Influence on the Driving Performance
and Behavior:
Factors that affect me as a driver
Sharon U.H. Lee
University of Hawaii @ Manoa
DR. LEON JAMES; PSY 459
May 5, 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
I was always interested in the women's rights and issues, and so I
tried but I was half an hour late to register into the upper division of
Psychology of Women - Advanced Topic. However, I was fortunate to have
been on time to register into Dr. James Traffic Psychology, also an Advanced
Topic course. Just the word "traffic" beside "psychology"
nearly scared me off and I almost dropped out. Nevertheless, I had the
courage to show up to the first day of class and then I was stunned by
the course syllabus. I was also agonized by the fact that this course was
a writing intensive. I could have avoided this if there were more upper
division courses available. The one thing I looked forward to was that
this class met only once a week.
As the semester matured I really understood the relevance and the relationship
between "traffic" and "psychology." Prior to this course
I did not see any connection between people driving their cars and psychology.
I have always believed that people drive the way they do, good and bad,
because they form habits, enjoy risks, or experience moody days. In addition
to these factors, there was a broad range of driving behaviors influenced
by psychological aspects (affective, cognitive, and sensorimotor). I began
to understand after many lectures and discussions that every person falls
into various categories of driving behaviors and driving characters.
Throughout the course I could relate my driving to the topics discussed
in class, really made sense to me then that how I drive is not always affected
by the traffic and the other drivers on the road. Therefore, my driving
performance is affected by the driving behavior I choose to create in that
moment in time which can be influenced emotionally, psychologically, physically,
or physiologically. In regards to these factors, I have realized that my
sufferings of severe migraine headache in the past was not caused by the
traffic or careless drivers, but they were due to my letting the environment
and others get to me. I think it could have been avoided through self control
and self management. Furthermore, while driving in traffic I am the only
one who is responsible for my own actions and regardless of any external
factors.
I am grateful to say that I have survived this course and that Dr.
James has been a great influence to my new philosophy of psychology today.
Besides the oral presentation that we gave in class, the first term paper
was a huge challenge for me and Dr. James was very generous to top it all
by adding another term paper so we could get so much more out of PSY 459.
Well, I thought this course was well worth the long hours of once a week
meeting but I wished that we had met three times a week instead.
I now have a better ideology of why people drive the way they do and
how I can be a better and safer driver on the road. My secret of not getting
into an accident when I drive ("knock on wood!") is defensive
driving. Therefore, my paper will include how I used to drive and how I
drove when I self- witnessed my driving performances and driving behaviors.
I will also include raw materials of my notes taken during and immediately
after driving, and compare them to the tape recorded data. Finally, self-witnessing
while driving can prevent me from carrying out any negative or evil behaviors
even under the worst circumstances. Driving, like any other relationship,
is all about self control, patience, understanding, and respect.
FIELD OBSERVATION
To capture some real evidence of my driving, I had a pad of note paper
in the glove compartment so I could take note of any unusual or ordinary
driving performance and behavior. In the beginning I began to take notice
of the positive driving behaviors rather than the negative behaviors I
committed. In the events that I self-witnessed any bad driving skills and
behaviors, I had only written down on my note pad of major negative behaviors.
It was not until I had decided to try the micro-cassette recording
system that I realized that my driving descriptions were more specified in details in comparison to the immediate note taking.
Therefore, I wanted to see how much of a difference it made when reporting
on a note pad compared to tape recording the events as they happened. There
was a significant difference in my self-reports.
In my note taking, immediately after my driving, I had scribbled down
only the major points of my driving without the fine details of any environmental,
dispositional, or physiological factors that could have affected not my
driving but me as a driver. When I scribbled at the stop lights while I
was driving, I had done just about the same. This method was okay but it
can be dangerous if I was not alert at all times and as swiftly as possible.
Once when I got carried away scribbling and a driver in the back had
honked his horn because the light had turned green, all I had done was
just laugh. Then I realized that I could not continue to use this note
taking system and that I would have to rely on my short term memory immediately
after I reach my destinations to make my notes. One negative aspect of
this system was that I had to be determined to take immediate notes and
be as accurate as possible. Determination was essential because at times
I would just ignore segments of my driving due to the lack of excitements
on the road.
I then switched over to use the micro-cassette recorder. This instrument
was far more effective than the note taking. I had experienced awkward
situations while I spoke into the recorder while I was driving. People
would look at me when they passed by and especially at stop lights when
others were right next to me. I felt like an idiot but I found a temporary
solution to this problem. I tried to record with my dark tinted windows
rolled up or at nights when it was hard to see. Eventually a few people
gave me the look. There was one incident when I was tailgating behind a
driver at night and I think the person thought I was a police officer speaking
into my CB phone because my car is a black Grand Prix, dark tinted windows,
loud V-8 engine, and it looks like one of those black Monte Carlo that
they drive around. Regardless of the recorder, on many occasions there
have been a change in their driving when I approach other drivers from
the back. Instant slowing down and turning on the blinkers ahead of time
are signs that I have noticed when I get close to them. To tell you the
truth I enjoy this event.
I focused a lot of my driving in the busy commercial and industrial
areas. Only a few of my driving reports were taken in residential areas.
I went out to observe my driving on weekday afternoons during traffic hours
and nights, and on a busy Friday and Saturday. Interestingly, I found a
couple of my busy Friday's driving performance and behavior very positive
and acceptable to the surroundings of other drivers on the road. I also
used the seat belt in one of these positive events.
The pressure put on by this self-witnessing report project made me
"STOP" myself to correct the negative driving skills and behaviors.
This self observational system had a strong influence on my conscious.
It was almost as if I was putting on a good act on my part as a driver
without any hostility or threats on other drivers on the road. It became
quite a habit of perfecting every driving maneuvers and behaviors I had
made.
In my recent driving that I have self-witnessed, stress management
and happy thoughts were working preventions of any aggressive or irrational
behaviors I was about to commit. I am glad I had remained in this class
and I now have a better understanding of my own attitude as well as the
others. I recommend this course to anyone who violates the law or threaten
the lives of others on the road. It will certainly change the perception
of driving just as it had changed mine.
SELF-REPORT RESEARCH
I started to gather my research materials before the specified instruction
and the guidelines of Affective, Cognitive, and Sensorimotor Behavior handouts.
Some of my references were taken from the class readings assigned by Dr.
James, and I found these articles very purposeful in
organizing and writing my paper.
I referred back to my note book and found that the first day I had
actually observed my driving and the traffic condition was January 14,
1994. It was almost as if I was writing a journal rather than noting specific
details of my driving performances and behaviors.
Dr. James suggested that it would be convenient and easy to take a
cassette recorder with us in our car so we could gather almost every description
of our feelings (Affective Behavior), thoughts (Cognitive Behavior), and
action (Sensorimotor Behavior).
A total of approximately seven days was spent on observing and collecting
my self-witnessing data. I had observed myself driving at the beginning
and at the end of the semester. It was a unique experiment, and it was
from this that I discovered so much more about my personality, belief,
and values in regards to driving in this cruel society of aggressive and
impatient drivers.
DRIVING HABITS: GOOD AND BAD
PAST
When I first got my license to drive, I was always obedient and I set
positive standards for myself to follow at all times. As the years passed
I began to slack off my moral driving habits, such as neglecting to wear
the seat belt. The only trouble I got myself into was when I ran down the
parking meter to about forty-five degrees off the sidewalk. I told that
I fed the meter but it did not give me time so I ran it down.
Realistically, I was in a rush and I was not in good coordination with
the car. I let my anger dominate the way I drove instead to working with
the movement of my car. After suffering and regretting what could have
been avoided, I realized that I had to adjust my driving behavior by being
very careful, patient, and defensive (protect my car as well as myself).
Since that day, I have modified my driving habits and till this day I have
never again ran another parking meter down (knock on wood). Some of my
good habits I frequently engaged myself in were letting others turn first,
signaling ahead of time, making complete stops at the line, and thanking
people for letting me into their lane. These habits were not always enforced
but I kept reminding myself to repeat them.
Some of my bad habits were cutting people off, tailgating, going through
yellow light as swiftly as possible, swearing and gesturing at people who
cut me off or do not allow me into their lane, zigzagging on the freeway
to get to my destination in a hurry, and honking at the pedestrians for
not looking before they cross before me. Often times I felt guilty and
I had wished that I just kept things to myself.
PRESENT
In my recent years of driving, I disregarded some "thank yous,"
disregarded the stop signs when traffic was very light, neglected to signal
in the direction I was about to turn, avoided to yield to others who had
the right of way, and made a few illegal U-turns at my own risk.
Fortunately, I stopped speeding, slowed down when lights turned yellow,
fed the parking meters extra money so that I would not get anymore citation,
and always stopped for the pedestrians.
In speculation, I think that much of my good and bad transformation
had a lot to do with my developing and aging. In good ways I became more
courteous and respectful to others, and in bad ways I became more impatient
and took a great number of risks for myself. I was also very lazy at times
that I could not even signal my turns and wave any thank yous.
Depending on my moods and physical conditions, I would be like an angel
on one occasion and be like a devil on another. I can recall feeling a
lot of regrets and guilts if I had committed something to hurt another
driver or pedestrian. According to "The Emotional Assassins,"
I commit and say things while I am driving that I would not dare do or
say around other people (Weiers, 1968, pg. 6). Therefore, I understood
why others approach in mean and aggressive manners when they are driving
in this stressful society.
VIOLATIONS ON THE ROAD
NEGLIGENCE
Why did I commit and neglect good and bad driving behaviors? Again,
I did not intend to get in the way of others and threaten them in any way.
Like any other driver all I have ever wanted was to get to my destination
at my convenience without considering other people's feelings or thoughts.
I agree with Weier's theory that "so many cars are named after creatures
of the jungle," and I for one can be very nasty on the road when I
let my emotions get involved (Weiers, 1968, pg. 7).
I hate to admit this but I guess like everyone else it appears that
I also have two personalities. One is neutral when I am outside the car
(good), and another is careless when I am driving my car (Weiers, 1968,
pg. 7). A logical explanation to the ever changing driving behaviors I
commit may be due to the secure feeling that I have while I am in my car.
It is almost like wearing a mask and engaging myself in any activities
that I might not get away with if I was not in the car.
Not ever realizing the fact that my license plate reveals my identity,
I often caused trouble on the road for my own convenience. Another realization
that I had come to was that the automobile is in fact a suicidal instrument
that many people do not realize (Weiers, 1968, pg. 21). No matter how secure
I feel in my car, it is the reliance of my maneuvering of the car to protect
myself from any dangers and to protect my car from any collisions.
SELF-WITNESSED REPORT
RAW DATA: NOTE PAD
January 14, 1994 -
Some one who pulled out of a driveway onto the road in front of me
suddenly - I had to slam on my brakes...I was short tempered. The more
irritating thing was that she decided to drive under the speed limit. Gosh,
what was the rush to get out so suddenly but only to drive so slow. I began
to swear and I honked my horn!
Driving to Ala Moana was the hell of all traffic jams on this Friday
afternoon. No parking...everyone was in a mad rush to fight for one stupid
parking! I began to swear when people did not stop where they are supposed
to have stopped. I had a headache so big as the size of a basketball!
Finally driving home I get into more agonizing experience. When I reached
home I get the terrible news about my friend being rushed by ambulance
to Kuakini Medical Center. The frustration and anger I went through in
another traffic jam because it took me forty minutes to get there, but
on a regular day it would have taken me only five minutes. cutting in front
of me to enter the freeway or driveways. I then began to search for my
favorite music, "Kenny G and Mariah Carey." My impatience and
anxiety level felt that it was at their extreme level. The panic and irritation
grew increasingly. Finally, it took me Kenny G and Mariah Carey" music
to calm me down for the rest of the drive to the hospital.
During the foot by foot movement of the cars in traffic, I refused
to move from where I was at because I knew I had to wait for the third
or fourth light changes. My car's oil temperature was rapidly increasing.
I knew that by stopping and going repeatedly was only making it worse,
and that is why I remained in one place for the time being. People started
to honk their horns at me and I was stubborn and I did nothing but yell
out the window, "Shit! We can't go very far anyway so what's the rush!"
By this time So much was on my mind and I was totally stressed out!
DATA 1 ANALYSIS
In regards to my driving behavior for the first data of event, I did
not comply, identify, or internalize with any of the character development.
The entire description of my driving for that day was a bad start to this
experiment. The only empirical evidence of the sensorimotor behavior which
I had fulfilled was when the car pulled in front of me and I braked just
in time to avoid collision.
My constant swearing did not fit into the category of Coordination
with others." I should have thought about "internalizing mutual
love" when I swore at others who were deliberately annoying me on
the road. I have always had a slow reaction of empathizing with other's
hurt. Another one of my flaws was my failure to eliminate the impatience.
According to "the personal hurt deterrent effect," I was
not consciously thinking about the outcome of my irrational behavior when
I cussed because I knew I would not be punished for it by the law (Austin,
1966, pg. 209). I believed that I gave those drivers in the back a piece
of my mind about "patience." Another general penalty that Austin
described in his article was "the personal shame deterrent effect"
(Austin, 1966, pg. 213). An example of this effect was when had felt guilty
about reacting out of my anxiety and frustration on the other drivers immediately
after.
RAW DATA 2: NOTE PAD
January 15, 1994 -
Saturday Starting time: 6:07 p.m., I was driving in a residential area.
I usually keep my speed limit to approximately 25- 30 m.p.h. pace on the
road. I am supposed to wear my glasses or contacts but I refuse to wear
them because they give me a headache sometimes. My license indicates that
I do not have to use because I passed the eye exam at the time of my last
renewal. I felt in a neutral mood today. No strong
emotions and I drove in a good manner. I braked ahead of time, at least
two cars length before me to avoid slamming on my brakes. I kept looking
at all of my mirrors to see if anyone was driving careless or reckless
around me. I always have a defensive attitude when I drive on the road.
I saw someone crossing the solid white line so I moved away from that car
because I could not predict what his next driving error might be. It began
to drizzle and I had to turn my wipers on , even if they are only tiny
drops. I kept looking at the spots of rain and it distracted me from driving.
I could not tolerate my friend telling me that my wiper blades will wear
out faster because I was wiping without enough rain on my window. He told
me, "Can't you see through those iddy biddy rain drops?" What
irritated me was the fact that he said it in a sassy tone of voice. I said,
"Oh, I can see but I like to watch the wipers sway while I am driving."
I said it in a joking manner and he sat up very straight. I made couple
left turns and a few right turns and I used my blinkers at all times. When
it rains I make it a habit to follow all safe precautions and regulations
on the road. I saw a car without its headlights so I flicked my lights
off and on twice, but the dummy did not catch on. Finally, when I pulled
into my friend's private driveway, I tried my best to drive up the ramp
as slowly as possible because I did not want my car's front end to scrape
like before. I guess I took so long that a car passed by with an ugly sound,
but I did not let it bother me.
DATA 2 ANALYSIS
My speed limit varies on my mood, feelings, and thoughts of each day.
In Data 2 verbal description of my driving behavior, I have performed to
show an acceptable driving character. In regards to my restriction on my
driver's license, I do not have to wear my glasses only because I had manipulated
my eye exam at my last license renewal. This was not legitimate, however,
I did pass the eye exam. Although I had gotten away with this, I vowed
never to do this ever again because of "the personal hurt deterrent
effect" mentioned by Austin. This year's renewal "I want to ,
but I dare not." Therefore, if I was to get caught, I would not be
violating the law according to the restriction indicated on my driver's
license but realistically I cannot see almost all of the words on the road
signs.
On most occasions I have not worn my eyeglasses or contacts because
it is a discomfort for me. In the past I have had severe migraine headaches
from driving with my glasses or contacts on. In this observation I had
put on my glasses because at nights I am unable to see and I hate to squint
my eyes because it can give me more wrinkles and lines around my eyes.
My positive habit in maneuvering of the brakes ahead of time was an
example of the "Efficiency" in the developmental stages in the
driving character. My controlling of the brakes at night was a must and
I took it very seriously due to the fact that it was raining. Therefore,
I have realized the dispositional factor: carefulness, environmental factor:
weather and car failure, and driving performance: accident rate. In the
past I have seen many automobiles accidents due to the rainy and slippery
weather. Theoretically, I reminded myself of the possible outcome of a
tragic automobile accident if I speed or do not maneuver carefully ahead
of time. In rainy weathers like this one, without a doubt on my mind I
knew I would be extra careful.
In "Coordination with others" I managed to use my blinkers
at all times and I also flicked my lights to alert an on-coming car which
did not have its head lights on. Another good maneuvering habit was when
I frequently look at all of my mirrors to avoid any reckless drivers. All
of these driving behaviors belonged to the category of positive "Sensorimotor
Behavior." I have trained myself to always drive defensively and an
example of this was when I had drove away from the car which crossed the
solid white line.
There was no dominant emotion that affected me as a driver, except
for when my friend had teased my about my wipers and I just joked back.
Affectively, I had maintained my neutral emotion and did not get uptight
about his statement. I also did not react to the car that drove pass with
an annoying noise. I did not care if I took all the time in the world to
pull into the driveway because I love my car and I respect it. I have internalized
the "Enjoyment and Usefulness" of my automobile because it transports
me to my destinations.
RAW DATA 3: TRANSCRIPTION OF AUDIO TAPE
It is 10:05 a.m. on April 29, 1994 (Friday). I am about to go to school
but I park my car at the old police station where ASUH provide the parking
lot. Before I get into my car I must inspect my car because someone had
scraped and dented my rear fender. As I look at the damage I still feel
sick to my stomach! Damn fool, whomever it may be I hope he or she get
theirs dented, shit. I feel stupid talking to myself in the parking lot
at my residential area. I can see someone looking down from the top floor.
Oh well, I shall get into my car. I placed my purse on the floor behind
my seat because I was always taught safety first because if anyone wanted
my bag, it is not in my front seat. I turned on the ignition and I looked
around to see if anyone is pulling in or out of the lot. I don't want to
put my seat belt on because it is too hot and I have a stomachache and
I want to be comfortable when I drive. I am pulling out and I noticed a
car is pulling over for me to pass by first. The guy is staring at me because
I am speaking into the microcassette recorder. My hands are full so I could
not wave but I nodded with a smile to thank him. I am still hot and I predict
I am going to be grouchy and impatient. I am entering the H-l freeway and
there is hardly any cars at this time. I am in the slow lane and I am now
changing lanes to pass a car that is going very slow. I am guessing the
driver is old. Yup, was right, she was an old lady. I did not cut in front
of her, I looked in the rear view mirror to make sure I can see her car
and some space. I did not want to alarm her by cutting in front of her
too close. I know this because, my dad is about sixty plus and he doesn't
like it when other cut or follow him to close. I am now getting of the
freeway and I did turn my signal first. I always turn my signal on because
that way people don't follow to close and hopefully they will not bang
my car! I hate this cut-off because there is a lot of getting on and getting
off on this lane (Koko Head bound - Punahou Street cut-off). This lane
is very dangerous and busy because it is the closest access to Ala Moana
and the Kapi'olani Hospital. For some reason, back there are often cops
hanging around on the side of the freeway. That's why I always be on the
alert and get ready to put on my seat belt if there ever should be cop
nearby. I am turning right onto Beretania Street and I don't want to get
stuck at the traffic light at yellow so I drove up fast to pass the intersection.
I am now driving into the driveway of the ASUH parking lot. I like to park
at the far end where there are hardly any cars parked. I am debating whether
I should park near the shade by another car or isolated in the sun. What
the heck I'll park near the shade because the sun is not good for black
cars, it gets too hot. And besides the other Honda seems to be in a positive
appearance. I like to be picky about where I park my car anywhere because
the car tells me a lot about their personality or I can at least assume
that if it is a nice new car that person would be as careful as I am if
they loved and took care of the car. If the car is ugly and in a destructive
condition, I am in trouble. They can either open their door wide or park
too close and park recklessly. I feel at ease about where I parked - two
stalls away from the car on my right and one away on my left. I parked
closer to the covered car rather than the nice Honda. I also parked my
car over the stall line because I don't want to leave space for another
car to park in between . Gosh, am I evil or what? Please forgive me, God,
but I only do this to protect my precious car! The covered car tells me
that it does not want to be bothered either and I respect that kind of
car owner. I am putting up my sun visor for my car and I put up my parking
pass also. hide it all times when I don't use it. It cost me forty dollars
so I am not about to flash it on my dash board. As I get out of the car
I make sure twice that I no lights are on, my windows are up, and my doors
are locked. I also make sure that no attractive things are left around
to attract car thefts. Safety comes first before enjoyment!
DATA 3 ANALYSIS
In this description of my driving behavior, I did a lot of thought
processing. The "think aloud" verbalizations of the cognitive
process has provided numerous of empirical evidence of the "Cognitive
Behavior." Many of the driving behaviors I have committed lies in
the categories of the affective, cognitive, and sensorimotor stages. The
primary influence in all aspect of my driving behaviors was the cognitive
developmental stage.
Afraid and angry that my car might have been damaged again, I had inspected
my car to relieve me of my worries. I have internalized a "Mutual
love" for my car because it is a valuable asset . To avoid theft,
I thought about my purse and so I hid it in the back of my seat. From my
friend's experience of car theft, I remind myself of safety.
In compliance with the state of mandatory seat belt law, I did not
obey. Therefore, I had failed to acquire the propriety because I avoided
the conscience to comply with the seat belt law. If and when I did see
police presence, I sometimes have forgotten that I am violating a law.
However, if and when I did remember, it was the only time I complied and
physically put on the belt.
In addition to not wearing seat belt, I avoided it in this self-witnessed
observation because of my stomachache and the hot weather. Physical and
environmental aspects have also restrained me from putting on the belt
during this hot
Advantages of positive maneuvering while I was driving or not driving
prevented from any accident or damages to my car. First, constant turning
heads to make sure that there was no one in my way or vice versa is a natural
driving habit I have acquired. I also thanked by nodding my head with a
smile, which internalized "mutual love." In "coordination
with others" I signaled before I changed lanes and got off the freeway.
In "enjoyment and usefulness" I have internalized the sensory
awareness of another car which I parked next to. I gained the appreciation
of the usefulness and beauty of my car, therefore, I am very possessive
of my car. I might have been greedy over the parking space but I have internalized
mutual love, wisdom , and enjoyment and usefulness. Double checking for
safety also belonged to the internalization stage of development.
Finally, the negative driving behavior that I have committed was driving
fast to avoid the yellow light turning red. I knew I should have stopped
but I forced my foot to gas the accelerator to avoid being stuck behind.
This behavior could have been avoided if I complied with the sensorimotor
stage of "Efficiency." Taking that chance was a risk on my part.
RELIABILITY & VALIDITY
In all three of the above verbal descriptions of my self-witnessed
reports, the most reliable to my knowledge was the technological invention
of the micro-cassette recorder (Ericsson & Simon, 1984, pg. 4). Referring
back to the raw data and analysis of each observation, more detailed information
was given by the audio tape rather than the note pads. It was quite obvious
to me that the reason for this was that I had selectively taken notes during
and immediately after driving. In contrast, recording every description
of every move that I had made as well as my thoughts, ideas, and feelings,
I had gathered so much more in details. There was no latency but much more
accuracy in information with the recorder. I did not even leave out the
profanity and my illegitimate behavior of the past. It was like a process
of self-disclosure where I spoke my mind with no holding back. In a sense,
it felt good to reveal some inner feelings and thoughts into the recorder.
The best technique I used effectively was the "think- aloud protocol"
(Ericsson & Simon, 1984, pg. 3). While I was driving I could speak
into the recorder about anything that came into my mind, positive and negative.
Another advantage was that I could transcribe the recorded tape at a later
time, whereas the note pad system had to be done immediately after driving
while my memory was in short term memory (Ericsson & Simon, 1984, pg.
11). As mentioned earlier, main points are made in the writing system of
self-reports and almost everything is mentioned in the tape. Therefore,
I had a great deal of experience with the micro-cassette recorder and easier
time comprehending what happened in a chronological order. Scribbles on
my note pad was difficult to relate to and remember, and so I have incorporated
and included in this paper only the best two notes to compare with the
tape. In regards to reliability and validity, both reporting techniques
are accountable, however, I strongly preferred the recording.
DRIVING ERRORS I COMMIT
INTOLERANCE
Some of the frequent driving errors I commit...
1. neglect use of seat belt
2. neglect the use of eyeglasses/contacts
3. overtake slow elderly drivers
4. swearing/cussing
5. parking greediness
6. let emotion take over me
HOW DO I FEEL ABOUT MY ERRORS?
AFFECTIVE/COGNITIVE/SENSORIMOTOR
In the three levels of driving behavior (compliance, identification,
and internalization), one developmental stage converts into another or
they are accumulated together in time. In the positive driving behaviors
that I have committed I had to obey the rules and regulations in order
to identify my roles and the roles of others, and finally internalize the
norms of driving in my society. In regards to my thoughts and feelings
of my driving errors, I promised myself to make a stronger effort to understand,
relate , and enforce the correct maneuvers.
IMPLICATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
As in one of my data collection, the weather conditions had an effect
on me (i.e., too hot to use seat belt, and rainy and dark so I used glasses),
not my driving. I chose to let the environmental factors get to me and
I took it out on my driving behavior.
To my knowledge people, objects, and odor can also be distracting environmental
factors. The types of car I have driven in the past affect me environmentally
(unfamiliarity of cars). Once I am distracted by such influences I sometimes
cannot concentrate on my driving.
DISPOSITIONAL FACTORS
In the dispositional influence of my driving behavior, I was careful
about the recklessness of other drivers. My habit of defensive driving
and concern over my car are also dispositional factors.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Pain in my stomach affected me as a driver which I decided not to use
my seat belt because it would have made it uncomfortable. It does not necessarily
have to be pain in my body, but driving can also be affected when I do
not respond to a red light . For example, when my ego told me to gas my
accelerator my foot forced itself on the pedal.
PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS
My recurring headaches can affect me as a driver. In a few cases I
have experienced "classic migraine attack while was driving to school.
The main trigger factor was the bright sun. As in the first data, I had
a headache and it had an impact on my emotions, therefore, I committed
unacceptable driving behaviors.
EMOTIONAL FACTORS
This type of factor has the greatest influence on most drivers (Weiers,
1968, pg. 7). In my case I had let my emotions get to me and I had taken
it out on my driving where I could have hurt myself and others on the road.
Weiers also mentioned in his article that women are "better(safer)"
drivers than men. I could not have agreed with him anymore 2 when he said
women's low physical strength and lack of mechanical knowledge of cars
encouraged them to have a better emotional outlook when driving (Weiers,
1968, pg. 9).
MANUEVERS
How I moved and what I moved made a great impact in the feel of the
and myself. Things like changing lanes required a lot of head turnings.
When I searched for my music tapes I made sure I had both eyes on the road.
When my emotion was neutral I could maneuver my car carefreely without
any pressure, and I felt the smoothness of the ride.
MODIFICATION & RESOLUTION
ROAD SAFETY
During my self-witnessing observations, I noticed that a few of my
reckless driving(driving over two lanes to avoid bumping into the big "puka"
& - pot holes) are due to the conditions of the road. They need to
make it safer quickly and it will decrease the cost of repairing car damages.
The city and council should put up signs to warn drivers of such hazards
such as "pukas", steel plates, and dead animals.
MESSAGE TO VIOLATORS
The state should regulate warning letters to those who have offended
or disobeyed any traffic laws. People should be calling in with license
plate numbers to report in any reckless driving or dangerous behavior on
the road.
SELF-MODIFICATION
My main concern of modifying my negative driving behavior is how to
get me to put on the seat belt regularly and automatically. According to
Watson and Thorp (XXXX), there is a four-step technique to help alleviate
self- changing plans. I have tried following his pattern by thinking of
alternative choices and reinforcing my behavior with a reward for wearing
seat belt. I have realized that this over due problem will never change
unless I believe and accept that a slash or bruise is far better than the
unexpected. I would need to make it my intention to put on the seat belt.
In addition to my list of driving errors that I commit, I need to take
into consideration of the restriction which applies to my driving. I have
avoided wearing my eyeglasses and I need to make an effort to change this
behavior. Recently, I have worn them during the days and nights because
I have experienced a surprise. Late one night I almost ran down a pedestrian
because he was in dark clothing and he blended so clearly into the night.
-Had I not been driving slowly I would have hit him. It was a near to death
experience for me that I had resented myself for not wearing my eyeglasses.
Old habits are hard to break, but in a situation as this I certainly vowed
to wear my glasses at night every time. This modified behavior only became
effective because of an actual event. Is it that I am so terrible to have
to go through the motion of irrational outcome before I make a transition?
Why could I have simply followed my priority of safety first?
Similarly to the process of selective information gathering for my
data, I have also selectively chosen to modify only certain driving behaviors
(Ericsson & Simon, 1984, pg. 5). I deliberately need to withdraw my
own satisfaction and convenience by enforcing the laws and safety regulations
to prevent such occurrences from happening to the other drivers and myself.
I need to set goals to avoid the unpredictables.
Cussing, cutting in front of the elderly drivers, and parking greediness
could be easier to modify. In retrospect, from an oral presentation given
in class I have adopted an effective self-modification technique. It was
the "STOP" technique. Therefore, when I have started to swear
or even thought of committing such a behavior I "stop" myself
and avoid the situation.
LAST NOTE
In conclusion, to make safety a habit, I need to remind myself of the
possible dangers and avoid committing any driving errors. Driving errors
can be accidental as well as intentional. I will constantly "stop"
and convince myself to put on my seat belt and reconsider the horrifying
outcome if I do not comply and internalize our society's norms of rational
driving behaviors.
In all of the factors that have a great influence on me as a driver,
they are associated with one another. Environmental factors may trigger
my emotions as well as my physical or physiological aspects. I need to
adopt the techniques of suppressing my dominating emotions so that I do
not take it out on my driving. Therefore, I have vowed to engage myself
in taking steps to comply, identify, and internalize the positive developmental
stages of a good driving character.
When I take responsibility for my own actions in which I believe in,
I should not be punished for them by going to hell or heaven. As I mentioned
before, I think I should be able to remain in mid surface for committing
actions that I strongly believed in or for making decisions out of my own
convenience. However, when it refers to automobile, I will take precautions
because according to Weiers(1968) the car is a suicidal instrument.
REFERENCES
Austin, Michael. Accident Black Spot. Harmondsworth, Penguin, 1966.
Ericsson, Anders K. & Simon, Herbert A. Protocol Analysis: Verbal
Reports as data. Cambridge, Mass.:MIT Press, 1984.
Watson & Thorp. Problem Solving and Relapse Prevention. (no entry
was found in UH catalog).
Weiers, Ronald M. Licensed to kill: the incompetent American motorist
and how he got that way. Philadelphia, Chilton Book Company, 1968.
Leon James' Home Page
My Home Page
Any questions or comments?
Canaan Machida
Psychology 499
Fall 1996
cmachida@hawaii.edu