Definitions of Traffic Psychology:

How I Stack Up



Table of Contents



Definitions of Traffic Psychology
from the Generational Curriculum


Dina Takahashi

Dina defines traffic psychology as:
the term used to describe the process in which various methods are implemented in order to modify driving behavior. These methods include Self Witnessing and Quality Driving Circles. Realization of a driving disability is necessary in order to begin the modification process. Without this realization, the driver will proceed with the self-centered mindset. A person's driving behavior is influenced by the affective (feelings), cognitive (thoughts), and sensorimotor (actions) domains. Every action taken on the road is a combination of these three areas.

My Comments:

I agree with Dina's definition because it emphasizes Self Witnessing and Quality Driving Circles as methods of changing behavior. Part of psychology is finding ways to "treat" or modify behavior for the better. These theoretical treatments work continuously for the individual and others. Also, in her definition she points out how important it is to realize one's own weaknesses. I totally agree with this idea because if individual's don't do their part, things will not change.


Cherilyn Okazaki

Cherilyn's definition says that:
First, there must be some kind of realization of some kind of negative actions while driving. Then in order to make the negative action positive, you must study the actions as a whole- -meaning the cognitive, the affective, and the sensorimotor parts. After the reason for the negative action is determined, then the next step would be attempting to change or modify the behavior. This behavior does not only work for driving , but in any activity that requires that you share space. Examples of this include bicycling, and walking as well.


My Comments:

I agree with her definition in that Traffic Psychology can be applied in any activity that requires you to share space. Most people think of traffic in ordinary terms, meaning vehicles on the road, but traffic can be applied to other situations as well for instance skateboarders in the park who have to share the same spot. When they cross paths, or when they get in the way of each other, things can get ugly.


Shane Cobb-Adams

In Shane's definition he mentions that:
Traffic Psychology deals with the affective, cognitive, and sensory-motor aspects of people in the context of he everyday yet often maddening occurrence of driving, dealing with traffic, and dealing with others. By identifying the affective feelings that cause cognitive thoughts, traffic psychology allows us to understand our resulting actions and gives us a productive, effective, and reliable way of modifying our behavior. This is because traffic psychology examines the fundamental origins of our actions in a subjective manner and this allows for precise evaluation of complex behavior.


My Comments:

One thing I agree with in Shane's definition is that the affective, cognitive, and sensorimotor domains are involved in driving, dealing with traffic, and dealing with others. Before taking this class I thought of driving behavior simply as the actual physical act, and I hadn't really given much thought to the emotions and thoughts involved in the behavior. As I think about it now, it makes much more sense to include them because thinking and feeling are types of behaviors and because they are present in all driving behaviors.


Chris Murakami

Chris states:
What is Traffic Psychology? To put it simply, Traffic Psychology is the study of traffic and the effect it has on the driving behavior of all road users. A chief function of Traffic Psychology is that it serves to enlighten us. Traffic Psychology allows us to retrain individuals in re-establishing their rational thoughts amid potential conflicts. Further more, this discipline allows us then to rethink and ponder the consequences of our actions and those of others.


My Comments:

One part of Chris' definition I don't agree with is the part on the effects of traffic on the driving behavior of all road users. It sounds like it is limited to drivers alone because it doesn't mention others and their behaviors. Still, I did like how he mentioned the way traffic psychology methods help us to re-shape our thinking. I agree with that because methods like Driving Makeovers and Quality Driving Circles do help us to think more rationally.


Lori Kim

As Lori states:
traffic psychology is a way of examining your thoughts and behaviors whenever you are in a "traffic situation". This includes driving a car, riding a bike, and even being a pedestrian.


My Comments:
I agree with this definition because it includes everyone that plays a role in a traffic situation, not just the driver. This is important to remember because many of us forget to include others who encounter traffic all the time, such as pedestrians and cyclists, who seem to be separate... until something bad happens and we realize that they aren't.


Traffic psychology is the study of behavior in any traffic situation, which includes behaviors of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, etc. In all behavior the affective, cognitive, and sensorimotor domains are present. Traffic Psychology allows us to understand why behaviors occur, what can be done to prevent or intervene with negative behaviors, and to promote positive behaviors.

Experiences as a Road User

Why do we need Traffic Psychology? Traffic Psychology is important because it affects every person that comes into contact with traffic. Traffic also comes in many forms, it is not limited to motorists on the road. Understanding that Traffic Psychology can be applied to everyday situations, and knowing how it applies to you will help you live a more stress free life.


Pedestrian

As a pedestrian Traffic Psychology is important because one pedestrian dies every 90 minutes in our country alone. As much as I feel that it's the pedestrians' responsibility to make sure that the roads are safe to cross, it's important for drivers to keep in mind that people aren't built like cars. You can't replace a life like you can replace a car. I'm going to share something which I normally wouldn't mention because it's a personal story of a friend of mine. Still, I want to stress the fact that pedestrians can be victims of traffic situations, and that more attention needs to be given to them. About a year ago, my friend lost someone very close. The incident happened in the early morning hours when everyone is on their way to work. Her usual routine was to catch the bus to go to work. That morning, the bus driver waited for her as she quickly crossed the street. Unfortunately, a truck that was speeding down the street didn't see her, and he hit her so hard that she flew pretty far. She never gained consciousness and after a few days she died. Maybe if the driver hadn't been speeding, or if he paid enough attention to brake this tragedy might not have occurred. Although this incident can't be taken back, others can be prevented.


Passenger

Being a passenger somehow diminishes a person's opinion when dealing with the driver's driving, at least in the eyes of the driver. But the fact remains that part of being the driver is acknowledging that you have a passenger and you are responsible for that person's well being. That's where Traffic Psychology comes in to play. Traffic psychology helps you to realize that in any traffic situation you are not isolated from everyone else. In this incident, my friend was driving us home from school. She was a somewhat a new driver, and myself also a new driver didn't want to say that her driving was scary. Anyway, she was driving down the road when she came up behind this cyclist who was going too slow. Without checking to see if the left lane was clear she proceeded to move into the lane where a big tour bus was driving next to us. She bumped into the bus before braking, and then after we spun across the three lanes until we were perpendicular to the road. Luckily no one was hurt, but I was so freaked out that I couldn't go to work that night. I guess the thought that the bus could have creamed us made a real impact.


Driver

Traffic Psychology is important for drivers because many people feel that since they are in a car they can do whatever they want, and they won't get really hurt. In their minds, nothing bad will happen to them, it only happens to others. Traffic psychology is important for myself as a driver because I'm one of those people that get real irritated when drivers drive recklessly or when they cut in front so close that you have to brake suddenly. Anyway, I cuss way too much and the anger I experience ends up building pretty high. Even though I haven't actually tailgated anyone or cussed at anyone directly, if I don't watch myself now I know that I'll eventually get into trouble.

Future Recommendations

Future generations can improve on this activity by applying these traffic psychology concepts to other areas of their life that may not necessarily involve vehicles and roads, but in other traffic situations. Also, future generations can continue to perpetuate Traffic Psychology's philosophies by practicing the concepts themselves, and by educating others about traffic psychology or at least promoting the education of Traffic Psychology for drivers.

Epilogue

As I wrote this report I thought about my experiences as a road user. I remembered what it felt like to hear the tragic news of my friend, how it felt to be in the accident, and what crazy things I did as a new and ignorant driver. Even the stories that I didn't mention popped into my mind as I felt the sadness, excitement, anger, and fear all over again (thought not as intense.) I realize how my thoughts changed from being more angry and vengeful at others, to being more understanding. Instead of looking for ways to get back or reasons to get angry, I try to look for reasons not get angry and ways to prevent my own road rage from occurring. When I look at my driving behavior, I find myself looking out more actively for pedestrians when not on the freeway or highways, and I am more sympathetic for my passengers so that I drive in a way that doesn't scare them.


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