Aaron Takahashi defines traffic psychology as, "The study of behavior in any kind of traffic including automobiles, pedestrians, airplanes, etc.".
Finally, Jason Nakasato believes that "self-witnessing produces a protocol analysis which brings personal awareness. This awareness, or new insight, provides an opportunity, or occassion, for self-modification of one's traffic behavior from anti-social to peaceful and altruistic".
In summary, traffic psychology is the study of behaviors exhibited while in traffic (of any kind), and the attempts at changing unwanted behaviors through self-modification. I feel that more people should be aware of the field of traffic psychology. We all could use some tips in self-modification when it comes to driving. I have known for years that my boyfriend is in serious need of a driving personality make-over. Unfortuneately, my mentioning anything about his driving habits makes him very defensive. I need to learn some techniques that would allow my boyfriend, or anyone I speak to on the subject, to analyze their behaviors and come to understand that changing their outlook on driving can improve their driving habits as well as their life in general.
I, for example, spend way too much time being angry and frustrated while behind the wheel. That is not only dangerous to me, but to all others using the road. The more we are aware of our actions and how we can improve them, the less time we may spend in emergency rooms or funeral homes.
Unfortunately, people, for the most part, do not want to modify
their driving habits. They are not aware of the extent to
which their attitude affects their life. Many people are proud
of their aggressive behavior behind the wheel. This is one of
the goals of traffic psychology- to bring awareness of the
reasons behind our behavior so that we will want to change our
ways
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