anyways, I do think that bad drivers should learn how to drive better and it is good if they can take a class like this. Dr James's idea of a virtual QDC is a good idea too.

jojo79 01/21/00 6:13 PM
OC-1

Gosh, I must be a real meanie on the road because from what I have been reading, I'm one of the only ones who believe's that there are such "idiot" drivers in the world. It just gets me upset when I see someone driving recklessly because they are either to busy putting on make-up, talking on the cell phone or getting upset because they are caught in traffic or are having a bad day. They are not paying attention to the road and the drivers around them, therefore creating a very hazardous sitution. Yes, perhaps they are in a hurry to get somewhere or was having a terrible day, but does that give them the right to endanger other people's lives? I don't think so, and for that reason alone I would deem them as "idiots". I'm not saying that I'm not an idiot myself, I'm just as guilty as the next person who, at times, takes unnecessary risks becuase they get upset. In Webster's Dictionary, one of the definitions for the word idiot is, "A very foolish or stupid person" wouldn't you think that a person who endangers not only their own life, but the lives of other's be considered foolish and stupid, thus fitting the definition of the word idiot? I think it does.

tanthony 01/23/00 1:53 PM
RE: OC-1/ My RC 1

While in my opinion also, there are some people who drive that might technically fit into the category of "idiots", labeling people in this way can be harmful to ourselves and others. When I label someone as an idiot I am either joking or being very serious. When it happens to be a time that I am serious it is usually anger, frustration, and an array of other negative emotions that have gotten me to that point. (O.K. now is when I take for granted that I can generalize my experiences for the experiences of others). When we are driving and we allow ourselves to get to the point of calling someone an idiot, it means that negative emotions are flooding through us that can cause ourselves to drive in ways that are far from intelligent. Becoming "idiots" ourselves, we irritate other drivers, who go on to irritate others, and the effect just ripples out. I believe what we are supposed to be learning here is that we need to become the people who stop the rippling effect. Instead of getting angry and immediately calling someone an idiot what we need to do is assess the situation calmly and decide rationally that this person probably just made a poor decision, as we happen to do occasionally. Being calm and realistic allows us to move on and enjoy the rest of our day without being hung up on the "idiocy" that we encountered while driving. It also sets ourselves and others up to have much safer and more pleasant driving experiences.

Hatsumi 01/24/00 10:05 AM
RE: OC-1

I was wondering when someone was going to use that cute angry face. Anyway, in response to your post about idiots, I think that endangering your life and someone else's life is definitely an idiotic thing to do. However, I do have a problem with the whole labeling/name-calling thing. Unfortunately, getting angry at someone talking on a cellular or putting on make up (yes, these are very irresponsible) and calling them an idiot, whether to their face or under your breath, isn't going to do a damned thing about their driving. When I see someone on the phone or putting on make-up or shaving their face (that's my personal favorite - sharp object on face in moving vehicle), I try to steer clear so that I don't end up in an accident.

Hatsumi 01/24/00 10:07 AM
RE: OC-1

Hatsumi 01/24/00 10:08 AM
RE: OC-1

ShaunnaM 01/26/00 12:20 PM
RE: OC-1

I agree with Hatsumi that it's best to just stay clear of dirvers that you see doing something irresponsible, although nowadays, you'd have to drive through an open field to stay away from drivers with cell phones. I also agree that there are stupid drivers on the road as well, I'd have to go as far as to say that all drivers on the road have done something stupid or irrisponsible at one time or another - some more than other, but we should not be so quick to judge. Unless you have super telepathic powers and can read into the mind of the other drivers on the road, you will never know the exact intentions of their behavior. So I think it is unfair to label a person an "idiot" (which actually means a person with a lower IQ than normal). I'm not saying that I have never used the term, actually, I might say that I use it too much, but most of the times I am saying it about myself.

ry409 01/21/00 7:08 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

I think that one of the best rules of thumb to remember is that driving is a leap of faith. Think about it. Millions of people everyday get into a vehicle of some kind and proceed to a destination taking for granted that they will get there safely. A car can be the most dangerous of weapons because nobody thinks of it as such. We all just somehow believe that people know what they are doing and will obey the rules of the road. This is nonsense. We must not put faith in complete strangers, who for all we know could have just been fired, or broken up with a loved one, or be clinically depressed. We must take it upon ourselves to wake up to the reality that drinving is serious business. It would be nice if we could just get in our cars, roll the windows down, turn the music up and throw caution to the wind but that could easily put us into a body bag. Instead be aware of your surroundings. Make a plan before you turn the key to start your car. Don't take any extra chances with your life or the lives of other fellow divers. It's your job to drive and arrive safely, not somebody elses. Never think, as you pass and accident on the side of the road, that it could never be you because it can all to easily be you.

jojo79 01/21/00 11:25 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC (RC-2)

I absoultly agree with what you had written. We can never rely on, or put our faith in other drivers because you don't know what is going through their minds at that moment. A good example is an accident that happened a while ago, you might have read about it in the paper, it happened around six months ago in kanehoe. An elderly woman was driving 60mph on a 25mph road and collided head on with another car. The woman and her passanger (an older man) died instantly and I can't remember if the driver of the other car surrived or was paralyzed. Any way, the point of the story was that no one knows why she decided to collide head on with the other vehicle, people who knew her said that it didn't seem like anything was wrong, and could not explain why she would have driven so recklessly because she's normally a very safe driver. So I guess the point I'm trying to make is that you are absoultly right, no matter how "sane" a person might be, all it takes is one wrong move.

Ohh, and I also liked your RC. I have to admit, I need to train myself to allow more time to get to my destination. Hell, I think it takes me only 5mins to get to UH from kapahulu, when we all know it takes a lot longer then that!!! I guess that's my excuse to sleep in. =) But I'm working on it, at least now I'm thinking 8mins instead of 5. just joking =)

CH1 I absoultly agree with what you had written. We can never rely on, or put our faith in other drivers because you don't know what is going through their minds at that moment. A good example is an accident that happened a while ago, you might have read about it in the paper, it happened around six months ago in kanehoe. An elderly woman was driving 60mph on a 25mph road and collided head on with another car. The woman and her passanger (an older man) died instantly and I can't remember if the driver of the other car surrived or was paralyzed. Any way, the point of the story was that no one knows why she decided to collide head on with the other vehicle, people who knew her said that it didn't seem like anything was wrong, and could not explain why she would have driven so recklessly because she's normally a very safe driver. So I guess the point I'm trying to make is that you are absoultly right, no matter how "sane" a person might be, all it takes is one wrong move.

Ohh, and I also liked your RC. I have to admit, I need to train myself to allow more time to get to my destination. Hell, I think it takes me only 5mins to get to UH from kapahulu, when we all know it takes a lot longer then that!!! I guess that's my excuse to sleep in. =) But I'm working on it, at least now I'm thinking 8mins instead of 5. just joking =)

CH1 01/23/00 11:00 PM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

I found the TEE cards to be very informative in exploring the various reasons and factors that eventually culminate into "road rage." I enjoyed the discussions on how road rage requires several steps to emerge, and how it is often mistakenly blamed solely on an increase in the number of cars in a given place. Like many of the problems in psychology, there are a multiplicity of influences that must be taken into account when dealing with the concept of road rage. The suggestions of how to calm yourself down were, for the most part helpful. Although some of them, such as making a "funny noise," or acting the opposite of how you feel ala George Castanza require a certain kind of temperment, and I found those two suggestions made me feel kind of silly.
As mentioned in the TEE cards, a big part of the problem merely acknowledging that a problem exists. Many people focus on all the bad driving around them and are totally oblivious to their own bad habits. The word must get out that road rage is a legitimate danger, and that all drivers are potentially susceptible to it. The more awareness that is created around this subject, the more likely events like the one discribed in the TEE cards in El Paso can be avoided. Recently I gained a different perspective on the attitudes of other drivers after recently attempting to drive with my surgically reconstructed knee. Although the act of driving itself wasn't difficult, I decided to drive slightly slower than I normally do, just as a precautionary measure. As I merged onto the freeway, I was suprised by how many people started to pass me by, even though I was in the "slow" lane, going five miles above the posted speed limit. I could feel the stares of several drivers as they passed me by, probalby trying to figure out who was this "idiot" driving so slowly.

isabel 03/21/00 6:50 PM
(SWR #2) SafeCrossing-Pedestrain aggressiveness scale

No. 40C2 SafeCrossing: PEDESTRIAN AGGRESSIVENESS SCALE

This card helps to assess how aggressive you are as a pedestrain. After looking at all 15 bad pedestrain behaviors, I think I consider myself generally a good pedestrain. I don't like crowds so sometimes I just avoid crowds. For me, I don't get stressed or anything in crowds unless I need to get somewhere or do something. Otherwise, sometimes I feel fun to have some company. I guess it also depends on how I feel that day. If it happens to be a bad day and I am not feeling too good, then I may act inappropriately but it seldom occurs. Usually, I just walk very fast and ignore the people around me. I seldom have negative thoughts of other pedestrains as I don't know them. Usually, I am more concerned about my own problems then paying attention to other pedestrains. I am usually well aware of what I should or should not do even if I am having a bad day. I can be polite even if I feel bad for example because I know that there are certain things that one should not do such as making insulting gestures, trying to block the passageway or getting angry at other pedestrains. But, I admit that I tend to get impatient when I am stressed. I usually apologize when I bumped into another person accidentally. I suppose I am also used to walking in crowded places like in Hong Kong. I think I have never felt stressful or anything.
On the other hand, I think walking and looking around helps to relieve stress. I usually have a lot of self-control when I am around other people so that means I seldom get mad at them etc.. As a person, I think I am also quiet well aware of what I should or should not do. I like crowds sometimes because they don't make you feel so alone.

Hatsumi 01/24/00 3:04 PM
SWR #2

After reading that TEE card about the top 10 aggressive driving behaviors, I think I only regularly do two of them. I tend to speed up when I see yellow lights and I often turn without using my signal, but only when I see that there are no cars behind me. I know that's no excuse, but I'm not perfect.

We're supposed to tell our feelings while doing these exercises and I must say that I don't really think I felt anything at all. Driving, as long as no one is yelling at me, is a very mellow flat affect kind of thing for me. While I'm in my car, I guess I feel kind of good since I enjoy driving, but that's usually because I'm not in any kind of rush or anything. If I'm late, I'm late. I'd rather be late and alive than on time and dead. My boyfriend always tell me when a car goes zooming by, "You know, my father would always say that they're in a rush to get to their own funeral." I've been to three funerals in the last month (fortunately, none of them having to do with car wrecks), so I'm in no rush to get to mine. While thinking about these aggressive behaviors, I noticed that I was less likely to do any of them simply because I was thinking about them. I think there's a behavioral term for that but I can't remember for the life of me what that is. Since I started this forum discussion stuff, I've noticed that I spend a lot more time singing in my car than cursing under my breath, though. This is a good thing. As for my thoughts while doing this exercise, I was mainly thinking about how great it would be if everyone had to take a class like this. It would probably make the road a safer place.

kseo 01/25/00 11:01 AM
RE: SWR #2

I agree with you that everyone should take a class like this. I would definately make the world a safer place. Sometimes while I'm driving I don't really think about all the "bad" stuff that I'm actually doing (don't want to mention what they are). But after reading the TEE cards, I found myself thinking more about it. Of course I'm not a perfect driver, but I try to drive safely all the time. When I do get mad at people, I usually just hold my emotions to myself (which probably is a good thing to do). Driving won't ever be much safer in the future, but if we continue to be aware of our emotions and what not to do, at least we can make it a safer driving experience while we are driving. It will definately pay off in the long run for ourselves.

makana 01/26/00 3:43 PM
RE: SWR #2

In reply to the SWR by Hatsumi I can relate to the two behaviors which she stated which are speeding up to the yellow lights and turning without a signal. I do these two acts every now and then and usually do not realize that I am doing something wrong. These acts definitely are very common among drivers and are not looked at as dangerous acts, even though they probably are. This class definitely forces you to be aware of these types of behaviors on the road, as well as, your own driving habits. By reading the Tee cards and viewing other people's reactions, I can see that we're all very much alike in our attitudes about driving and safety on the road. The experiences that we encounter on the road are usually common occurences that happen to everyone. If we can all be aware of ways to prevent dangerous situations like this from happening (i.e., educationg yourself, taking PSY 409) then our roads will definitely be a safer place to drive.

ry409 01/28/00 11:43 AM
RE: SWR #2-OC

I agree that anyone who drives could benefit from a class like this one. I think that is makes you think about all of the offenses that you do on the road. It is sometimes difficult to evaluate yourself unless you are forced to do so. As I am reading the SRW's I found that many people have a common problem. We all seem to be in a rush more often than not. I thought that I rushed because I live in town and I just generally think that I can get everywhere in 20 minutes or less. But I don't think the number of people that are voicing the same opinion can all be living in town. Therefore there must be another factor that should be considered. It could be that life is moving at such a fast pace. Everything around us is always changing or being upgraded so that it can run faster and more efficiently. But what do we do with all of the free time that get get when things run faster. We find more things to fill that "free time" up with. That idea of using every single minute with an activity carries over to our driving. I think we need to ask ourselves why we need to get there in a hurry. What is that actually benefit when we get there 5 minutes early? Evaluating our actions and reactions to situations for this class inevitably leads us to some further focus on our driving skill hopefully for the better.

isabel 03/21/00 6:51 PM
(RC #3) RE: SWR #2

I think many drivers commit some of the aggressive driving behaviors. You are probably one of the few who has committed only two offenses. That is good. I agree with you on the "funeral" thing. My father once also told me the same thing when a car went zooming by our car. Part of the course is actually about teaching one to be more aware of one's aggressive tendencies thereby reducing them. I agree with you that this is a great class for everyone to take to improve their driving habits. As for me who doesn't drive, I really don't know how many offenses I will commit. But, I think I am not likely to be an aggressive driver. Maybe, I will just be committing a few offenses like you as I think I am the kind of person who will observe the rules of the road when I drive.

Hatsumi 01/24/00 3:13 PM
OC #2

It seems like we all tend to be judgmental about other drivers. Well, maybe judgmental is too strong of a word, but I know I do it. I think things like, "Gee, that person in the red sports car has no idea how to drive." As if I know how to drive. Do any of us? Driver's education is no longer required. I know it wasn't when I learned how to drive. My parents happened to know someone who taught it so that's how I got to take it. This is unfortunate. I think that it should be a requirement for getting your driver's license. I believe that there are some states that require it. Maybe Hawaii should be that way. I know that sounds really old fashioned, but it's probably a good idea. My baby sister is 19 years old and doesn't have her license yet. She has her permit and it's the responsibility of my parents and myself to teach her how to drive. That's a huge responsibility and I don't consider that I have the necessary training and background to teach her more than the basics. It's frightening because the people who we consider to not really know how to drive are the ones that are teaching their children and friends. It's a neverending cycle and we're all caught up in it.

makana 01/26/00 3:58 PM
RE: OC #2

Drivers' Education!!! I firmly believe that drivers' education should be a requirement to getting a Hawaii drivers' license. I know that if I had to take drivers' ed before getting my license many if not all of the accidents that I was involved in would not have occured. Young drivers especially, need to be taught first off that a car is not a toy and that it is actually a very serious responsibility. When you drive a car the power that one posesses is enormous and for an uneducated driver very dangerous. Unfortunately myself and both of my sisters got into accidents as young 15-16 yearold drivers probably due to the lack of education and preparation. Hopefully drivers ed will eventually be implemented in the state law's as well as the 18 year old age requirement. Well maybe I'm dreaming by wanting these things to happen, but at least I know that when I have children I will do things differently when it comes time for them to drive.

melo1 01/28/00 10:14 AM
G13: OC #2 RE: OC #2 DRIVER'S EDUCATION

I truly believe that the only solution is to implement driver's education that encompasses emotional intelligence before one is give a driver's license. I got my license at a very young age - too young to be given such a big responsiblity. As a teenager, I thought I was in invicible, that I am immortal - that I am not prone to any accident. But as I matured, I look back to my early years of driving and just thank God that I'm still alive. I believe that they should increase the legal age to drive (maybe the same time when people can vote). Also, they should have limit on how old a person can drive.

Guerra 01/31/00 3:05 AM
RE: G13: OC #2 RE: OC #2 DRIVER'S EDUCATION: Don't all these RE's suck. OC#3 BTW!

I believe that mandatory driver's education should be enforced. The only *BIG* problem that I have with this is that a lot and I do mean a lot of people that I know went through driver's education. And GUESS WHAT (don't you hate it when people use capital letters all the stinking time), they still suck as drivers. Before driver's education can be made mandatory it has to be made useful!!!

When one of my friends first got his liscense and completed driver's education, within a month he ran into a bed mattress. Yups, a bed mattress, some idiot must have dropped it on the freeway. My anonymous friend, the dumbo, was playing with the radio and ran right into the bed mattress. He lost control and had his first of five accidents. Five accidents! Isn't that kind of a lot for a driver's education graduate.

I think driver's ed is a big joke and it doesn't help at all unless your pretty clueless to begin with. I once took driver safety courses or something like that, because I got too many speeding tickets. Guess what, I went to the classroom went to sleep and after the eight hour long session took some lame brained test and passed. Wow, I really learned something there didn't I?!

Sorry for dragging on and rambling but that's my say on driver's ed and other driving courses.

isabel 03/21/00 6:52 PM
(Extra OC #2) RE: DRIVER'S EDUCATION

Hi Melo,
I think mandatory driver's education is a good idea for those who wants to drive. This may help to reduce the number of bad drivers on the road. I also agree with you that maybe they should increase the legal age to drive. This can help to reduce the number of reckless teenage drivers on the road, thereby making the roads a safer place. Maybe they should also limit how old a person can drive as it can be dangerous for old people to drive on the road. However, I think the issue of road rage shouldn't be that much of a concern if we have more roads, and larger open space for driving like on the mainland. I suppose it is a concern here in Hawaii because we have less roads and open space but more traffic. I think mandatory driver's education may be a good idea for Hawaii or any other places where the issue of road rage exists due to more traffic and lesser roads. I think the road rage is not that much of an issue on the mainland, is it? So, maybe mandatory driver's education is not necessary for them. But, anyway, I think anyone who wants to drive should have a proper driver education. So, maybe a mandatory driver's education will work for all? As for increasing the legal age to drive. I think if teenagers are given the proper driving education, it may not be necessary. As for a limit on how old a person can drive, I think it is kind of a minor thing. I think people should know themselves when they can and cannot drive. If they feel too old to drive due to health constrains, then they really shouldn't drive. I think it is up to the individual to decide. Hopefully, s/he will know what s/he is doing.

Guerra 01/31/00 3:11 AM
Extra OC #3

I totally agree that the age to drive should be moved to 18 because I was a pretty bad driver when I was young. I used to race and actually I believe I was pretty good at racing, but I was stupid in making decisions. That's probably my reason for racing, btw, and my reason for getting all of my speeding tickets.

The reason I'm writing this oc is that my opinion is that in addition to making the driving age 18 I believe that a strict driving test should be performed yearly for anyone over 50. Don't get me wrong, I don't think older people shouldn't drive. I just think that people over the age of 50 might begin to make mistakes. That's why I say they can drive as long as they can pass the driving test. Which I believe should be strict, very strict. I also want to change the age limits and oppose restrictions, because I hate TRAFFIC! So, if they make it harder for people to get liscenses, the better for traffic.

makana 01/24/00 3:35 PM
SWR ex.1

The situations that were listed in the tee cards are acts that I have witnessed many times both as a driver and passenger in a vehicle. I do find myself looking for situations such as people blocking gaps and cutting each other off since I began reading these excercises. I do however, try and avoid situations like this and actually do seem to be driving with more aloha, letting cars into my lane and not getting angry when people cut me off. Earlier today while my girlfriend was bringing me to school, I encouraged her to let people into her lane when they needed to merge and use her blinker more instead of waiting for a gap and then just flying into the lane. She really didn't agree with what I was trying to get her to do, but maybe as time goes by I will have a positive effect on her and her driving, the same goes for me.

holma 02/23/00 11:47 AM
RC: SWR ex.1

That is great that you notice a change in your own driving after doing the exercises in the tee cards. It is even better that you try to influence others to do the same thing, if everyone did this it would be a lot easier to share the roads with other drivers! I tend to do the same thing. After doing an exercise I get a lot more attentive to that specific kind of situation and I make an effort to drive with more aloha!

Guerra 01/25/00 1:09 AM
RE: G13 Hawaii QDC

I read the TEE card and I realized that I do many negative reactions that were listed. So I proceeded to do a self witnessing report. While I was driving to work one day I was speeding as I usually do. Just as a side note, I usually speed when going to work and drive very aggressive. At other times I drive more conservatively. So, while I was driving to work, another car turned into the lane next to me. I immediately watched his car's movements and realized that he would probably attempt to enter my lane. This of course infuriated me and I immediately closed the gap. The car slowed down and entered the lane behind my car. I felt very satisfied. Then, I thought about what the TEE cards said. This caused me to feel slightly sorry. I closed the gap only because I don't like other cars to get ahead of me while I go to work. If I did let him in it wouldn't have slowed me down at all.

I have realized from observing my own actions, that I am a pretty tempermental driver. The next time I went to work, I forced myself to not be so aggressive. The only problem that I found with not being aggressive, was that the time it took me to get to work was increased by almost ten minutes. This is due to missing more lights and being stuck in traffic. When I was more aggressive, I usually made all of the lights and avoided the traffic jams.

Guerra 01/25/00 1:21 AM
OC #1

I feel kind of bad after reading everyone else's posts. Mainly, because I am a very grouchy driver, especially when going to work. I never feel like I make a mistake and I always think it's the other guy's fault. Nah, I do make mistakes, but I always remember to say sorry. To me that is one of the most important things to do while driving. If some "idiot" accidentally cuts me off or does anything else really stupid, then waves tbeir hand to say sorry. I usually don't get upset, even if there could have been a really dangerous accident. But when people cut me off and don't even apologize I feel like ramming into them. Then calling the cops and saying they cut in front of me and I wasn't able to stop in time. Then I could collect insurance on my car and get my revenge. In my mind, when people realize that they have made a mistake and attempt to apologize, I believe they have learned something from the experience. Hopefully, this means they won't make the same mistake twice. Meanwhile, if they don't realize that they are bad drivers, then they will always be bad drivers and "idiots".

makana 01/26/00 2:54 PM
SWR #2 G13 Hawaii QDC

Of the ten behaviors listed on the Tee card 1c1 I sometimes cut off others, yell at people, pass on the right shoulder and speed up to yellow lights. When I act out these behaviors, the only thing I am really thinking about is if there is a cop behind me, because I don't have luck with police officers. These actions are more like second nature to me while I'm driving, because I see others do them everyday and I have been doing them for years. I know that these are not the best actions that one can do on the road, sometimes they are dangerous and can lead to accidents if I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time. I would like to become a better driver, and change many of these bad habits that I have, however, doing this will take a lot of time and discipline on my part. I have enrolled in drivers' education, so that is one step I have taken to eliminate some of these bad habits. Hopefully, by the end of this class, and my drivers' ed, I will be able to eliminate or significantly reduce these habits.

Guerra 01/27/00 4:26 PM
reaction comment #2

I give you a thumbs up because I for one enjoy committing all of those driving offenses. I feel this way because even though I commit those offenses I do it in a safer way than most people do. This may sound contradictory, but hey. I am in total agreement with you about the police officer part. One of the main reasons why I don't commit more offenses while driving is I don't want to pay any more tickets. Did everyone know that if you get a ticket nowdays it no longer affects your insurance? At least I think that's how it works. Hehehe that's what the cop who gave me my last ticket told me. The state supposedly just wants to make more money so they just raised the price of the tickets for speeding. The bad thing about that is I'm not as scared to speed anymore. One ticket for a hundred dollars hurts, but not as much as my insurance raising for the next three years.
Well, drive safe everyone and watch out blinking lights.

tanthony 01/29/00 2:25 PM
OC-2 my gripe about some police officers

Speaking of police officers, I just felt like expressing my opinion on things that I have seen police officers doing on the road. I am not lumping all police together and saying they are bad drivers, but there are a few who make a bad representation. I have seen officers going significantly over the speed limit, weaving in and out of traffic, not using their turn signals, parking where they are not supposed and obviously just hanging out, and who knows what else. I have also seen motorcycle cops driving in the shoulder of H-1 during rush hour to avoid traffic. On the beach in Waikiki by the Hale Koa hotel there is a wide walking path, one time I witnessed two officers in Cushmans (those golf cart type vehicles) speeding down this path in response to a call. People are walking leisurely along this path and all of a sudden they literally had to jump out of the way of these vehicles. I remember commenting to my friend that it didn't matter if they rushed to the rescue of somebody, if they hurt a bunch of other people in the process. I think my point is that the police, out of everybody, should be our driving role models. I dislike the fact that a few believe they can do whatever they want to, just because there is nobody to tell them not to. Shape up and set a good example.

kseo 01/30/00 5:41 PM
RE: OC-2 my gripe about some police officers

I also have seen more than a few police officers do similar things al well. I also saw some of them turn on their blue lights, go through a red light, and turn off their lights. It just pisses me off that some of them think they can do whatever they want to because they think that they are above the law or something. That's why I want to be a cop (just joking). I know that most of the cops are real good about setting examples for us, but it's just a shame that there has to be those few that take advantage of their badges.

blinking 01/31/00 4:21 PM
my gripe about some police officers(oc-3)

it is true that a few bad apples spoils the bucnh, but we do not know first hand that the officers are only using their lights to