SAFETY PREVAILS OVER RECKLESSNESS -- IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
A WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE
Do you want to become a better driver, reduce stress and breath easier behind the wheel? Well, if not, too bad because I DO. And if you're like me, then this report might interest you. I have read the previous generation sites and reports on Professor James' Generational Curriculum and have reacted to their ideas. While doing so, I have gathered some pretty useful information and idea on how to manage a Quality Driving Circle (QDC). I have adopted the driving philosophy -- Make the decision to change for the better and drive with the knowledge that you want to make a difference for yourself and for the benefit of society. I want to focus on how we as drivers can learn to become more respectful of each other in order to make the road a happier and safer place, and to make driving a more pleasant experience.
EVOLUTION THROUGH THE GENERATIONS -- A LOOK BACK AT TRAFFIC PSYCHOLOGY
Mr. Takitani has a very creative way of expressing his computer anxieties. I included a clip of his personal reactions of the very moment he walked into the CLIC lab:
I can recall so vividly that first day, going into the CLIC lab, checking out a Mac, popping the boot disk, and then begin sweating with anxiety. I had no idea what to expect--but I'd prepare myself for the worst. We'd been assigned to create our lab report file using Emacs (and I'd no clue as to where to even begin). So I stumbled around on the Internet, trying to find some sort of help files which I could print out. Finding none, I got frustrated and left my terminal to go get some fresh air. I walked over to the candy machines in Manoa Gardens and was digging into my pockets for loose change when I heard a squeaky little voice say, "Psst! Need help with Emacs?" Stunned, I dropped my Bar None as my hands instinctively covered my mouth. Standing way back in the corner of the room was a tiny old elf who was no more than three feet tall! He was dressed in a three-piece business suit and held a very expensive-looking leather briefcase in his right hand; under his left arm he carried a plastic booster seat. He had a full-grown beard and was wearing a massive baseball cap with the words "No Fear" written on it. He was looking at me with this weird twinkle in his eyes and, for a split-second, I could've sworn he winked at me.
It seems to me that Mr. Takitani was quite apprehensive about taking such a computer class as this. Although it was quite some time ago that he has taken it, my feelings are mutual. Even though computers have changed since G1, they are still as complicated as ever. Which brings up a point that Mr. Takitani directs --depression. He mentions:
As for as I'm concerned, Mr. Takitani has learned how to deal with computer anxieties in a very ideal manner. His advice seems quite handy and useful. Hopefully, the next time I feel like sending a virus through the Internet, I'll be able to remember it and save a lot of worries and headaches. It is also clear that his advice can be applied to my driving personality makeover and to my QDC as well.
What he says makes a lot of sense:
"Set realistic expectations for yourself." By following this I can be less ambitious of what I want to change about myself. I can learn to expect what I can and cannot accomplish given a specific allotted amount of time. For example, I must acknowledge that slaying the "dragon" within myself is going to take time and a lot of patience on my part.
"Try to find/learn something new and useful about he system." I can apply this to myself as well. By learning more about driving personality, I can see what areas I need to improve on. It can also apply to the field of traffic psychology too. By learning more about the field I will be able to enhance my skills in becoming psychologist.
"Try to understand the way the computer is working/thinking as you're manipulating it...you have to understand the nature of the beast before you can conquer it." For me, this could mean that my brain is like a computer and I must understand the way it works before I can modify myself. Without understand my driving personality, how can I understand what changes I must make in order to improve myself. I must understand myself before I can change what needs to be changed.
As a whole, Mr. Takitani talks a lot about his ordeals and triumphs with the computer and all that they concern relative to Professor James' assignments. He learned how to cope with the difficulties and progressed with each obstacle he encountered. It was also evident that he learned a great amount from the other students he interacted with, in class and through the computer.
Ms. Isa has some very important concerns about how to modify her attitude and pointed out speeding issues that I consider to be critical. I have included some of the things she said and applied them to myself and the way I drive.
I feel that when we drive, we become a different "animal." I was once told by a friend that cars are like cattle and move like cattle - in a chute, bunched together and moving in one direction. Thus we become "cattle." I say this because driving is so routine or becomes so. I feel that we do not normally analyze our driving habits and skills and we don't normally ask "why" we did something unless placed in an abnormal situation (e.g. an accident).
Ms. Isa points out a very interesting idea. The more I think about it, we sometimes do act like cattle -- brute, animal-like, bestial. What is it that makes us behave in such a way? Is it the sheer notion of being behind a machine of great power, able to maneuver in outrageous manners?
Speaking for myself, I guess driving becomes second nature. I sit behind the wheel and my mind seems to automatically know what to do. Remarkably, I get to my destination, unharmed. I remember an accident I got into because I was speeding. Yes, I know stupid. It even occurred on the back road from Makakilo to Ewa. I wasn't aware of what my behavior was at that time until I coasted off the road and slammed into a barbed wire fence. By that time is was too late to realize how fast I was going, it was just too late. Eventually, it was the end of the day and somehow I found myself safely at home restlessly lying on my bed. Then, my thoughts started racing. Even my mind speeds. Stupid! Why only now that I got into an accident do I consider changing my habits. Old habits die hard and till this day I still speed. Hopefully, by taking Psy 459, I will be able to lay off the accelerator pedal and not be in such a rush the next time I get behind the wheel.
A "good driver?" Does one really exist? Personally, I feel that a good driver is someone who is always attentive to their passengers, other drivers and constantly aware of the traffic conditions around them. A good driver is someone who adheres to the vast majority of traffic laws and regulations and is courtesy to other drivers. A good driver is someone who is in control and feels confident (not cocky) and comfortable behind the driver's wheel. Above all, a good driver is someone who practices good safety habits such as always wearing a seat belt, maintaining the maintenance of their car and not drinking and driving.
Ms. Isa's definition of a "good driver" is one that I can agree with. I feel that a driver must always be aware of his or her surroundings in order to avoid any awkward predicaments. In doing so, safety prevails over the roads and all that roam across them. I wouldn't rate myself as a good driver. I'm more of an aggressive driver. So, hopefully reading all these previous reports will give me some insight in how to improve myself. So far, I've learned a lot more than I intended.
To modify these behaviors I needed to change my attitude. I told myself that it was extremely important to control my anger and frustrations and not let it out at the people/drivers who upset me. I had to be more patient, open-minded and consider the feelings of other drivers.
Here, Ms. Isa points out a crucial element in becoming a good driver. She focuses on how to improve her attitude as part of her driving personality make-over. I commend her effort in wanting to change herself for the benefit of society. She realizes that she could not change the behavior of others, and so, took the responsibility to change herself. Something that myself and other drivers on the road should do.
I feel that if I concentrate and focus on changing my negative cognitions into positive ones, I will (eventually) succeed in breaking my bad driving habits. I also feel the key to success is genuinely wanting to change and with this comes the dedication, determination and the "drive" to do so. I truly want to alter my "unnoble" behaviors and become a "reformed driver" and I believe that with a lot of hard work, I will achieve this.
It is apparent that Ms. Isa truly wants to modify herself not only for her sake, but for the sake of others -- passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers, as well. Her decision to make-over her driving personality is a major step in wanting to be a better driver and a better individual as a whole.
To sum up Ms. Isa's site, she has extremely insightful comments geared specifically towards applying traffic psychology to herself. She obviously wants to change her negative habits and become a better person behind the wheel. I liked her open-mindedness toward wanting to change. She had some pretty realistic suggestions that helped her driving personality and could as well help to improve mine. More so, in changing her driving personality on the road would inevitably improve her personality off the road.
Mr. Yucoco has some pretty good suggestions on how to improve his driving behavior and how to stop speeding in his Corvette. I thought his suggestions could help me so I have mentioned a few of them.
The first behavior I approached was swearing. I choose to deal with this behavior because I saw the effects of my swearing over a prolonged amount of time. It started rubbing off on those who were around me, mainly my girlfriend. It seems that she is well on her way in picking up my bad habit. I started my plan of attack by trying to be positive person behind the steering wheel. I was trying to be aware of what I was saying. I also tried to put myself in a different perception. I imagined that I wasn't swearing at the car or an act but a instead I was swearing in the persons face.
It seemed to me that Mr. Yucoco really wants to modify his driving personality because of its affects on his girlfriend. Although he didn't seem too optimistic that his plan would work, he still took the time to actually try and change himself. Lo and behold, his plan did indeed work. Maybe, if I try hard enough I'll be able to receive the same outcome. When I drive, it seems as if words just fly out of my mouth without the control of my brain. It is so strange. The others drivers can't hear me, so what's the use of uttering obscenities. It's just plain negative. I can't help it, but if Mr. Yucoco can stop swearing, then so can I.
The theory, as with all my therapy, is to be aware of what I am doing and when it happens try to deal with it. The only thing that will stop this therapy from working is me, myself, and I. Though it may seem simple, that is the farthest from the truth. If you are not willing to change and are receptive to others inputs, you will not grow or may be able to be educated.
Mr. Yucoco has a good point here. It can not only be applied to driving, but to life as well. It makes total logical sense. Maybe, that's why I can't seem to get rid of my negative driving habits. I must first learn to be aware of what happens when I drive. As I get behind the wheel, I can already feel the tension swell within me. I begin to imagine other drivers not signaling when they merge or change lanes. That's the major thing that really upsets me -- people don't signal. My gosh, that's why signals were invented, so that other drivers will know where you are going without the element of surprise. Okay, I guess NOW I'm aware what happens -- I get upset by another driver's unintentional attempt to annoy other drivers. The next step for me is to deal with it. Hmm, that's going to take some time. However, just like what Mr. Yucoco said, "you will not grow or...be able to be educated." So, now I must learn to accept other people's "negative" driving behavior. Sometimes, it helps to think that I sure I'm glad that I wasn't brought up to that way -- to annoy other people by not signaling. Alright, I guess I do have a problem not accepting other people's problems. That's why I took this traffic psychology course.
For all the behaviors I have tried to change, I feel that the tailgating, rushing, and swearing are well on they way to leaving my driving persona. As far as the mood swings are concerned, I think that all depend on what is going on in my life. I'll have to deal with it when it starts to become erratic. Speeding is a totally different thing. It is going to be extremely hard for me to change this habit.
I feel that can relate to Mr. Yucoco when he mentioned the part about the mood swings and speeding. Sometimes my driving is affected by the way I feel. When I'm in a bad mood, other drivers beware, I get radical. I do admit, driving like this does is not good for my health and endangers the lives of my passengers and everyone else on the road. However, since the beginning of this course, I can say that my driving habits have improved, just a wee bit. Nonetheless, my driving personality make-over is on it's way. As for speeding, oh boy... I still have to work on that problem. I don't want to wait until I get a ticket to change this bad behavior. Just like Mr. Yucoco, maybe I'll devise a plan in order to prevent me from pressing on the gas pedal too hard.
From reading Mr. Yucoco's site, it was clear that he tried extremely hard to make-over his driving personality, not only for his sake but for his girlfriend's sake as well. I admire his honesty about swearing and wanting to change himself. I thinks this applies to me too. I want to stop swearing and speeding on the road. I liked his suggestions and might take them into consideration for myself to modify my driving personality.
Ms. Collado has wonderful insights as to how traffic psychology applied to her. She mentioned many points on what she considered to be important and I have included those that pertained to speeding.
Although I have felt many times "pressured" to speed by cars rushing closely behind me, I don't feel as if it's a problem that I hold them up. I admit that I have increased my speed due to cars behind me before, but I try not to do it due to the fact that I don't like to feel rushed. I can't relate to her feeling of being rude to others by not speeding. I don't feel rude if I drive at a regular pace, and if I did, so what? Although a person may make a weird face at me for driving slower than them, it doesn't necessarily mean that they think I'm rude, and once again, if they did, so what? I would never know unless that person stopped their car, made me stop my car (of which I'm sure nobody would stop while speeding), and told me directly. When I am the one speeding, and I pass by a slower driver, I don't think of that person as rude.
Ms. Collado seems to be a rational driver and doesn't seem to feel as pressured to submit to other drivers' behavior when faced with an otherwise upsetting situation. Previously, I used to feel pressured too to speed up when I see another driver in the rear-view mirror wanting to "kiss" the bumper of my car. Then, just recently I noticed a change in my driving behavior -- I immediately change lanes when I notice a driver speeding up behind me. That is so bizarre because I used to be the kind of driver that would stay in my lane no matter what. However, since taking this Psy 459, I seem to have "absorbed" some of Dr. Driving's advice.
There are many different situations and reasons a person speeds. Personally, I do speed, but it isn't a constant. I notice that I speed on empty freeway, especially when my destination is towards the North Shore where there seems to be less cars and more area to drive. I also like the surroundings which gives a sense of openness. I do take into consideration other drivers and that's why I tend to speed when I'm driving alone. I did, however, noticed that I may speed when feeling anxious or "in a rush," but that's on times when the freeways are clear. I don't like speeding when there are lots of cars that paint a "traffic-filled" picture. I agree that speeding can cause for a dangerous situation, but the reasons to why people speed are debatable.
Wow, I admire Ms. Collado's consideration for other drivers on the road. Even though she takes advantage of an open car-less freeway and speeds, she still has the proper frame of mind -- not to speed when there is traffic. It is true that people speed for different reasons. One thing is for sure, if speeding endangers the lives of others on the road , then one should take on the responsibility to avoid doing such a mishap. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone thought about this every time they sit behind the wheel.
To resolve my speeding when late or in a rush, I decided that time management would provide a general yet helpful answer. This is a difficult task in itself, especially when schedules are kept so busy. There always seems to be not enough time, but that's where time management comes in. I'd have to leave earlier meaning I'd have to wake up earlier as well as keeping a list of things to be done so time slots unfilled can be known. I chose a basic suggestion for this because it will help me outside the realms of traffic psychology. It may also modify my attitude towards being tardy from "It's ok if I'm late," to "It would be better if I was on time."
I like Ms. Collado's attitude and idea here. She points out that she must not only change her driving behavior, but her way of thinking as well in order to make-over her driving personality. I understand her hesitation in re-arranging her schedule so that she can have enough time to accomplish her tasks, that's only natural. Although I may not be as submissive as she was toward being late I still feel uneasy about having to get up early in order to prevent being late. Still, she has the right idea though to change her attitude about being late. She is quite aware that in order to avoid speeding she must first deal with her way of thinking.
It seems to me that Ms. Collado became very aware of the way she thought not only about driving but of herself as an individual. She became more knowledgeable about traffic psychology and its implications on her and her mentality on the road. Her insight provided a way for me to reconsider my own actions and how they affect other drivers, especially on the subject of speeding.
Here, at Mr. Cabuag's site, he discusses his strategies in wanting to improve his driving. He self-observed his driving and made observations as to what his negative driving habits were.
After observing myself driving, I was able to identify a target behavior. As most of the lists state at the end of each route, it was obvious that changing lanes without signaling was at the top of the list indicating that this driving behavior occurred more frequently compared to all the others. Therefore, I chose that behavior to change or at least attempt to change.
I have mentioned this part of Mr. Cabuag's report because he points a very important aspect I want to explore -- not signaling. Why do so many people do it? I have gotten into some pretty close calls because the other driver did not signal. Further in Mr. Cabuag's report, he mentioned his attempt to change this negative habit. In doing so, he admitted his resistance to change. He goes on to explain that because some drivers think that they are "good drivers" they don't need to change their way of driving. I feel that this used to imply to myself. Lo and behold, I discovered that I had major road rage. Yet, I wasn't aware of it until I started taking Psy 459. Like Mr. Cabuag, I too had to realize that they were some flaws in my driving personality that I had to modify.
Though I was unsuccessful in totally eliminating the target behavior over a one week period, I did decrease the frequency of the behavior. I feel with more time, I will be able to get rid of this behavior. Maybe changing my modification plan might do the job. Maybe increasing the negative reinforcement from 25 cents to a dollar may force me to focus more on changing the target behavior. I guess this modification plan wasn't a complete failure. Furthermore, I will continue to work toward eliminating this target behavior.
Although Mr. Cabuag's self-modification plan didn't work quite as well as he had hoped, he still managed to make some adjustments. His persistence in wanting to continue eliminating his target behavior encouraged me to persist in wanting to change my negative behavior -- the tendency to speed. He realized that maybe he had to improve his strategy somehow. Maybe, I should do the same. I've managed to slow down a bit on the freeway by keeping the speedometer between 60 and 65 mph. However, I still tend to speed up when other drivers pass by me. Also, when I'm driving in a residential area, specifically Ewa Beach, I sometimes make fast turns. I guess, making some drastic changes to my driving personality would be a good idea.
Mr. Cabuag carried out his experiment in wanting to break down a driver's resistance to change on other people. He road with them, made observations and suggested changes, such as placing reminders for themselves in their car in order to prevent them from repeating negative behaviors. He had great insights as to why people resisted change, and brought up the idea that maybe gender played a role. Hopefully, I will be able to use some of Mr. Cabuag's insight when I perform my own self-modification on other people.
Looking through Ms. Dorion's site, I noticed that she was very critical of her classmates sites. However, for her own self-modification she pointed important facts that I felt were worth mentioning.
I chose this because my impatience practically rules my attitudes towards many things. This is the heart of my negative thoughts, vulgar language, my persistence to threaten others especially when I'm driving and why my blood boils when others around me are just in my way. My impatience definitely leads to the everyday stresses in my life.
Unfortunately, I have to be honest and say that I am as impatient as Ms. Dorion, except for taking my impatience out on other drivers. I am a very impatient person, not only while driving, but in my daily life as well. This is one virtue that I haven't got! I've tried to change the way I think about things in order for me not to get upset every time I'm stuck behind some slow *beep* *beep* driver or someone who doesn't know how to work their signals or someone trying to get as close to my bumper as much as he/she can. Well, if I can't manage to change other people's behavior, I can attempt to change mine. By initiating my QDC Personality Driving Test, I hopefully will be able to discover common faults among myself and others.
I wish at times the goodness in me will submerge the evil thoughts and actions I have towards others. With the demands and stresses in our daily lives, I just need to live by the saying "stop and smell the roses." perhaps my impatient behavior will eventually subside.
I hope by following Ms. Dorion's important piece of advice -- "stop and smell the roses." I will be able to slow down the pace not only with driving but with life in general. Impatience is very bad, especially on the road along with the many other impatient drivers out there.
Observing oneself and accepting that there are behaviors to modify is the first step in the driving persona modification plan. From there a certain strategy can be formulated to try and modify the unwanted behavior. Wouldn't it be better to know that you can get behind the wheel and get to your destination avoiding unnecessary stress from traffic? Drive with the Aloha Spirit!
Ms. Dorion has the right idea! We must first observe and accept ourselves in order to make any necessary modifications. It is crucial to admit when we are endangering the lives of others and ourselves with negative driving habits. When we finally realize what our mistakes are, we can then try to change them in order to become better drivers and better people. Driving with the Aloha Spirit, as Ms. Dorion stated, is a very important attribute, especially here in the islands.
Ms. Agarpao reviewed several previous generations' reports and incorporated their thoughts and ideas into her belief as to why people should have driving personality makeovers. I mentioned some of her ideas and explained why I thought they were important and how they were relevant to my own QDC.
I agree that it should be done because I think everyone must move in the direction toward positive change especially with regards to driving. Operating a vehicle in a negative state would increase the probability of an undesirable, unfortunate event, such as, an accident, death, and the like. For instance, when continually driving the same way over time, negative attitudes would arise because this might make the driver irritable and agitated, thus producing an added negativity in the driver's behavior.
Ms. Agarpao pointed out a very crucial element as to why people should have a driving personality makeover. This aspect, I feel, is what I want to implement in my own QDC -- to "move in the direction toward positive change. It is important for people to have a positive attitude, especially while driving. For myself, I have a bad habit of venting out my tensions on the road. Although I know that it is dangerous, I still continue to do it. Hopefully, slowly, but surely, I will be able to incorporate Ms. Agarpaois ideas into my driving personality and encourage my QDC to do the same.
I would probably show a resistance to change because it would be difficult having a different attitude and behavior while driving when I am accustomed for many years to my usual driving. Probably others would react the same way because changing from a usual driving routine to a new one would be so difficult to do. The difference here is whether or not the person has the motivation or the driving need for change. If there is motivation, then there would be little resistance. But, there would be more resistance if no motivation were present at all.
Here, Ms. Agarpao realized that she, herself, has a resistance to change. I think that it is important to admit to oneself that one has a difficult time accepting positive change in order to modify his/her negative behavior. In class, Dr. James teaches that resistance to change is one of the many reasons why people continue to behave in a manner that is hazardous to themselves and others. Another reason why people resist positive change is because they don't want to admit they are indeed bad drivers. Their reluctance to change is their way of saying "I am a good driver" even if it means endangering the lives of others on the road. It takes a whole lot of oneself to admit when change is needed in order to become a better person and driver. Ms. Agarpao has taken a great step in wanting to change herself. Maybe, I too can take that step and have the power to encourage others.
Overall, Ms. Agarpao learned a great deal not only through Dr. James' class, but also by reading the previous generations' reports. She specifically selected ideas, like changing for the better and breaking down the resistance to change. She then incorporated them into her own driving philosophy. Her insight brought a clearer understanding of Dr. James' driving philosophy. It also inspired me to develop a more specific driving philosophy, which of course is still in the midst of construction.
Here, is a report rather enjoyed reading. Mr. Baxa reminded me of Mr. Takitani's report, way back at the top. They both write with clear insight that makes it educational as well as entertaining to browse through their sites. In Mr. Baxa's report, he clearly states why having a driving personality make-over is so important. He used previous generations' reports to back up his reasoning and also incorporated their ideas into his arguments.
"What's a driving personality makeover?", you ask. In a nut shell, a driving personality makeover is a plan of action that uses behavior modification techniques in a series of sequential steps to reduce negative driving behaviors and replaces them with more positive ones, thus making a person a better driver. These steps are as follows:
Mr. Baxa pointed out the main reason why people should engage in making over their driving personality. He also provided the steps to show how one might go about doing so. He then went on to explain each step and why they were each individually important. I want to incorporate these steps when engaging my driving modification plan on my QDC.
Since I started driving, I noticed that I become impatient and irritable when there is traffic and the pace begins to crawl. I also become extremely stressed and angered when others tailgate me or suddenly cut in front of me with no warning. Because these behaviors of other drivers are putting me in danger, I take it personally. When my mood changes from happy-smiley Artemio into pissed off-cranky Artemio, my driving suffers terribly.
I feel I can relate to Mr. Baxa when he said that his moods change. When I'm in a bad mood on the road, I no longer am that reserved Michelle, I am get-out of my way Michelle. What makes me do this? It is what Dr. James calls the "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Syndrome." Interestingly enough, when I first began taking Psy 459, I used think that the other driver was intentionally making me upset or that the other driver just didn't care who else was on the road. Now, I know that it is my assumption or interpretation of their behavior that is making me react the way I do. After realizing this, I don't get as stressed out as before or feel like I have to get even at the other driver.
So every time, I catch myself becoming aggravated or hostile when I drive, I tell myself that I am still safe and not hurt (which is better than being in an accident). I also just try to smile and laugh it off to lessen the impact of other drivers' actions towards me. And you know, it works! When you realize that you are the master of your own feelings and that nobody makes you happy or angry but yourself, you end up being more in control of yourself and the situation. Now that I have gone through and read four on-line generational curriculum classes, I am sure I would be able to conduct my own driving personality makeover, step-by-step and precisely.
I like Mr. Baxa's change from a negative attitude to a positive one. Wow, what a difference it made! My friend used to tell me to smile even when I didn't feel like it because I was so stressed out. Lo and behold, it worked. Just like how it worked for Mr. Baxa. My friend told me that it works because it acts like a mind-altering drug. The expression on your face can actually trick your mind into thinking that you really feel that way. What Mr. Baxa says is precisely right. No one can make another person feel upset or angry. Only you can do that. So, I guess I can't blame my negative driving attitude on anyone else besides myself -- "I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul."
Mr. Baxa seems to have been influenced not only by what he learned from the previous' generations, but also from his own remedies. Traffic psychology has made a great impact on his life. He seems to have absorbed the lessons taught in traffic psychology and has developed a new sense of self-responsibility in regards to those around him on the road. Hopefully, I will manage to smile more on and off the road and be able to improve my driving personality as well as to enhance my individual personality.
Mr. Cobb-Adams provided an informative, yet concise report on his view on traffic psychology. I liked how he shared his own personal view as to why he thinks traffic psychology is important and how it implies to individuals. He mentioned issues like tailgating that I want to discuss with my QDC.
We've all seen it before and most of us even engage in it from time to time, usually when we're in a hurry to get somewhere but also when we get upset at fellow drivers. When we tailgate, we give in to the temptation or rationalize away the dangers of tailgating and behave in a dangerous and ultimately unjustifiable manner. The shear fact that we can never have sufficient control over other drivers' actions to ensure safety should lead us to the assimilation of defensive driving skills that preclude tailgating.
As you can see, Mr. Cobb-Adams presents a very unique perspective towards tailgating. It is true, that when we tailgate, we are not thinking rationally and disregard any positive alternatives besides following closely behind the person in front of us. I, myself, don't tailgate. I've been more like the victim of a "tailgater." I used to slow down intentionally to make the other driver change lanes or make the person think otherwise for following so closely. Now, after taking Psy 459, I am more aware of the implications of such negative behavior. I've seen other drivers tailgate and I'm pretty sure you have too. There was one occasion in which a Pathfinder was following a Honda Tercel so close that the driver had to occasionally brake in order to avoid a rear-end accident. All I could think was "How could he follow so close, when he can just change lanes." I felt fear for the person driving the Honda Tercel. He just looked like he needed to go some where in no rush at all. Then this driver comes along and wants to ram him off the freeway.
Traffic psychology is a specific aspect of psychology that forces us to deal with ourselves by studying behavior and interaction in the controlled environment of public road ways. By focusing changes in this environment and their feasibility and solvency we are forced through the context to deal with ourselves. This is probably my favorite aspect of traffic psychology; it's all about yourself. This is why traffic psychology is needed. Every one needs help because none of us is just quite perfect (especially when it comes to driving). Traffic psychology thus presents a door through which we can cognitively enter and modify our very essence and achieve a higher quality of living.
I like Mr. Cobb-Adams idea that traffic psychology is a kind of psychology that deals precisely with oneself. It seems to me that he knows quite well of the implications of traffic psychology and all the benefits that it entails -- the achievement of "a higher quality of living."
Some other people think that there should be speed limits but they should be in the range of 75 to 100 miles per hour and conversely there are those who propose 8 miles per hour speed limits for residential areas. Both ideas sound good to me. I think in the end, a balance will be found which will incorporate all of these ideas. The things that scares me however, are attitudes I see in some of the postings. Some people have very rigid attitudes that don't leave room for new ideas, facts, or compromise. This is dangerous and limiting. Dangerous because they are often inflexible to improving ideas and limiting because they rule out other opinions even when they come from professionals.
On the topic of speeding, I feel that Mr. Cobb-Adams expressed the fact that not everyone agrees on the speed limit. That is one of the reasons why I think people speed. Personally, sometimes when I drive on Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach, I feel stupid driving 25 mph on a stretch of road that has a golf course on one side and dirt on the other. I know it's for the safety of the community, but I don't think it's logical to drive at that speed on a road such as this. And besides, no one drives at that speed anyway. Occasionally, a cop makes his way around, then of course, everyone drives at the speed he's going.
To sum it up, Mr. Cobb-Adams's unique insight to traffic psychology provides some helpful hints on how I want to adjust my driving personality. He offers some useful tid-bits in which I can use on my QDC. I like his innovative ideas on how to improve one's way of thinking, not only about traffic psychology, but also on one's attitude on driving.
Mr. Machida, like many of the other reports I read, has great insight on the subject of driving and how traffic psychology applies to it. I like the way he discusses each topic, adding his own personal view and using examples and reasoning from other students.
As Dr. James discussed, tailgating is a skill that has to be practiced to master fully. While practicing for the first time, the driver already has a feeling of confidence, perhaps even arrogance in their driving skills. When the driver begins to tailgate, maybe even by mistake during his first time, if the driver gets away with it without suffering any negative consequences, that driver will do it again. Because no punishment or negative reinforcement is associated with the tailgating behavior, that tailgater will continue to behave that way. This tailgater is cognitively aware of their actions while tailgating yet does not alter their behaviors. Not only does this infringe on the rights of other drivers, it shows the lack of ethics and morals within that tailgater.
Here, is a very good definition of a tailgater. I like Mr. Machida's concise description of how a driver may one turn into one. He clearly shows how the aspects of psychology integrates with driving. Perhaps, in my QDC, I can provide some kind of negative stimulus for the driver if he/she tailgates. In this way, I can condition the person not to do it again. A little "Pavlov-like experiment," excluding the dog. Hopefully, the driver will not wait for a tragic negative stimulus such as an accident, in order to change his/her habit of tailgating.
...we must think not only of ourselves, but to think of all the other drivers around you. By doing this simple thing of thinking of others, tailgating incidents, as well as all other traffic incidents and accidents may be reduced dramatically.
Wouldn't it be nice if everyone thought about everyone else and not just numero uno. Just think of all the wonders that can happen -- like fewer accidents on the road. Not only will the road be safer but society as a whole will be more friendly, maybe. All in all, Mr. Machida has the right idea. I like the fact that it is such a simple task to do, yet not everyone really does it. Why not? Personally, I try to be courteous on the road and in my day-to-day life, but if someone doesn't appreciate kindness, then it is so much harder to be nice to the next person who comes along; especially on the road.
Before starting this Traffic Psychology class, I thought I was a very good driver. I have never gotten into any type of traffic accident, I've never gotten a single ticket for a moving violation (only a few parking tickets), and none of my friends openly complain about the way in which I drive. But over the past month or two, I've been casually observing my driving behaviors. Through these observations, it has come to my attention that I can, at time, be a very impatient driver. It is this impatience with other drivers that greatly motivated me to observe my driving behaviors, paying particular attention to my impatient behavior.
Ahh, another honest driver whom I can relate to. Like Mr. Machida, I too thought I was a good driver. I never really thought about road rage, nor did I think I had some of it's symptoms, until I started taking Psy 459. Interestingly enough, now that I have become ever more aware of my rage on the road, I have noticed my rage about everything else that upsets me in my daily life. That may be good and bad. It's good in the sense that I can do something about my rage on and off the road, and try to change my attitude in order to become a better person and driver. However, it's bad in the sense that I take out my anger on who ever is around me, S-O-R-R-Y. Also, because I'm an impatient person to begin with, it just adds to my tension behind the wheel.
To sum up, Mr. Machida presented some good ideas in which I can use not only in my QDC, but also on my own driving personality make-over as well. He obviously knows how useful and helpful traffic psychology is. Hopefully, I will be able to retain some of the knowledge I've read throughout all the previous generations and be able to make a good impression on my QDC and convince them that traffic psychology can save their lives.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS A DRIVER
In order to keep the identities of the drivers in my Quality Driving Circle (QDC) confidential, I will call them Bob (friend), George (friend), and Frank (friend).
I got the group to meet at a designated place that was quiet enough so that we could have discussions without any interruptions.
My intentions for the first session were to get the group acquainted with traffic psychology. During the first session, I introduced my QDC to traffic psychology and expressed my desire in wanting to help them to become more aware of the social responsibility they each have as drivers. I let them know about the three traffic psychology areas I intended to concentrate on (cognitive, affective, and sensorimotor social responsibility issues) in order to work towards improving their driving personality.
I wanted to convey to them the idea that traffic psychology can be useful both on and off the road. More important, how it can affect their lives if they chose to make the decision in wanting to better themselves, both as drivers and as citizens of our society. I felt that it was the driver's responsibility as a citizen of the community to look out for one another on the road other than just themselves.
I imposed on them my driving philosophy: Make the decision to change for the better and drive with the knowledge that you want to make a difference for yourself and for the benefit of society.
I also told them that they could make one up for themselves if it was more helpful. I then proceeded to answer any questions or concerns that they had.
Some of the concerns they had were:
"How long is it going to take?" I replied, that it was going to three weeks or so.
"What's in it for me?" I answered, that if I didn't think that this QDC wasn't going to be helpful in trying to improve his driving, then I wouldn't have asked him to join. I was hoping, by saying that, it would be enough for him to know I wanted him to improve his way of driving and that it would be helpful for him to learn more about himself.