Rage on the road is an emotion we are all too familiar with at one
time or another. It has the capability to be so much a part of our
character that we can become desensitized and dismiss this to be
characteristic of normal behavior. Traffic psychology encompasses
dealing with our thoughts, feelings and actions while driving on the
road. Through analyzing these, we can have a "healthier" driving habit.
When I first saw the course "Traffic Psychology" being offered a
couple years back, my initial response was, "Oh, give me a break! As if we need another branch
of psychology!" I am realizing that yes, it is about getting in touch with our psyche in traffic
conditions. However, as I continue on in this course, I realize that traffic psychology is merely a
tool used to expose something of a deeper nature. It has become a "Pandora's Box", a way of
exposing what has become of society in general. Teaching traffic psychology is a way of
instilling self-discipline, compassion, selflessness and kindness toward humankind. It is really a
tool to bring about the teaching of basic moral principles and values; a basis for teaching
etiquette, not just on the road, but for all other aspects of life as well.
Report 1 is divided into 13 menu items located on Dr. Driving's
site. Most of the 13 menu items are divided into three sections. The
first section (*) contains my own brief summary and interpretation of the
purpose of the page. The second section(**) deals with seeing its relation
to traffic psychology. The last section(***) includes some implications for
my driving personality.
Dr. Driving on the Internet: Don't Get
Mad, Get Mellow
Inner Power at the
Wheel--Book Chapters
*This page displays the table of contents of a self-help book called "Inner Power
at the Wheel:Dr. Driving's Tips for Hassle-Free Driving. " This book, written by Leon James,
Ph.D and Diane Nahl, Ph.D include 14 chapters. Four chapters (chapters 6, 11, 12 and 14) are
made available to download. Here is a brief summary of the four available chapters:
Chapter 6: The Nine Zones of Your
Driving Personality
Here, nine zones of driving personality are presented . These zones are divided into
three domains of behavior in traffic: affective, cognitive and sensorimotor, or,
meaning in simpler terms, our feelings, thoughts and actions. Phase I (zones 1, 2, 3)
include traffic safety issues. Phase II (zones 4, 5, 6) deal with self-control issues.
The last phase, Phase III (zones 7, 8, 9) describes social responsibility issues. For a
more detailed, personal description of this chapter, check out my
summary of the Chart of Nine Zones of Your Driving Personality
Chapter 11: The
Social Psychology of Driving
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people THINK ABOUT, INFLUENCE,
and RELATE TO one another. This chapter discusses the social psychological aspects of
driving. The section on Driver's Self-Serving Bias is a
great example of how people may THINK ABOUT one another on the road. In Freedom To Be Decent Dr.
Driving writes, "The more motorists adopt this (obeying road regulations and respect human
rights) orientation, the easier it will be for others to do so as well. Decency in traffic is
contagious." This is a great thought of INFLUENCING each other. Dr. Driving continues on to
say, "You'll be free to admire drivers who are polite and inoffensive, and you'll give yourself
permission to feel decent and compassionate towards others on the road." (RELATING TO each
other.)
Back to the top
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Chapter 12: Driving on the
Information Superhighway
Looking for information related to Traffic Psychology? The world wide web has a
continually expanding amount of resources relating to this topic. This chapter guides us
to topics such as self-witnissing reports and driving personality makeovers. Visitors can
even express their aggravations and pet peeves ("driving confessions").
Musings of a
Traffic Psychologist
This chapter contains many self-witnissing tapes of Dr. Leon James (a.k.a. Dr.
Driving). Here, we can analyze his thoughts, feelings and actions while driving on the
road. My favorite self-witnissing exerpt is, "Okay. Go Ahead.
Be Mad At Me. Here, Dr. Driving heeds to his won advice about training himself to be
a compassionate driver. My favorite part is when he says, "I'm the one who's got to give in.
Why me? Because I can. Because I trained myself..." My hats off to Dr. Driving for
displaying a sense of humility --an admirable attribute attained by constant training..
I think this site gives people a taste of what traffic psychology is about; to plant seeds in
the minds of people. The four available chapters act as "hooks" to entice people
into desiring to read more.
**"Inner Power at the Wheel" directly relates to the area of traffic psychology.
Some of the chapters (I can't say all because I haven't seen all of the chapters) expose our psyche
while in the midst of traffic. For example, Chapter 14: Musings of a
Traffic Psychologist, deals with the observations and the thought process of an individual.
In "The Need for Traffic Inspectors", an individual examines that at the sight of a police officer,
a new form of
behavior is required. Traffic psychology would examine the change in behavior.
***Someone once said that the most harmful thing is not that we don't have all
the answers, but that we don't have all the questions. By showing this book, it expands my
horizons and at least gives me the idea of questioning my actions while driving. Whereas before
I dismissed my anger as a normal reaction, I can now question if in fact it is productive and
normal. After questioning, I can then decide whether or not I should do something about it.
Back to the top
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Media
Interviews with Dr. Driving on Road Rage
*The purpose of this page is to promote Dr. Driving. It is to show
that Dr. Driving isn't just some sort of "quack". People do see him as an expert. A list of various
television and radio appearances, as well as printed articles show his legitimacy. In the event
that we missed any or all of these appearances or articles, a summary of some questions and
answers are given. Here, in a sense, we are able to see Dr. Driving in action.
**This directly relates to traffic psychology in the sense that, there is becoming a
widespread problem concerning aggression on the road, as seen through the various listings of
appearances and interviews.
***Seeing the summary of questions helps me to realize that I am not the only one who
experiences road rage. There are others just like me. Before, I used to feel guilty about being
such an angry person on the road. Now, I think, "Don't get down, get determined" (to change my
attitude).Dr. Driving says:
Anger kills both the physical body (like your heart) and the spiritual mind
(like your moral conscience). Expressing anger is not healthy and creates more anger within you.
Frustration turns into rage, which not only suffocates your life but throws you out of control.
Angry and impatient drivers are not in control of themselves. To be safe we need to free
ourselves from emotions that hurt us and hurt others.
I couldn't agree more with this statement. I'm not necessarily trying to change to become a
"goody two-shoes, moral person". I would like to
change so that my body and mind can learn to be at peace. To me it's a
"quality of life" issue, rather than a moral issue.
Three-Step
Program for a Healthier, More Zestful Life
*The purpose of this page is to introduce the AWM program. Step 1 "A" stands for I
"Acknowledge" that I'm out of control at the wheel. Step 2 "W" stands for I "Witness" myself
being out of control. Step 3 "M" stands for I "Modify" myself one step at a time. It's one thing
to say, "be a compassionate driver". Dr. Driving doesn't merely preach this, but he provides us
with practicals. He gives us a check list of phases so that we can categorize ourselves. Only
when we begin to realize where we're at can we begin to change.
**This page is relative to traffic psychology. It helps us to work on our feelings, thoughts
and actions. If we meditate on these three points perhaps we may be able to be less angry on the
road.
***This will help me because it teaches me not to always blame others for my feelings, but
to look within myself for answers. I have the most power over myself through decisions that I
make. There is a famous saying," Knowing is half the battle." I agree on this statement to some
extent. I believe that more accurately and more importantly than knowing, "Admitting
(something) is half the battle." Sometimes
we can know things but not really admit where we're at. Our "knowing" something about
ourselves becomes nullified if we can't admit where we're at. The first step in Dr. Driving's
AWM three -step program is "Acknowledge that I'm out of control at the wheel." When I
finally acknowledge something about my character, I am then in a position to think of some
practicals on how I can change.
Dr.
Driving
Says...Problems and Solutions
*The purpose of this page is to present some of the problems and pet peeves of road users.
Dr. Driving offers solutions to the problem
presented. It also serves as a way to help us see others' frustrations
(some may even relate to us) and we can apply Dr. Driving's advice to
ourselves. Sometimes we are self justified in our own minds concerning a situation. Sometimes
it seems as if others' problems are silly. It helps to read others' problems because when we realize
that we struggle with the same things it may put things into perspective and show us how silly
and petty our anxieties really are.
**Traffic psychology attempts to teach kindness, compassion and
goodness toward one another on the road. Dr. Driving's advice leans
toward these virtues. For example, in response to one person's
frustrations on being cut off, Dr. Driving says:You can free yourself, if you
want. Begin by developing the skill of forgiving other drivers..
***When someone cuts me off or toots their horn at me, my first reaction is to get upset. In
analyzing this I realize that my anger stemmed from hurt feelings. Hurt almost always turns to
anger or rage. I became hurt (then angry) because I took the other drivers' actions personally. Dr.
Driving says:Being irritated in traffic is a symptom telling you that you're
engaging in fantasizing about the intentions of other drivers. If you think about it, it's not really
possible for you to know
what another driver is thinking, and vice-versa...
This helps me to remember not to be so self-focused. The person may not even realize what he
or she is doing or how they may be affecting you. I've always stated to my friends that I wish I
had two horns in my car, one loud, blatant one, for when I want to show my anger, and a soft,
pleasant sounding one to gently inform someone else of a situation etc.
Introductory
Statement about Dr. Driving Says...
*The purpose of this page (similar to the first page) is to promote
Dr. Driving's book, "Inner Power at the Wheel." Some (if not all) of the questions on the top of
the page are relatable to all of us. If we
answer "yes" to one or more of the questions, then we may want to
consider reading the book. The purpose of this page is to show that
through education (the book), behavior modification can be learned,which in turn, can make
driving a positive experience.
**In relation to traffic psychology, this is a book useful in
teaching us to be observant of our own behaviors. When we become aware, then we can make
choices (either choices in favor of change, or choices to not change.)
***By asking myself some of these questions, I can begin to assess my own driving
personality, then decide what changes in my personality need to be addressed.
About the
Authors:Leon James and Diane Nahl
*The purpose of this page is to give some background information on
Leon James, Ph.D and Diane Nahl, Ph.D. Such information includes
publishing companies of Dr. James' books and general course types that he teaches at the
University of Hawaii. A link to Diane Nahl's several
published online articles are also provided.
< NAME="9zs">Chart of
Nine Zones of
Your Driving Personality
*The purpose of this page is to display the nine zones of Dr.
Drivings 3-step program. Zones 1, 2 and 3 deal with the feelings,
thoughts and actions of safety issues. Zones 4, 5 and 6 deal with the
feelings, thoughts and actions of self-control issues. Zones 7, 8 and 9 deal with the feelings,
thoughts and actions of social responsibility
issues.
**Again, this helps us to be in touch with our thoughts, feelings and actions while on the
road. In analyzing our "road rage" we can get to the heart of the matter.
***Whenever something on the road seems to upset me, I'm tempted to
feel like blaming the person or situation regarding my mood. Really, the person or road situation
is not the problem. Rather, that circumstance is put into my life to expose deeper issues lying in
my heart. If I tailgate someone who is going below or exactly on the speed limit, it exposes my
true character and shows me that I can have a tendency to not be self-disciplined and impatient.
It is also my rebellious nature (not my feelings of infringement of my rights) that makes me want
to not wear a seat belt or switch lanes on a solid white line. Tell me something I can't do, and
I'll do it out of spite.
Comments
by Vistors
*The purpose of this page is to show that Dr. Driving's site can be
viewed by people all over the world. The positive responses indicate
that some of his techniques are indeed helpful
**Because of the responses from people all over, it is obvious that
rage on the road is a universal occurrence (as long as there are cars).
Traffic psychology can help people from all walks of life.
It helps me to see that I am not alone in my thoughts, actions and
feelings. Many others are a kindred spirit to me.
Driving and
Traffic Resources on the Internet
*The internet is often times referred to as an "information
superhighway". Highways can take us to many different destinations. In the same way, the
internet can lead us to many "destinations of
information". On this page lies a link leading to Dr. James' site, which leads to many other links
concerning traffic psychology.
**While navigating through the "information superhighway" I can
sometimes find myself getting impatient with the computer. Sometimes I
get irritated when a particular page takes "forever" to download. I get
upset and start thinking about the "knucklehead" (yes, my negative
thoughts) who created this page. It hinders me from getting to a
destination quicker. In the same way, I sometimes get irritated at the
"knucklehead who drives below the speed limit, hindering me from getting to a destination
quicker.
***Through the 3-step program, perhaps I can apply it to navigating
through the information superhighway. For example, taking Dr. Driving's advice,"I acknowledge
(my impatience at the computer), I witness myself (getting filled with irritability). Then I can
modify myself into changing one step at a time.
Psychological
Principles to Help Us Be Rational and Humane Drivers
*Here, Dr. Driving gives us 18 points to think about to help to us to be healthier drivers.
Here are some practicals to meditate on.
**Meditating and really taking these points to heart can help us to
become safer, more pleasant drivers. I believe traffic psychology is just a way to instill etiquette
and ethics, not merely on the road, but
in dealing with life as well. It is a way of opening up a "Pandora's
Box" of societal issues.
***If I can capture this mentality on the road, I can also practice
it in other aspects of my life as well.
Self
Witnessing Exercises
*This site consists of eleven witnesses and their pet peeves. Each
of the eleven witnesses answered a set of four questions. Based upon
answer to question number one (which is to write one thing automobile
drivers do that gets you upset) they spent the next three questions
analyzing feelings, thoughts and actions.
**This helps an individual to know HOW to analyze themselves. It
helps to know what kinds of questions to ask yourself. To begin to know yourself, is to begin to
have the ability to change.
***This implies that the answers never lie in the next person,
rather, the answers or faults can only be found within me. It's like the saying, "When you point a
finger at someone else, there's always three fingers pointing back at you".
Index of
Topics on Driving and Drivers
*Here lies an interesting array of driving topics recommended by Dr. Driving. Included are
students' home pages from Generations one to four.
**All these are different areas that can be explored in traffic
psychology. Each area can give us further insight into how vast this
topic is fast becoming.
***It's exciting to see that by next semester, my homepage can be
downloaded through this index by clicking on to Generation 5!
Dr. Driving's Selection
of Traffic Safety Issues
*In contrast to "Comments to Visitors" here are responses in
disagreement as well as agreement with Dr. Driving. There's also a cute suggestion of buying a
small, underpowered car with a stick to remedy the cravings of the need to speed.
After clicking on to the SUBMIT button, a display of news group
postings dealing with Dr. Driving appeared. Available for our viewing
was some of the e-mail messages Dr. Driving received.
Some threads in which Dr. Driving was active include, "Slaying Your Dragon", "Slaying
Your Driving Dragon, Speed Kills: You Be the Judge", "Speed Limits and Driving
Skills","Dateline NBC Story", and "Hey, Tailgaters".
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Dr. Driving's Philosophy and Others'
Reactions
These messages are a response to Dr. Driving's philosophy. Some
agree and others were outraged. Although not all of Dr. Driving's
readers thought well of his philosophy (in fact some were cruel in their criticism) Dr. Driving
should take even the negative remarks as
compliments. For someone to respond, even if it is a negative one, means, that Dr. Driving was
worth the time and thought. This also means that they took his information and internalized it,
which then lead them to their negative emotions. Only through interacting, responding and
communicating can we attempt to iron out differences we may have toward one another.
Responding shows a sign that an individual cares, one way or the other.
I believe that Dr. Driving's philosophy is this: Look to yourself to find happiness. We are
the deciders of our moods and emotions. We can make choices to be happy or to be angry. To
look elsewhere for our joy would be foolish. You can always find a reason to be unhappy. In
relating this to traffic psychology, it is fair to say, that if our happiness (mood) depends on other
peoples' actions, then we would probably be unhappy most of the time. For example, I can't base
my
happiness if someone waves a "thank-you" to me.
Dr. Driving presents the idea to not be so self-focused
all the time. As drivers, we need to stop thinking that the world revolves around us. This will
help us to not "fantasize" about other
peoples' thoughts. We have no true way of knowing what another is
thinking. Often times in our own minds we set ourselves up for a
battle. We create scenarios that aren't necessarily the truth.
Another idea to remember, according to Dr. Driving, is to remember
that we are all humans and therefore no one is ever faultless. When we
are tempted to lash out at others for "doing us wrong" it is a good practice to take a look at
yourself and remember your own shortcomings. This helps us to be more compassionate
people.
It seems to me by the reactions of others, that perhaps they feel
self-justified in their road rage. These days, it is becoming more and
more common for an individual to display an "I gotta take care of myself
first" attitude rather than practicing the "aloha spirit".
My Favorite Traffic Psychology Resources:
The WWW Speedtrap
Registry
Advocates for Highway and Auto
Safety
States at Risk:
(A Report by Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety)
21 Drinking Age Law
Kids, Cars and
Crashes: Prescious Cargo Inside
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