Attitudes Driving Newsgroups: A Road Trip Worth Taking

 

 

 

 

RULES, RULES, AND MORE RULES

Subject:      In the news... N.J. road rage crackdown leads to drop in deaths
Date:         1998/04/10

 

A crackdown on reckless driving in New Jersey has led to a big drop in traffic fatalities, officials said Thursday. A report released by state Attorney General Peter Verniero showed that traffic fatalities for 1997 decreased 18% in a six-county area where police waged an all-out campaign to nail angry drivers. In the first year of the state's Aggressive Driver/Aggressive Enforcement program, state and local police issued 53,270 summonses in the targeted area. Fines ranged from $77 for improper passing, tailgating or careless driving, to between $77 and $127 for speeding. Between Jan. 1 and April 5 this year there were 152 fatalities statewide on New Jersey highways, a decrease -- also credited to the ``road rage'' crackdown -- of 22.8 percent from the same period in 1997. "Road rage" has been identified as a major cause of highway accidents and deaths. American Automobile Association (AAA) data shows that just under 13,000 people have been killed nationwide since 1990 in accidents caused by aggressive drivers.

MY COMMENTS

The writer's intention with this message is to inform others of the fact that if something is done about aggressive driving, it is possible to drop the number of traffic fatalities.  He is giving people hope and encouragement.  Also, he is, in a way, warning people about the consequences of reckless driving or aggressive driving.  In other words, if you drive recklessly, then you get punished.  I think this idea of "road rage" crackdown is a great idea.  In our society, we tend observe bad behavior, complain about it or debate about it, but we never really make an effort to find solutions to fix or try to eliminate the behavior.  It's always talk but no action.  I think it is necessary to put a little fright into people so that they will be more inclined to follow rules.  For instance, in school, children have rules to follow.  If they break these rules, they get punished.  It seems as though being labeled as adults allows us to sway the rules a bit.  Who's going to punish us?  We are no longer confined in institutions where there is always a higher-ranked being to punish us (well, there's always God).  This is why we need to heaviliy enforce our laws.  Punishment will work--but I always learned that positive reinforcement works better.  How in the world are we going to give positive reinforcement to the entire society? That's something to think about.
 

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO...OR FIGHT

Subject:      Re: Whatever happened to
Date:         1998/05/06
 

We're all overlooking one very obvious possibility!  Keeping in mind the fact that there are always two sides to every story, what if our guy did something he left out of his side of the story?  Road rage does not occur spontaneously of it's own volition, it's usually in reaction to some action really stupid and/or arrogant.  Before you attack me for defending road rage, please just stop and think a minute.  I'm only pointing out that which you already know - cause and effect!

That is total BS.  There is no justification for 'road rage' ever. That's like saying the guy who killed his wife in the mall (another thread) had a reason for killing her.

"Road Rage' occurs because assholes can't control thier emotions and because they think they are the most important people on the road without any courtesy for anyone else.

If some idiot redneck in a pickup got pissed because someone didn't move out of the way fast enough for them, that is no reason to assault or batter someone.  If the idiot in the truck almost got in a wreck, then he was obviously following too closely or not paying attention.

MY COMMENTS

The writer here is trying justify the act of road rage.  Do I agree? I certainly do not.  Wait, but I do agree with the fact that it does take two to start this road rage.  However, the second party does not have to play this game of "tag, you're it".  I think it is natural for everyone to feel anger and rage when, let's say, someone has cut you off.  But, reacting to it by showing your anger with your car is not necessary and dangerous.  How often do you get cut off?  And what are the chances that the same person will cut you off again?  I say "forget about it".  It is in our human nature to feel anger.  To satisfy ourselves we need to release it.  Find an alternative way or doing it.  What alternatives? I don't know.  It would differ with each individual.  Maybe you could swear, talk to yourself or vent to a passenger, give that person "the eye", or go buy something new.:) 

Let me just say that the anger will sooner or later pass and you don't want to do something that you will regret.  As we proceed into the future, it seems as though we are more fast-paced and impatient.  If we just stopped for a minute to think things through, maybe we would be more understanding of others.  If someone cuts you off, think about why he would do that.  Maybe he was late, or it was an accident, or some other reason.  If we would all just did this, maybe we wouldn't feel so much rage when someone does something that is not to our liking.
 

MEN ARE BETTER DRIVERS...REALLY?

Subject:      Re: Women drivers
Date:         1998/04/27

 

I do not know about ANNA, but for a long time it was assumed that women were intrinsically less aggressive as drivers, until 'professional' (i.e. for or to and from work) driving was made a factor. It was then realized as the more 'professional' female drivers there were, the closer women's 'standard' of driving would approach that of men.

MY COMMENTS

Hmmm...what is this writer trying to say? That there are gender differences in driving styles?  I don't think so.  As women are finding more "professional" work their driving becomes more male-like?  Oh, please.  This indicates to me that in 1998 we are still living in a "man-is-more-dominant" kind of society.  Driving is a skill that is acquired--the ability to attain this skill is by no means determined by gender.  I think the way a person drives depends on how the person was taught and what kind of driving the person was exposed to.  Just as with behaviors, if a child grows up in a very aggressive environment, then the child will probably end up being aggressive as an adult.  The same goes for driving.  If a person has always been around aggressive drivers, it is highly likely that that person will be an aggressive driver.  As we had learned in introductory psych., most of us learn through the technique of modeling.
 

I'M SORRY, SO SORRY

Subject:      Road signs
Date:         1998/04/08

 

There is a TV commercial currently running that shows a number of ways that drivers can vent their aggressive and hostile feelings to other drivers by way of hand signals.

Like everyone, I sometimes make mistakes when driving and would like to convey my apology to the driver who I have inconvenienced.   But there seems to be no sign language to convey the expression "I'm sorry".   A wave of the hand can be misinterpreted.
 

MY COMMENTS

This person must be a very caring person.  Most people wouldn't even think as to what the other person is feeling.  I like that.  We need more people like him on the road.  He gives me hope for the future.  But I have a feeling that people like him (and I:)) are precious and few.  However, if we set an example for others then maybe, eventually, they will follow our lead.  Yeah, right.  What can be done?  I think the only thing that will wake-up society is punishment.  There should be heavy punishment set for road rage--either fines, community service, or whatever that fits the crime.  As far as what sign to give to the other driver when you convey that you are sorry...how about a peace sign? (Y)
 

STOP BEING MY TAIL!

Subject:      Re: Do I need driving lessons?
Date:         1998/04/30

 

I have been both drivers (not at the same time) so here goes:

If you want to go slower than the people behind you slide over to the right. You will feel no stress, and you may get the smug smile of satisfaction when you witness officer friendly padding the public coffers with the impatient drivers cash.

When you want to go faster, a blink of the headlights will let the slower car know you wish to pass.

Don't get pissed, yell, honk (not that the Miata horn really does much anyway), scream, or shoot (for those in SoCal)!  It ain't worth it either way.

 

Often I get people tailgating me on a one-way downhill road near home which is within the 30mph limit.  I just stick to the limit and let them flash and honk as much as they like, because they ain't getting past. At the bottom of the hill the speed limit comes off, so I drop into 3rd, foot to the floor and leave them feeling stupid in the distance behind me.

So at what point do we draw the line between being stubborn and having the risk of being rear-ended/ hit while someone's trying to pass you up, OR speeding up and having the risk of losing control yourself.  I suppose from an insurance award standpoint, it's best to maintain your speed and risk getting smacked from behind because it's generally not your fault (this of course assumes there are no available safe turnouts).

Thing is I would normally drive pretty fast anyway, but I fastidiously stick to the speed limits in built up areas (except for one occasion when I was relaxed and enjoying the evening sun and hadn't noticed my speed creep up until I was waved down by PC Plod).  So my speeding up was never in any risk of losing control.

The whole point of people driving aggressively is to intimidate other road users into doing something they otherwise wouldn't do.  Don't get intimidated, the aggressive drivers are the ones who are stressed up, stay cool - its easier to do in a Miata than most cars!  :-)  

MY COMMENTS

The writer is here seems to be thinking things through very rationally.  His suggestions will be very helpful for people who are having trouble with tailgating.  See, there are also very calm drivers out there that get through road troubles without raging.  Also he actually thinks about alternative ways to cope with the aggression or the feeling of being pissed off when people don't do right by you on the road.  Being calm will always be an advantage to you.  Emotions just messes everything up.  For example, if you were to be in an argument with someone, the person who stays calm and rational will always make the better point than the emotional person.  The emotional person will be too flustered to think rationally.
 

JUST BEING ME

Subject:      Re: SUV's....the Final Solution
Date:         1998/04/14

 

Since people can control their own driving habits to reduce their personal risk of injury in a single vehicle accident, then it only makes sense that they'd protect themselves from other's actions which they cannot control by buying a vehicle resistant to causing injury to themselves in a multiple vehicle accident.  This isn't lemminglike monkey see, monkey buy type of thinking; this is intelligent decision making. [Coby Hughey. ]

[ www.bronco.com/cobronco ]

Exactly my thinking when buying my Explorer.  Consumer Reports had a similar set of statistics (perhaps the same - I don't have the issue).  My interpretation was:
* in an unavoidable crash, I have the advantage.
* I can avoid single car accidents, and most multiple car accidents with my conservative driving habits.

I know I can't drive my truck like a car, and I'm conservative, so I think the single-car and rollover stats apply much less to myself than what the stats average for.

Keep in mind that the SUV single car accident stats are accounted for a lot by the younger, more aggressive drivers that drove SUVs in the past.  They also include the more "open" Jeeps, etc, that are traditionally driven differently than the soccer mom in the SUV.

MY COMMENTS

I don't really know what the writer is trying to say here.  Then why did I choose this posting?  I like the idea that he admits that he is a conservative driver and he doesn't mind being the kind of driver that he is.  He has a truck, so he'll drive it like a truck.  I know some people who will drive their family car like a race car.  WHY???  Basically, a car is a means of transportation--to get from place to place "safely".  I think we have forgotten the purpose of cars.  People make such big deals of their cars.  Why?  Because it is a way to bring across their personalities or maybe even their status in society.  The same goes for how people dress.  Why do people feel the need to buy a $200 Gucci belt?  Belts were made to keep the pants from falling down.  Why do people buy $118 Tommy Hilfiger pants when they can get a similar pair for $20 at Old Navy?  Why do people buy $200 Ferragamo shoes when shoes were meant to protect your feet?  Hmm...
 

WHY ARE YOU BARKING?

Subject:      Re: Barking in car - any ideas?
Date:         1998/04/19

 

This problem is more important than you may think.  It is more than just the noise level in the car and the fright he causes pedestrians.  It is often one of the 1st stages towards developing an aggression problem, in the same way letting a dog bark at people passing by your house is. The problem is that it is self-reinforcing.  The dog barks at the perceived stranger and they go away, either because you've passed them (in the car) or because they've continued down the sidewalk (in the house).  So, obviously the dog's barking and threats worked.  He won! Not suprisingly, many dogs find this so fulfilling that barks escalate
to bites if they get the opportunity.  [ Lynn K. ]
 

It's funny, but my Rudy will ONLY bark once in a great while at people that he sees either walking or riding by us in the car. One of the rare times is when I pick my husband up from a late class in the middle of Philadelphia. I invariably get stopped at a light in an area that some homeless people frequent, asking for $$ from the drivers stopped there. (Note : I am NOT knocking all homeless people here !) But this person is always staggering drunk and weaving towards us. Not only will Rudy bark, but Ceilidh does also, and this is the ONLY time I have heard her 'nasty bark' so far. <G>

Other times Rudy will go nuts over a vehicle passing by us on the freeways....or driving behind us. I have always assumed (could be wrong here) that he senses something I don't and reacts appropriately. I am not disagreeing with your advice to the poster who's dog seems to bark allot, but just wanted to clarify that an occasional bark doesn't always mean the dog will progress to an aggressive state. I LOVE the fact that my dogs do this ......occasionally yes, but I take it as a protection thing.

MY COMMENTS

This writer is trying to show the other side of what the previous writer has said--that dogs bark for different reasons and that it isn't always the case that they will become more aggressive when they feel reinforced.  I agree with this.  Just as all humans are different, all dogs are probably different also.  I don't think it is a norm for all dogs who get reinforced for barking will progress to biting or other aggressive behaviors.  We should always keep in mind that we shouldn't generalize.  How much proof do we have to allow us to generalize?
 

TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT

Subject:      Daily gripe: sloppy pizza, sloppy driver
Date:         1998/04/10

 

Wow! People will try to eat anything while they drive. This lady was driving along today at lunch. It was funny to watch the evasive end of the pizza get away as she tried to bite in.

What was not funny was to watch her drive all over the road as she found it hard to steer and keep the sausage from rolling off of her pizza.

What would have been funny was to see how many of the toppings were in her lap.

Is someone who chases the end of a sloppy pizza all over the place considered an "aggressive driver"?

After the accident will be able to tell whether its blood or tomato sauce on the pizza?

Anyone care to get rich? Just invent a pizza holder for drivers so they can eat pizza and drive at the same time.

I wonder what will happen to that pizza if the air bag pops open? Instead of knocking her head off, I can just see that pizza jammed all the way down her throat (or up her nose).

MY COMMENTS

Oh, my.  Do I detect a bit of sarcasm in this message?  No, I detect a lot.  From what I read, I have the feeling that the writer is trying to say that eating and driving doesn't mix.  I would have to agree to that to a certain extent.  If you're hungry you have to eat.  If I don't eat when I'm hungry, I get very dizzy and cannot see straight.  So, for me, not eating will also be dangerous for me and others who are on the road.  You know, I don't know where I stand on this issue.  Most of you have gone through the drive through at McDonalds, right?  And you have all ordered french fries, right?  The minute you receive the fries and start driving away, the aroma lingers in your car.  Now tell me who can resist from eating the newly-made, hot, crispy, salty fries at that instant?  I would call eating and driving is a driving hazard, but the satisfaction of eating what you want to eat is worth it (knock on wood).:0
 

DO WE ALL SLOW DOWN WITH AGE?

Subject:      Re: Speed bumps
Date:         1998/04/04

 

Not just boy racers either. Any drivers on the NG prepared to claim they drive below the speed limit all the time? Or even some of the time?

I know I'm drifting off topic but...

The older I get the slower I seem to be driving. At this rate, by the time I reach 60 I'll have a maximum speed of 5MPH. Is this happening to anyone else?

Yes, me. It's partly because as one passes through different stages of life one recognizes the interests of other groups of people (eg child pedestrians and cyclists) far more than one did when younger.

And partly I think, a waning of the aggressive instinct that is native to young male driving. Perhaps top speed is in direct proportion to one's sex drive, in which case I should be tootling around in reverse gear pretty soon.

MY COMMENTS

Is there a positive correlation between age and driving speed?  Maybe.  Like the writer said, as you get older you become aware of things.  For instance, a married family man will be more cautious at crosswalks because the girl crossing is someone's daughter, and he wouldn't want another driver driving recklessly when his child is crossing the street.  Right?  This is normal, I think, for most people in society.  If something happens in your life, you are more aware of that something.  For example, if a family member has autism, you are most likely going to be sympathetic and understanding of others who also have the disorder.  Whereas a person who has never been exposed to the behaviors of the disorder or the disorder itself, will probably tease the autistic person, not knowing any better.
 

THE DANGER ZONE

Subject:      The Last Stop
Date:         1998/05/05

 

The Last Stop is such a great aggressive song. Makes you want to speed up when driving and tell other drivers to go to h*ll. It worked for me today. :)  I think I have finally accepted it as the best song on the CD. I love the mood changes half way through. Kind of wish the ending actually ended and not fade out.

MY COMMENTS

I agree with the writer in the sense that the music you listen to while driving influences your driving style.  Well, according to my observations that is.  I have a friend with a very attractive sports car with the "more-darker-than-the-legal" tinting and everything.  When he puts in his Top Gun CD, and listens to "Danger Zone", he suddenly thinks that he is on the race track or the danger zone.  Everybody needs to watch out.  Maybe this influence of music is true for only some people.  I think music influences the way I feel or my mood.  If I listen to something with a fast beat, I tend to feel more lively.  For example, before my friends and I go to a club, we listen to club music on the way to pump us up.  It works.  And if I listen to sad music, I tend to feel down and depressed.  Can anybody else relate?
 

IN COMPARISON TO OTHERS

Everybody did a great job with this assignment!  I thought the diversity in the postings that we chose showed how issues affect each of us in different ways.  As far as content was concerned, I think we all succeed in sharing our reactions and comments about the postings of our choice.  Again, presentation was impressive.

IN CONCLUSION

I suggest that everyone try being part of a newsgroup or just reading postings from different newsgroups.  I feel that it just opens your eyes to new issues and ideas.  It also allows you to see different sides of many topics.  We should all have an open mind and newsgroups can help us achieve it.