G5 Looks at Traffic Psychology Resources on the Internet: An Integration of Traffic Psychology and Cyberspace

Table of Contents
Introduction Dr. Driving on the Internet Dr. Driving in USENET:Philosphies My Favorite Traffic Psychology Resources

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Dr. Driving on the Internet: Online Traffic Psychologist

1. This is a book that has been put together by Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl with the intended purpose to change your attitude behind the wheel. The table of contents provided on this page comprises 14 chapters from the book that Dr. James and Dr. Nahl have put together. Only four of the chapters are available on line for your reading pleasure. The chapters available are as follows; Chapter 6: Nine zones of your Driving Personality; Chapter 11:The Social Psychology of Driving; Chapter 12:Driving on the Information Superhighway; and Chapter 14:Musings of a Traffic Psychologist. The brief synopsis located at the bottom of the page gives an overview about problematic issues relating to driving in traffic. The issues involve solutions to hostile drivers, self-witnessing (an evaluation of your driving behavior), and how to create a driving personality makeover based on cognitive techniques taken from applied social psychology.
2. Since Traffic Psychology deals with our thoughts and actions in terms of driving , this is a good beginning toward understanding how to change the hostile, disgruntled driver that rages within us to a more healthier vivacious one. A driving personality makeover is a good method that has been designed for the purpose of changing our behaviors.
3. My personal driving personality consists of rage and hostility; especially when someone cuts me off or does not thank me for letting them squeeze in the same lane. It is difficult for me to alter my driving behavior because I have been driving for so long now, that the thought of changing seems almost impossible for me. Perhaps developing into a healthier, less angry driver is going to be harder than I anticipated. The fact that I am going to try to be more conscientious of my driving skills is a positive beginning.

1. Dr. Driving was interviewed for various radio talk shows and news reports regarding the issues dealing with aggressiveness and hostility. Four of the interviews listed on this page are available for viewing. The links that are available for your information are the APA Monitor, US News and World Report, 1997 Outlook Issue online, and The San Diego Daily Transcript. Just click on the selection and read what they are about. From these interviews Dr. Driving supplies us with about six questions that were presented to him. Here is an example of just one;

   (Q) "Can you explain what's wrong with so many drivers on the road? Why are they so aggressive to one another?"
   (A) "There are really issues we need to consider. One is, How do I handle other drivers who are hostile and aggressive and the other is How do I handle my own feelings of aggression and impatience?"

   Dr. Driving suggests to handle matters like this objectively and to stay out of their way..
2. In relation to Traffic Psychology, this takes a look at drivers and how effectively a person handles what Dr. Driving calls "road rage". In simple terms it means driving aggression and hostility. The brief explanation in a nutshell, is informing a driver that if a their fellow-driver is taken over by road rage, they have a choice to stay out of that person's way. Also, a person must not allow themselves to fall prey into the violent world of road rage.
3. I am a very hostile driver. I definitely have road rage. Asking myself the same questions that Dr. Driving addresses, I would have to answer them by saying I handle road rage by getting even. What I mean is that, if someone tailgates me, then I tailgate them back. This is a choice that can result with detrimental consequences to myself or my passengers. Instead of spending my time on the road being angry, I can choose to drive a little slower, enjoy the ride, and keep myself as well as my passengers safe.

1. This is a convenient three step program designed to change a person's driving behavior for the purpose of maintaining a healthy personality. The program is based on the AUM Program which stands for

   (A)- I Acknowledge that I'm out of control at the wheel,
   (W)-I witness myself being out of control and
   (M)-I Modify myself one step at a time.

   The summary on Psychological Principles offers insight on how to change a person's driving behavior to be more rational and humane. In other words, how to be caring and thoughtful. This can be done by taking notice of our thoughts and feelings for others while making efforts to maintain self control and improve personal self management techniques as a driver.
2. While driving, it is important to remember these three steps since Traffic Psychology is based upon developing a better attitude toward others; whether they are pedestrians, bicycle riders, fellow drivers, and even one's passengers. Remembering that it is okay to self-critique our driving skills is a good method toward improving attitudes.
3. A clear and concise interpretation regarding this page implies that I need to take a good look at myself when I am driving and make notes of the improvements that can be made. As a compassionate driver for others, I should be concerned about the fact that I am out of control at times, thus creating potential harm to myself as well as others. By acknowledging and self-witnessing that I am out of control, I can begin to modify my behavior one step at a time.

1. Problems and solutions is concerned with the choices that are available to people in relation to driving in traffic. They can choose to handle difficult situations with a good attitude or a bad one. But, a person will feel better about themselves and toward other drivers if their reactions are positive. If a driver does something to really make someone angry, it is important to work through the situation versus working against it. For example, if a driver cuts someone off, they must try to keep in mind that maybe that person was in a hurry due to an emergency. Perhaps someone is having a bad day and doesn't realize that they have just cut someone else off. Rationalizing and giving adequate thought to reasonable solutions will enable a person to deal with the hostile situations much better.
2. Remember, attitudes count! Traffic Psychology is concerned with changing these attitudes from positive to negative. Thus, a person will find it necessary to evaluate themselves and work towards adjusting their attitudes. If it is possible for a person to overcome the "driving beast" within themselves, then it may likely that they will be able to eliminate the bad choices.
3. I would like to adjust my attitude while driving because too many times I act uncontrollably causing negative emotions on my passengers and other drivers. I believe that our attitudes help create the attitudes of other drivers. If I get out there with road rage, then it is more likely that someone else will have road rage. Not only that, I know that I have the power to create uncomfortable feelings for my passengers in regards to my driving. I know this for a fact because my sister tells me that I am a negligent driver. Based upon this reason I would like to make attempts toward altering my driving disposition.

1. This page offers different solutions concerning a driving personality make-over. Here are a couple of samples taken from Dr. Driving's page in relation to the driving personality exercises:

   1) "Are you an impatient driver?"
   2)"Do you feel the need for speed?"
   3)"Do you retaliate when someone cuts you off?" If any answers fall into the "yes" category, then it wouldn't be a bad idea to refer to Inner Power at the Wheel. This book provides the reader with an easy to follow, step by step program on to change that hostile driving personality that rages within themselves.

   The purpose for this page is to offer new experiences in regards to feelings and thoughts while behind the wheel. By designing and implementing the driving personality makeover, Dr. James and Dr. Nahl have set out to change those awful habits that we manage to adopt while driving in traffic. Through the development of these types of "self-help" programs the need for Traffic Psychology will probably increase as the world makes it's change into the next millennium. Self revelations from other's who have successfully completed the program can also provide further insight and wisdom into Traffic Psychology. By reading the self-testimonies of other drivers, everyone will have an opportunity for understanding the need for a driving personality makeover.

   If I really take the time to evaluate my driving personality, then I would see that creating a driving personality makeover for myself would be very beneficial. Perhaps I can learn to be less aggressive on the road and reap the benefits by experiencing less stress. When I think about how often I allow myself to become irritated by other drivers , it is really stupid. By the time I reach my final destination I need time out to re-cooperate from the traffic alone. If I can share what I learn via self witnessing myself, then I should be able to make a difference on the road.

1. The following paragraph briefly describes the authors' and how they began their career's as psychologists.

   Leon James has a PH.D. in Social Psychology and is currently teaching courses in personality and traffic psychology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His contributions to psychology include the numerous publishing of professional journals in the fields of psychology, information science and education. He is currently a member of Oahu Traffic Safety Council and maintains his own personal Web Site of traffic psychology resources on the internet.
   
   Dr. Diane Nahl has a PH.D. in Communication and Information services and is currently the Assistant Professor on the faculty of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Hawaii. She also maintains a web site on science research issues and collaborated on the writing of Inner Power at the Wheel with Dr. James.

2. Since Dr. James and Dr. Nahl are active internet users, they are able to share their knowledge about resources and traffic psychology with students as well as other on-line users. Dr. James' personal involvement as a member of the Safety Council is proof that he is dedicated to improving the driving behavior of his community as a traffic psychologist.
3. Dr. James' involvement with this organization is a good inspiration for the general public to become active within their communities toward improving driving behavior and personality. Also, his role as "Dr. Driving on the Internet" offers the opportunity for people to become familiar with the Internet as active participants and users. This enables me to take a different perspective regarding traffic issues on news groups and other outside community projects relating to driving.
   

1. The nine zones that Dr. Driving discusses on this page may appear to be a little confusing and difficult to follow, but as I summarize the purpose for these zones, I hope that I hope to create a clear understanding.

   You see, before a person can become a practicing traffic psychologist, they must first make careful observation of their own behavior; thus Dr. Driving refer's to this as "self-witnessing". This mean's that a person has to "internalize" their feelings (affective), thoughts(cognitive), and actions(sensorimotor) in traffic. Dr. James' chart of the nine zones allows a person to do just this. Each zone consists of: 1) domains (feelings, thoughts, and Actions); 2) phases such as Traffic Safety Issues (zones 1-3), Self Control Issues (zones 4-6), and Social Responsibility Issues (zones 7-9). The phases are categorized into three sub-parts including one of each domain. For example, Traffic Safety Issues concerns 1) feelings 2) thoughts and 3)actions, thus, comprising the first of the three zones. Move down the zones from 1 to 2, and then 2 to 3, etc. As a person works down the chart they will be making observations of themselves while at the same time making steps toward becoming a full fledged traffic psychologist.

2. This method is easy to follow and well developed. The self-guided tool of reference that is provided on this page is ideal for altering a person's driving behavior. After completing the exercises listed, this could probably be used as a quick reference for internalizing thoughts, feelings, and actions. This method is a good start because it enables a person to evaluate themselves from a personal perspective. Whenever a person is ready to make any change, it must be done through observing one's own character. I cannot think of a better way to learn other than learning from yourself.
3. Using the chart of the nine zones is a good beginning toward changing my driving habits. Dr. Driving's chart of the nine zones offers insight into how to make changes and become the driver I would prefer being. I realize this will take a lot of dedication, however, I am willing to cognitively evaluate my decisions and take responsibility for my actions.

1. Listed on this page are encouraging comments made by readers from Dr. Driving's web site. Dr. Driving has taken their responses and posted them for public viewing to show how people interpret the messages that he is trying to convey. Not only have people responded with kind words to his philosophies, but his words of wisdom have also been used as 60-second public service announcements that aired on KINE 105.1 FM.
   
   Here is what one visitor wrote after stopping in Dr. Driving's web site. Her response is both positive and encouraging in regards to what Dr. Driving had to say :

   " Thanks for your enlightening and worthwhile page! I visited last fall and just in time!! Driving & life is much improved: more fun, calm, peaceful even joyful! Just wanted to tell you thanks! I appreciate your efforts and hope that many more people stop by your page. I think these techniques help other drivers. It can be contagious. Sometimes in negative traffic situations, it only takes a few driver practicing peaceful driving to calm the rest down.. get them to relax".

   
   
2. Learning from other's can prove to be very educational. Traffic psychology is concerned with the ideas and opinions from other drivers for the purpose of gaining further insight in relation to traffic psychology via different perspectives. Reviewing what these visitors had to say in regards to Dr. Driving's philosophies gave me the opportunity to learn from them..
3. I know that I can learn from other people's suggestions in regards to my driving. I am open to constructive criticism if someone feel's that my driving behavior needs improvement. Although I may not appreciate at the time what they have to say to me, I know that they are giving their suggestions out of concern for my driving welfare. Applying someone else's driving knowledge to my own broadens my horizons while at the same time may offer solutions to some of my bad driving techniques.

1. Driving and traffic resources is taken from Chapter 12 of Dr. James' and Dr. Nahl's book entitled Inner Power at the Wheel. This page offers useful, insightful information by providing various Internet resources relating to traffic psychology for the purpose of becoming an educated traffic psychologist. The National Speed Limit Debate and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety are just a couple of interesting sites that a person can take a look at while visiting Dr. Driving's page.
2. This is useful information for all those people traveling on the information highway who might need to learn about driving with care. These are intended to enhance a person's perspective relating to traffic psychology if not much about the subject matter is known. This page gives a general idea of the many topics that traffic psychology is concerned with and offer's alternative resources for future reference.
3. Personally, this information was very helpful for writing my report. Especially when I came across the part in my report (which you will come to eventually) when I had to list my ten favorite links. I used this specific page as a resource for my links. I am grateful that this page is available for future research material.

1. Dr. Driving provides "Psychological Principles" to help a person become more caring and considerate drivers. He lists about 16 principles that a person can refer to when they are making attempts toward changing their behavior. Here are examples of just a few:

   "Acquire Inner Power At The Wheel-Learn the strategies for emotional self-control and hassle-free driving".
   
   "Slay your driving dragon-conquer your beast within-Learn how your thoughts and feelings respond to methods of self-control-acquire personal self-management techniques as a driver".
   
   "We need to learn how to turn down a challenge. If the car behind you is tailgating, you can act like a warrior or peace maker. It depends whether your dragon rules or your good sense".

2. I refer to this page as "Power Principles" and consider the words of wisdom taken from this page as chicken soup for drivers' souls. Dr. Driving's golden rules of driving wisdom on how to be Rational and Humane Drivers will enable us to alter our driving personalities and become caring and cautious drivers.
3. I would like to live by these principles; well okay, honestly, at least practice them. If I could remember a few of these principles while I am driving then perhaps I can be a happier driver. My sister often tells me that I am a crazy driver. Of course, I get defensive and she becomes worried. Applying these principles informs me that I should take the time to have concern and regard for her feelings by respecting what she has to say. This of course means I will make changes to my driving behavior on behalf of my fellow passengers!

1. Dr. James and Dr. Nahl co-designed the Self-Witnessing Exercise as a method used to evaluate a person's driving personality. This exercise makes it possible for drivers to evaluate themselves in relation to their driving. The doctors provide philosophical questions in regards to various driving situations. There are 11 witnessing categories listed that consist of about four questions for each. The witnessing exercises begin with question number and follows pattern leading up to question number four. For example, Witness 9 presents this question:

   Q1. "Write down one thing automobile drivers do that gets you upset."
   A1: "Drivers who tailgate or follow too close."
   
   Q2: "What do you feel like doing about it at the time?"
   A2: "I want to retaliate and carry out a vendetta against them."
   
   Q3: "What do you usually do about it?"
   A3: "I brake and driver slow enough while making sure that those drivers cannot pass me in any way, because they upset me and I want to upset them by cutting off their ability to go faster."
   
   Q4: "Are you satisfied with what you do or do you hope to change it?"
   A4: "I do hope to change my driving technique one day. I know I take a lot of risks when speeding, making fast lane changes, running stop signs, and checking out the scenery while I driver. I know that most of the time I'm in control but in order to be a good driver I need to work on these things."

   The doctors' attempt at trying to present a consistent message is targeted to make a person think about their thoughts, actions, and solutions to traffic problems.
2. If people are going to become practicing psychologists they should refer to the questions presented by the doctors as well as following the Chart of the Nine Zones. These two areas really work together toward altering your traffic personal. For example, Witness 9 (above) could relate to Self Control Issues. Based upon a person's answers relating to Witness 9, they may ask themselves if their feelings are prudent and fair; their thoughts subjective or objective; and their actions tense, nervous, relaxed or steady. These questions are set out to make people think about their actions toward other drivers and force them to think about how their decisions affect their driving behavior.
3. In regards to traffic psychology, I am really learning to think about the problems that I am facing while in traffic and the choices I give myself. Just the other day a person raced from behind me and cut me off. I chose not to become angry because as a result my blood pressure would increase, I would become agitated, and then I would probably become frazzled by the time I reached my destination. I eliminated a future problem that I would have caused for myself. It was a wiser decision for me to let it go, besides the other driver didn't get much farther ahead of me by the time we came to the stop light.

1. Dr. Driving provides us with a lengthy list of topics available for the drivers amuse. When you click on these topics, they provide you with a brief description about the topic. For example, The Poetry of Traffic represents a summary relating to what the Poetry of Traffic is all about. The point that Dr. Driving is attempting to present is that:

   " there is an art to be discovered while in traffic. If a person is sitting there, take note of the bonding relationship that drivers have with one another, if only for brief moments.

   Thinking about the "mini-relationships" that drivers share with one another is intriguing.
2. Personally, I've never thought about the similarity that exists between drivers. Sitting in traffic, waiting for signals to change, and watching pedestrians cross the street are all things that drivers experience at the same time. It is really important to understand these issues that Dr. Driving presents. It is important to understand the "bonding" that is taking place yet at the same time drivers are to busy to become aware of it. Aside from all of the other philosophical issues, these ideas nurture a person's intellect in relation to traffic psychology. They are entertaining as well as educationally informative. A couple of these topics like Health and Safety Issues, Driver's Self-Analysis, and Wrangling with Yourself are helpful resources for changing the driving behavior.
3. I enjoyed reading these topics. Attempting to elaborate on some of the ideas that Dr. Driving has mentioned with fellow drivers should make interesting conversation. Topics like The Poetry of Traffic and the Driver's Self -Analysis are good beginning headliners when I host my quality driving circles. Sharing these ideas with others is a good way to get other people interested in traffic psychology.

1. This topical index includes excerpts from various drivers who visited the rec.autos.driving newsgroups. Dr. Driving has implemented some of the responses as part of his web site. One driver in particular responded to Dr. James' issue regarding fast driving. Here's what they wrote:

   
   "In Article <326bf1dd.78ce@aloha.net>, Leon James wrote: Drive at a speed limit wherever you are and frequently glance at the side of the road just ahead of you. You'll get the sensation of speed even at 45 or 50. My students report that it satisfies some of their craving for speed. Has anyone else tried this? Or else, try getting a poorly handling underpowered car with a stick (i.e. festiva). Because it's a crappy car, driving it at about 45 m.p.h. will seem like 80"

   
   
   Dr. Driving attempts to offer this driver a solution concerning driving fast. Providing a "choice" for the driver is an alternative other than speeding uncontrollably while endangering their life as well as others. Although the suggestion of buying a different car may be rather drastic for the driver, one can see the logic that Dr. Driving is using. In other words, curb the temptation to speed and buy a car that someone is less likely to speed in.
2. The issues brought up on this page are very important to traffic psychology because they are issues that people deal with everyday. Speaking for myself, I love to speed! I have a little 1986 Honda civic. My little car doesn't go very fast, but I manage to speed. When I go the speed limit I feel like a snail. The fact remains that I must consider other drivers on the road if I am going to become a practicing traffic psychologist. Perhaps buying a different style of car is not realistic for me, but attempting to drive the speed limit and possible eliminating the desire to tailgate would be a wise thought.
3. I need to learn to be more considerate of other drivers who may not be having a good day and also considerate of my passengers. If someone asks me not to speed because they are concerned for their safety, then I should be concerned for that person. Also, maybe that person is showing concern for me, the driver, by saying "Slow down, before you kill us both!" I can remember a couple of instances where I came raging down a steep hill, if I think about it that was really stupid. Not only was I endangering myself, but my sister as well. I enjoyed reading what others had to say in regards to speeding because I am able to learn from their experiences as well as my own.

After reading Dr. Driving's pages, I went to the bottom and clicked on the Submit button, this took me to the Alta Vista page which listed different responses from the rec.autos.driving newsgroups.

The threads that Dr. Driving was active in were, Slay Your Driving Dragon, Speed Kills, Speed limits and driving skills, Dateline NBC Story, and Hey Tailgaters...

I think that Dr. Driving's philosophical messages suggest alternatives to anger while driving. He is trying to urge us to take responsibility for ourselves and our actions! I think that this is very good advice because other people do not make us angry, we allow them to make us angry thus creating hostility for ourselves. For example, if I am on the road, and somebody decides to cut me off, I would probably become very angry for endangering my life. Wouldn't you? But I can also think of it this way; Someone cuts me off and we are both fortunate enough to not get into an accident. I can choose to go on driving and not allow myself to become a vicious angry driver, therefore keeping me happy. An alternative is to speed up to that person tell them what I think by flipping them the bird, cause my blood pressure to rise and the result is I am angry for the remainder of trip. I think I would rather choose alternative number one. This is the point that Dr. Driving is trying to convey, think of yourself and other drivers with care, you'll be glad you did!

Other people's response to what Dr. Driving has to say is that they do not agree with his philosphies and choose to have a negative attitude while driving. Here is what one person said in Slay Your Driving Dragon:

"For someone who purports to be an expert on anger and its potential danger, you sure have a knack for making people angry".

"It seems to me that "facilitative driving" means smiling as you allow obnoxious and/or clueless drivers to endanger other drivers with their recklessness! No, thanks. I'll continue to practice "courteous driving", where my courtesy does *not* exted to the people who are endangering my well-being (and others')".

"Oh, the save the idiots at the expense of the masses freedom, huh? The reason why there are such idiots out there is because we limit too much. We don't let them have choices, we make them for them. Why should people be smarter when they don't have to, they have people like you who want to do the thinking for them".

As you can see after visiting the links I just mentioned, these people are quick to criticize Dr. Driving and his suggestions relating to hostility in traffic. I think that these are people who have been driving for years and just do not want to change their way of thinking (or driving). Perhaps he is offering advice to people who do not want to hear what he has to say. That's fair enough, no one person can make you change, even Dr. Driving for that matter. But Dr. Driving is not making a claim by saying that he has the "POWER" to change a person. He is saying that we have the power to change ourselves by cognitively evaluating ourselves and the choices we make. So I would suggest that Dr. Driving attempt a different approach for getting a person's attention. Perhaps by taking a position that is more suggestive rather than sounding affirmative with his solutions people may not respond so rudely to his answers. Say for example, Dr. Driving was to present drivers with about for or five alternative choices regarding tailgating. Also, It may be wise to have them think about their own choices and how they as drivers are effected. Then perhaps people will be able to better evaluate themselves and put more thought into the suggestions that Dr. Driving provides. It is important to remember that Dr. Driving is not responsible for anyone's actions, they can only be responsible for themselves. So why not take what the doctor has to say and at least think about it with an open mind.

My Favorite Traffic Psychology Resources

This was probably the best part of doing research on my report because I got to choose topics that interested me the most. Not only did they catch my attention, but they are issues that should be addressed on a daily basis when it comes to things like preventing drunk driving, looking out for those speed trap hot spots, and driving safely. A couple of my links include cartoons of how I would describe myself while in traffic.

Check out Hawaii Speedtraps and be cautious of police hiding along the roadside. Driving down the Kalanianaole, I am aware of speed traps that exist in Aina Haina, Niu Valley, and Waimanalo. This also helps me out to be aware of other "hiding" spots around O'ahu.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is just that, people who concerned about the driving safety of everyone. This is a big organization of people who are more than likely practicing traffic psychologist concerned with some of the same issues that Dr. Dr. Driving presents to us.

Choosing Kids, Cars, and Crashes was very important to me because I feel that too many children die due to negligent drivers on the roads. When a child under four years of age or under 50 pounds is traveling in the car they should be seated in a car set to prevent serious injury in case of an accident. There should be more advocates regarding this issue.

Anyone who is anyone should always wear theirSafety Belts. I've heard that most traffic fatalities happen within five miles of the home. In many cases, people are running to the local store or burger joint to pick something up. Then "BOOM" they get into an accident and were not wearing their seat belts. I'm convinced that they put seat belts in cars for a reason

The topic of Air Bags appears to be very controversial in society today. Whether or not they save people's lives is a debatable issue. I've heard many stories about how people, especially children have died from these things. I think the various car manufacturers should re-evaluate if these things are really that necessary in preventing serious injury. It seems to me that they only cause more harm than good.

Age 21 and Drinking Laws is an issue that I feel very strongly about. Rules like this were made for the intended purpose of safeguarding young citizens on the road. Has anyone ever thought that perhaps the legal drinking age is 21 because anyone younger may not be able to handle the responsibility? I think that some people over the drinking age are not mature enough to handle liquor as well.

How to Drive Safely presents suggestions on how to ensure driving with Safety. I liked them because I can always use a few reminders on how to stay "sane" and "cautious" when I am driving with passengers in the car.

Wanna' good laugh. Check out the Driving School site. These questions and answers were taken from a traffic school that one sheriff hosted. You would be surprised at the responses (for real!!) these drivers gave.

Do you ever feel like your "pseudo-personality" comes out while driving in traffic? Well I sure do. This cartoon depicts what I often feel like when I'm in a hurry or outraged at other drivers. Please, take a look!Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This does not have much to do with traffic psychology but it was kind of fun to take a driving quiz that comes from the UK. Go ahead and take the The AXA Driving Quiz and see if you win free pounds of your insurance!