MY EXPERIENCE WITH
NEWSGROUPS
Why we do the things we do
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | ||
| Instructions for this Report | ||
|
Newsgroup issue # 1 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue # 2 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue # 3 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue # 4 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue # 5 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue # 6 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue # 7 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue # 8 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue # 9 |
My Reaction | |
|
Newsgroup issue #10 |
My Reaction | |
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to my report on my experience with newsgroups. As part of my Psychology 409b course description of the Emotional Intelligence for Drivers, the class was assigned to investigate the affective and cognitive skills of drivers by analyzing what drivers talk about. I found that these newsgroups mirrored our class Coolboard in format. However, it differed in two areas. The first noticeable difference between the class Coolboard and the newsgroups at http://www.liszt.com/news was aesthetic. I was pleased with the personalized icon featuring Dr. Driving in the corner of the Coolboard page.
Another difference was the tone in which people communicated. The newsgroups had a lot of vulgar messages/replies posted compared to none in our class Coolboard. I am certain this was due in part because we knew we were communicating with fellow classmates whom we see in class every week compared to strangers within the newsgroups. Although the newsgroups had some vulgarity and negative remarks, the majority of the people were supportive of each other. I searched topics dealing with driving. As I read among the many driving related topics one question kept going through my mind. Why we do the things we do? It is my hope this report of selected topics will challenge us to seek answers to why we do what we do, and what we can do about it. J
#1 THINGS PEOPLE DO WHILE DRIVING
Subject: Things people do while driving
Date:2000/02/03
This was in South London, does the same thing happen elsewhere? I often drive south on the M1 in the morning, and south of J12 where it can slow down a bit, and from the highest seat in an MPV, I've also been *impressed* by some of the things people do whilst driving...
-I've often seen people operating laptops (on their laps:)
-Reading text books
-Eating off a plate with a fork
-Writing on an A4 pad
Date: 2000/02/01
Yesterday on my way to work there were no seats available on the bus, so I had to stand inside, I normally sit on the top deck,when some people got off there was a seat available, it was one of the backwards-facing ones near the back, sitting in this position I was able to see the drivers of vehicles overtaking the bus. About 1 in 20 of then were using mobile 'phones, most hand-held, a couple held between shoulder and chin, freeing hands, but putting head in strange position, not the best way to keep eyes on the road ahead, one man had two 'phones, and seemed to be talking to two people alternately.One car suddenly lurched to one side, the reason was a small child in the front seat who grabbed the steering wheel. There was a man shaving, I have seen this before.
A woman applying make-up. There were two really cleaver people who were steering by resting elbows or forearms on the wheel, thus freeing both hands for more important tasks: A lorry driver who was eating a packet of crisps. A woman who was knitting. Several drivers were drinking (tea or coffee, not alcohol) from plastic cups or direct from a flask. I did once see a mother breast-feeding a baby while driving. All this within a distance of about three miles. The traffic was moving quite slowly, 10-15 m.p.h., but surely this is not an suitable way to drive on the road. I wonder what would happen if you did any of these things while taking the driving test.
MY REACTION:
I too have witnessed unusual things men and women do while driving. The majority being grooming rituals. I have seen women polishing their nails and men gargling and spitting. In this world of rushing around it seems we have been forced to do things we normally do at home, on the go. I feel this is unsafe because our sensorimotor skills and cognitive skills are "distracted" in other task(s) we set the stage for potential disaster. I liked Steven's way of pointing out that these additional tasks were not included in part of our lessons upon taking the driving test.
#2 APPLYING MAKE UP AND CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Subject: Applying makeup and cell phones while driving
Date: 2000/04/15
The technological revolution has spawned inventions that make driving a motor vehicle hazardous for all. The increased use of cell phones by women who also concurrently apply makeup while driving is a prescription for disaster. This horrendous act coupled with the increased use of big SUV type vehicles by women drivers puts drivers of mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles, and fuel efficient automobiles at risk. I am proposing a law to ban talking on cell phones, eating, drinking, applying makeup, and my long range plan is to eliminate all women drivers from the road.
Subject: Applying makeup and cell phones while driving
The technological revolution has spawned inventions that make driving a motor vehicle hazardous for all. The increased use of cell phones by women who also concurrently apply makeup while driving is a prescription for disaster. This horrendous act coupled with the increased use of big SUV type vehicles by women drivers puts drivers of mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles, and fuel efficient automobiles at risk. I am proposing a law to ban talking on cell phones, eating, drinking, applying makeup, and my long range plan is to eliminate all women drivers from the road.
Done by men....shaving, getting blow jobs, reading the paper, using their computer/fax, and my long range plan is to eliminate all women drivers from the road. No problemo. By then they'll probably fly gyrocopters and fly right over your head.
MY REACTION:
I was not surprised to see such stereotypical comments on women from a man However, I feel Lester's solution of "eliminating all women drivers from the road" is really extreme. It has been my personal observation that both men and women are guilty of prescribing to "prescriptions for disaster." Lester shared his view heightened with emotion and thereby not allowing himself to utilize his cognitive skill. Ninety7GT was fair in pointing out that men are just as guilty as women in practicing distraction rituals. It is my opinion that Lester's strong feelings stem from bad experiences, however because he is unable to monitor his emotions it is unlikely that he will take note of "good" women drivers. His extreme opinion makes him far more dangerous to me than any distracted person because he seems to believe in his long range plan!
#3 DANCING AND DRIVING
Subject: dancing and driving.
Date: 2000/04/05
This has also happened to me. Thankfully it was late and nobody was on the road. Sometimes I get so into a show or song that I don't pay enough attention to the road and find myself swerving into the other lane or towards the shoulder. Hey, but if I'm going to die, it might as well be dancing!
Has a song (or an entire show for that matter) ever come on while you were driving and you started dancing so much that you almost danced thru the roof of your car and almost crashed. It happened to me today on the 91 fwy to a brown-eyed women from 5/21/77. Am I the only one who sometimes can't control himself in this way? Forget drinking and driving. I'm finding dancing and driving increasingly dangerous!
MY REACTION:
I was amazed to read of yet another distraction we (humans) perform while driving. This demonstrates the influence (if not power) music/song has on us humans. It is as if the music/song affects us in such a way that we are distracted and not thinking clearly to control our sensorimotor actions. I am all for enjoying and "feeling" the music, however not to the point of loosing control.
#4 DRINKING AND DRIVING
Subject : When car is stopped, Don't do the police SFSTs....
Date: 2000/03/14
Don't do the so called police standard field sobriety tests...they were formulated by US DOT to have you fail them...if you don't do them, you'll have a better chance of winning in court.
Even easier: Don't drink and drive or have someone in your group who acts as a designated driver and does not drink at all. I once had to tell a legless friend who wanted to ride home on his motorbike that I'll beat the shit out of him when I'll have to visit him in hospital.... he then decided to walk that mile back home... I must have sounded really mean... Anyway: If you don't do the roadside test in Swizzy they'll enforce the blood test (same as in Germany and most other European countries).
MY REACTION:
I was not aware that refusing to take the breathalyzer was an admission of guilt. I remember times when I drove after a few drinks and I know of many people who have done the same thing. As Dr. James has pointed out it is the "norm" that people drink and drive. I do not agree that it is easier if we just donāt drink and drive or have a designated driver, especially at a social gathering. I heard that auto makers in conjunction with auto insurance companies are looking to have a breathalyzer installed as part of the car. The car will not start if your breathalyzer detects a percentage of alcohol on your breath.
#5 LOUD MUSIC
Date: 2000/04/02
My son received a ticket for loud music while driving past a police officer. It was in a business section of town. He is going to go to court. Is there any way that he could win? Any advice would help. The ticket is $140.00. Thanks Janet
MY REACTION:
If there is a law against playing loud music while driving and Jās son was guilty of breaking this law, he should pay the fine. Janet did not say if there was such a law, however if there is and she wants to find a way for her son not to pay for his violation then she is sending him the wrong message. We learn everything about driving behaviors and responsibilities from our parents (caregivers, etc.) What message is she sending her son? Fight the system that is there to protect us? Loud music is dangerous because it prohibits us from hearing ambulance/police/fire vehicles. Not to mention the eventually loss of our hearing. Why do we need to play our music so loud? Is it to show off our expensive sound system? To be noticed? I feel people who do this are unaware they may be sending an invitation to potential thieves too. My advice to J: if your son did the crime, he should pay the fine!
#6 MORONIC DRIVING
Date: 2000/03/16
Whilst we're on this topic, once I was driving in peak hour in Sydney, whilst stopped on a steep incline in the right hand turn lane, my old Magna decided to shit one of the radiator hoses (I found out later), dump all the water on the road and boil the radiator. Needless to say I was *stuck* there :-(
Well, imagine my horror when the inconvenienced drivers started yelling abuse at me and giving me the finger. I was even spat at by a *suit* :-(... Anyway... a HUGE HAIRY TATOOED BIKIE type stopped his car and wandered over, at this stage I really thought I maybe should be running for my life!!!, anyway he pushed my car off the road & had a look at it and drove me to work. Later he rang to make sure that I had arranged assistance for getting the car towed.
For all his effort, not one other driver stopped, to busy honking and swearing and carrying on! A big thank you to that bloke (and all others like him)....
MY REACTION:
It is becoming more and more obvious that people are not willing to help each other out. I can understand the safety issues in getting out and helping a total stranger, however is it right to add insult to injury by yelling and giving this driver lewd gestures? Our preconception of what is the right thing to do or putting yourself in another personās place seems to elude us. Why are we so inhuman to each other? Most of us humans are intolerant of any form of inconvenience and we let it be known. I am glad there are a few people (e.g. the hairy tattooed bikie) that still exhibit human kindness. I guess it is because he remembers what it is like to be stranded. I feel we can safely help each other. People could have helped him off the road thereby freeing up traffic instead of yelling at him. They could have called for a tow truck and call into his office. They just perceived him as a personal inconvenience. Truly sad.
#7 SPEEDING AND SPEED CAMERAS
Subject: Speeding isn't "efficient"
Date: 2000/04/15
[snipped Volvo enviro propaganda lacking any data]
Speeding is efficient you say? Only in terms of saving you time. And how much time does it really save you? By increasing my speed by 20% (55->66) (65->78) (25->30) etc. in the vast majority of places where the 85th percentile speed is at the higher level and don't get going on a side track like school zones and puppy farms), I cut my time spent driving by 1/6.
If I drive 15,000 miles per year, 10,000 at 55, 5000 at 30, I spend 348 hours driving. By going 20% faster, I cut it to 290 hours, and save 58 hours per year. 58 hours is a week and a half of vacation time, or thousand of dollars for many people. What is 58 hours in cop overtime (with or without fraudulent time sheet inflation)
MY REACTION:
He had enough time to figure this out. J Why are we always in a rush? Is where we are going to not going to be there if we are late? Is unsafe driving and the potential for an accident worth the rush? I find to avoid the anxiety of rushing and the potential for "emotional hijacking" . I leave earlier to compensate for traffic situations. If after that I am still late then I accept that I am late. We live in a world that affords us the luxury of getting things quickly which I feel has conditioned us to be impatient. This conditioning has resulted in our motivation to rush. I agree with the slogan that we should arrive alive vs. you zip by you can die.
Subject : Speed cameras.... no speed signs
Date: 2000/03/09
The law clearly states that the speed limit in built-up area's is 60
unless otherwise sign is posted. A built-up area means one where there are buildings on land next to the road, or there is street lighting at intervals not over 100 meters for a distance of at least 500 meters. Or if the road is shorter than 500 meters for the whole road And BUCKSHOT you should grow up, those (Including myself) who get caught speeding should pay the penalty for endangering other lives.
Why is simply exceeding a posted speed limit endangering people's lives? Is there something magic about that number? I got this letter from the cops saying I was doing 70 in a 60 zone... IT was in on the Pacific Highway 'between Balfour Street, Lindfield and Spencer Road Killara'/ I swear there isn't a 60 sign anywhere near there. Has anyone seen it? Is there some sort of rule about a decent number of signs? I had no idea I was speeding.
MY REACTION
I have found inconsistencies in driving in and out of residential areas with no sign posted as you enter, but one posted speed limit sign as you exit. I figured that the same road in or out would be the same speed limit, but this is not the case. I feel speed cameras are a good way to enforce and monitor high traffic areas for speeding, however there should be some kind of speed limit sign too. My reaction to Grizzlyās question on how exceeding a posted speed limit endangers peopleās lives is watch the Consumerās Report on vehicle crash tests. A lot of damage to the car dummies bodies have been recorded in cars that were doing 35-45 mph upon impact. Therefore, exceeding a posted speed limit increases the risk of endangering peopleās life if an accident should occur.
#8 COPS AND AMBULANCES
Subject : Cops and Ambulances
Date: 1999/05/22
A friend of a friend recently had what I considered to be an unusual experience. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is now standard procedure or if they just happened to get ticketed by a cop who was a jerk.
The story goes like this. Dad was preparing to deep fat fry something on the stove, while mom was in the kitchen holding their one year old son. The little boy grabs the handle on the pot of hot grease, mom panicked and pulled him away. In the process, the grease spilled and the baby was burned. [BTW, the burns turned out to be not as severe as they thought at first. 2nd degree only and it looks like he won't suffer much scarring from it.]
Mom and Dad immediately get into the car and start driving to the hospital at about 90 mph. We live in a city with few hospitals, and only one of them has a burn unit. That was the one they were headed for, which was on the other side of town.
They get stopped for speeding. The cop who stops them not only writes up a ticket they plan to contest), but refuses to let them continue on to the hospital, insisting on calling an ambulance instead and accusing them of child abuse. When the ambulance arrives, rather than taking their child to the hospital they were headed to, the ambulance will only take him to the nearest hospital. After going through emergency there, that hospital then sends him over to the one with a burn unit - which is where the parents were headed when they were stopped.
They estimate that between the cop insisting on an ambulance rather than providing them an escort (he said that's not done anymore) and the ambulance's insistence on the nearest hospital rather than the appropriate one, getting their son the proper treatment was delayed by approximately one and a half hours,not to mention the additional cost for the ambulance and having to go to two hospitals instead of one. Fortunately, the burns were not as severe as they might have been and the boy will be okay, but I am simply horrified at this story. Is this type of thing standard these days? Thankfully, I haven't yet been in the position of rushing my child to the emergency room for anything, but I'd like to hear if anyone else has experienced anything like this.
Subject : Cops and Ambulances
REPLY:
By panicking or playing hero and speeding in a car, what they did was:
* Deny appropriate first aid to their child.
* Deny the child EMT or paramedic care and equipment for the care at the scene and during transport.
* Endangered themselves and the public by operating a vehicle unsafely, without training in how to operate in traffic at high speeds, and with no sirens or lights.Damn straight that cop ticketed them and called for trained medical help.
MY REACTION:
This situation demonstrates a classic example of emotional high jacking. These parents let their emotion rule over their mind. The endangered many others in their emotional (understandable) state by getting into a car and speeding to the hospital. I strongly agree with this personās reply that by panicking and speeding they were presenting more harm than good for all concerned. It is not easy to think in such intense situations where fear of injury to ourselves or loved ones brings out strong emotions. The police officer was doing his job and was in my opinion not a "jerk".
#9 ROAD RAGE
Date: 2000/03/09
Yes, but do you think he targeted the dog, or just lashed out in a fit of rage at the first thing he could grab? He probably made the choice to grab the dog instead of the woman. I heat that the police have some promising tips on the guy now. He's busted.
Okay, this is obviously a touchy subject, and the guy acted like a real prick, but isn't it a stretch to equate a dog to a child. I am sure the guy wouldn't even consider throwing a child into the street. There is a HUGE difference between the two. A dog and a child, NO comparison.
That's a sane, stable person's view. However, I've read that it's been noted that a large number of violent murderers and serial murderers tortured and/or killed small animals as children/adolescents. And we're not talking about hunting, here.
MY REACTION:
This exhibition of road rage produced a lot of postings. I feel it is not the point that it was a dog or a child that is the point. It is the confrontations and this manās mind set that led up to his display of such violent road rage. His action was shocking because it was so primal. He wanted to inflict pain. It is obvious that this person was primed for an emotional high jacking. He was not able to maintain his anger and gave into it. This was a sad situation. However, it is my hope that it can result in people being more aware (cognitive) of their emotions and how it effects their sensorimotor actions. Not only is road rage on an incline the confrontations are getting more and more violent! L
#10 A CURE FOR ROAD RAGE
Subject: A Cure for Road Rage
As an experiment this week, I decided to try taking my 60-minute commute in a slightly different manner - without sound. I turned off the CD-player. I resisted the impulse to turn on the radio to get traffic reports, weather reports, catch up with the world, whatever. When it was nice enough, I opened a window. I noticed some very interesting changes.
1) My drive didn't seem as long. Sure, I'm driving the same roads I have for months or years. Sure, it still takes me an hour. But (as a result of one of the other points below) I didn't *feel* like time was passing so slowly.
2) I noticed more of my surroundings. This included other cars, pretty scenery, and traffic patterns. I was able to give more attention to what was going on outside of my car because I wasn't focused in on what was inside my car.
3) I wasn't in as big of a hurry, but I still got everywhere in the same amount of time.
4) I didn't get angry at other drivers. (And they still did stupid stuff!)
My theory is that listening to music or the radio distracts from what's going on outside, not only in attention but also in priority. If people outside my car *force* me to pay attention to them, and I'm being interrupted from my favorite song, interesting talk show, whatever, it irritates me more. If I'm already paying attention to them, there's no interruption or irritation.
Before this week, I felt tight, on edge, and stressed. At the end of one week, I feel more relaxed, more like my carefree and casual self than I have in a long time. I'm not saying it's for everyone, because everyone is different. And I don't have any bumper-to-bumper on my commute (back roads) and dense traffic may not give enough new stuff to look at to keep your attention occupied. But maybe if people tried a little peace and quiet in their commutes, we could all be a little less focused on us and a little more on others.
Subject: A Cure for Road Rage
Date: 2000/03/10
I disagree. I decided to take it a little easy this week. I got in the right lane and went the speed limit. I just relaxed and timed the trip. I drive half highway and half side roads. Took me 3 minutes longer, total, on a 19 mile drive. Sometimes the radio was on, sometimes it wasn't. I didn't get pissed at anyone. I didn't give a damn who passed me. And I got terrific mileage!
Subject: A Cure for Road Rage
Date: 2000/03/11
As an experiment this week, I decided to try taking my 60-minute commute in a slightly different manner - without sound. I turned off the CD-player. I resisted the impulse to turn on the radio to get traffic reports, weather reports, catch up with the world, whatever. When it was nice enough, I opened a window.
----------------- snipped a little --------------------
I disagree. I decided to take it a little easy this week. I got in the right lane and went the speed limit. I just relaxed and timed the trip. I drive half highway and half side roads. Took me 3 minutes longer, total, on a 19 mile drive. Sometimes the radio was on, sometimes it wasn't. I didn't get pissed at anyone. I didn't give a damn who passed me. And I got terrific mileage!
You are on track, my man! Courtesy always does the trick. If you let the idiots upset you, you'll drive yourself nuts, because most people don't know the single most important aspect of being a great driver - plain courtesy. Turn signals, moving over to let others pass, not driving in the left lane when others want to get by, dimming your lights ö you get the picture. Hard to get the "me" generation to think of anyone but themselves, but it's pure strength of character.
MY REACTION:
After spending a lot of time reading and analyzing the numerous postings on driving related issues. I was happy to end on this postingās topic. This course (409b) has made me aware of my responsibility to be aware (cognitive) of my emotions (affective) and sensorimotor behaviors (what my hands, eyes, feet, etc are doing) while driving. I enjoyed Scottās experiment and Redwingās comments. I strongly agree it takes strength of character to get out of the "me" generation. More importantly the change has to start when we want to and are ready to make the change. These two people and many like them have a high level of emotional intelligence.
|
Happy and Safe Driving! |