Sat, 21 Apr 2001Dear DrDriving:
My name is Leila, I’m a student of 8th semester of Optometry (a pioneer university
study), at Universidade Luterana do Brazil, in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul.
To my conclusion university study work I need much more information on optometry,
because I’ve a great interest in making a research about visual tests done for motor
vehicle driving license, or its renovation in your country, trying to compare with the one
settled in Brazil.
My purpose consists in checking if there is a possibility of these tests be realized by
optometrists, having a new methodology, having the goal of prevention in visual health,
Thus, I’d like, if possible, the fallow information :
1. Where are the motor vehicle tests realized ?
2. Who is responsible (the professional) for these tests ?
3. Which are the visual tests ?
4. What are the methods and equipments used ?
5. Are the visual tests linked to other health tests (physical, mental)?
6. How long have the renovation tests been done ?
7. What are the standards of vision for drivers ?
8. Who does establish the visual tests that must be done ?
9. What’s the importance given to this test ? Is it obligatory or is it preventive ?
Leila
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 22 Apr 2001
Dear Dr Driving. I am running an experiment on Road Rage for my Experimental Psychology
Class. I have yet to find any questionnaires on the topic. The teacher would prefer us to
use some that already exist. I was hoping that maybe you, with all your experience have
made some of your own. If you would be so kind to email me back, I would deeply appreciate
your input on the subject, or some advice as to where I can find some test or
questionnaires to measure my class' road rage by gender and age. thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Sun, 22 Apr 2001
Try this file:
http://DrDriving.org/tests
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 22 Apr 2001
Hello Dr. Driving.
It seems that you have a very interesting web site. I found it while looking for
information about related material.
The parking lot issue that you mention about people sometimes taking their time in
leaving a parking space when someone is waiting to use it comes quite close to the
annoyance I have sometimes felt in the past.
I wanted to let you know about a different method of retaliation that I used when I
lived in Atlanta, GA and had to go to the shopping mall. I tried to always park as far
away from the entrance as I could. I hated to be close and feel like I had to hurry up and
leave so the people arriving could have the space so close to the entrance. On more than
one occasion the person waiting actually beeped the horn indicating I should hurry up and
move and I did not think I was moving that slowly. All too often the person waiting did
not really leave me enough room to back out completely like I would have preferred.
Parking way out on the fringes of the parking lot meant that I would not have to
quickly get in the car and take off. I preferred that because it seemed like the stress
was taken off of me. I grew to despise people who drove around and around trying to get a
space close to the entrance, especially if there were plenty of spaces way out on the
edges of the parking lot.
As I walked down the aisles of parked cars, there would always be someone in a car
slowly following me. This annoyed me too, because they just did not see that I might not
actually be parked in the same row I was walking down. I always tried to walk the opposite
way that cars drove to the spaces if possible, or across rows to avoid being followed.
There was this one mall in mid-town Atlanta that I loved to go to but hated to park in.
I usually found a space way out next to the street far from the entrance. No slow cars
followed me on the walk into the mall, but there was no way to avoid having a car follow
me on the way out of the mall. I hated it.
So what did I do to retaliate? I would take out my car keys and dangle them as I slowly
walked away from the mall. Every single time there was a sucker that followed me all the
way to the end of the row. At the end of the row was a roadway which I crossed to get to
my parked car. At the end of the row the person following me had to make a turn and then
go down another row to get closer to the mall entrance. There never was one single time
that the person driving behind me actually crossed the roadway to the parking area where I
had been parked. Oh no, the followers wanted to get close. My dangling of keys was a way
to get back at these people who spent so much time trying to find a place to park. If they
had parked out at the edge and walked all the way into the mall it would take them less
time than the round and round driving that they were doing.
That was years ago and I have never felt the need to do this since moving to Phoenix,
AZ
Thought you might like to have this example of bad behavior on my part. I was probably
just adding to the frustration of modern life, but it gave me the feeling of getting back
at people. I try now to be a more courteous driver, parker, flyer, spectator, etc.
Regards,
Randie
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 22 Apr 2001
Hi, my name is Marcus and I am a junior in high school. I am assigned to do a five page
paper on the topic of "the effects of road rage". I was looking to use the
physical, emotional, financial, social, and psychological effects. Do you know of any good
sources or anywhere that would help me complete this paper and learn about the effects of
road rage? I would greatly appreciate it if you can email me back.
Thanks,
Marcus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 23 Apr 2001
DR. DRIVING, I HAVE TO MAKE A SMALL PRESENTATION IN THE R.I.S.K. CLASS THAT I'M
INVOLVED IN. ANY KIND OF HELP WILL BE VERY APPRECIATED. LOOKING FOR SOMETHING IN THE 15-20
MINUTE RANGE. ANY IDEAS ? I JUST PRINTED OUT THE SURVEY, I'LL GIVE THIS TO THE CLASS TO
TAKE. I GUESS I'LL PROBABLY BE STANDING IN FRONT OF A SMALL GROUP OF 5-6 PEOPLE. I REALLY
DON'T KNOW HOW OR WHAT TO SAY. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE, SHANE (P.S. IT'S DUE THIS THURSDAY
NIGHT)
Tue, 24 Apr 2001
Try this article for your speech:
http://DrDriving.org/articles/testimony.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 23 Apr 2001
Dear Dr. Driving,
My name is Darnell and I am a freshman at Birmingham Southern College. For my final
project in Intro to Writing, I am working with a group on a presentation about Aggressive
Driving. Part of our assignment is to conduct an interview with a person who is
knowledgeable about our topic. I found your web site and related links to be extremely
helpful and was wondering if I emailed you a list of questions if you would be able to
email your responses. Thank you for your time. Please let me know if you will be able to
help.
Sincerely,
Darnell
Tue, 24 Apr 2001
Sorry, this is not a good time for me. But I've given lots of interviews and you can
pick off the questions and answers in this file:
http://DrDriving.org/about/interviews4.htm
(click on the links at the end of some of the interviews that say "See notes
here")
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 17 Apr 2001
Hello
I am a sophomore in high school attending driver's education. I have a project to do
that includes me trying to find an article (or data) that gives me information on why
driving with headphones is illegal.. if you could tell me where I can find anything- that
would be really helpful... thank you very much!
sincerely,
Janice
Tue, 24 Apr 2001
Try the information in this file:
http://DrDriving.org/distracted.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fri, 20 Apr 2001
Dear Dr.Driving,
My name is Kyra. I'm 19 deaf female. I'd done in symbols and driving rules test last
week. Now, I'm in PRA-L. Will you gives a note of driving lessons from step to step to me?
(plus show picture how to step...U turn, go up hill etc..) If you don't mind. Because my
mother can't teach me to drive at home. I hope you help me this my problem. Thank you for
your kindness and helpfully.
Tue, 24 Apr 2001
Please consult our book (see below) and the following article:
http://DrDriving.org/articles/book_toc.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 26 Apr 2001
Dear Dr. Driving,
Your response to the question: "Is it true that you are more likely to.....within
5 miles of home?" addressed a part of the reason. Another important factor is that if
most of your driving is short trips that begin and end at home, then the probability that
you are driving within five miles of home is greater than the probability that you are
driving anywhere else.
Keith
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 26 Apr 2001
Hello:
My Name is Margret and I am doing a survey project on Traffic and which sex obtains
more tickets and or accidents, and the psychological reasons behind this. My professor
guided me towards your site. If you have any information that could be of any help to
me(and if you have the time) it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your
time.
Margret
Thu, 26 Apr 2001
All the information I have on gender differences are placed in these two files--see if
they help:
http://DrDriving.org/articles/gender.htm
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/survey2/interpretations.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
Thank You very much for taking the time to help me out, the sites were great and I am
buying the book too! Thank you again
Margret
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 23 Apr 2001
I am a Sri Lankan working for Japan Bank for International Cooperation which is the
lending arm of Japanese Government. We are experiencing very bad situation in our roads
due to poor driving manners and other road behaviors of motorists and pedestrians. In view
of addressing these issues I have initiated actions to establish a Non Governmental
Organization(NGO) to work with road users in a participatory approach. The concept
document is sent herewith for your comments and assistance.
Thank you
Harold
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
Thank you, Harold, for sharing the NGO proposal. The situation you describe in Sri
Lanka sounds just about "standard" for the entire world, both industrialized
countries with many cars and those who are on the rapid increase. I support your approach
as a citizen-based social activism that focuses on aggressive driving by emphasizing the
"good driver" the "friendly driver"--or as we say in our Road Rage
book--the "supportive driver" and "facilitative driver." Have you seen
our book? It is relevant to your intention to form such an NGO devoted to driving morality
and driving psychology. I would especially recommend the formation of QDCs which are
Quality Driving Circles recommended in
our book.
I believe this would be an essential
component of the NGO you are envisaging. PSAs, public exhortations, prizes and awards,
public rallies and promises--none of these activities can succeed, in my view, because
what is needed is actual supervision of one's driving behavior over weeks and months, and
perhaps permanently for the lifetime of the driver. In these QDCs you can guide or choose
or supply the instructional materials, so that all QDCs follow a similar driving activity
curriculum. This would work because it is long term (which is needed for changing deeply
established habits), and also because it is socially motivating to continue to
participate. About 3 to 9 drivers meet together once a week and support each other and
report to each other the driving behavior changes each member tried to do that week.
Records are kept to see long term changes, and as proof active membership. Drivers who
accumulate such proof of membership can receive various awards, remunerations, benefits,
recognition, etc. As well, the media can get involved in comparing QDCs and how each
operates, even videotape some of the group meetings. This way the national consciousness
and awareness will focus on the morality of driving and its dangers when people give in to
their competitive anti-social instincts. I believe this message is universal,
international, and humane, applying to all drivers on this planet. And of course, this
applies to pedestrians as well, and also to all shared walkways, court yards, woods,
rivers, fishing ranges, and other public spaces in a community. Besides the book, you
might like to look at these two articles: Socio-Cultural Methods of Managing Driving
Behavior in Society found at
http://DrDriving.org/articles/driving_psy.htm
and Quality Driving Circles--Student Reports found at
http://DrDriving.org/articles/qdc.htm
I hope this helps, and good luck with your project. I would like to be kept informed of
your progress.
Aloha from Hawaii,
Dr. Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 29 Apr 2001
Dear Dr.James
Thank you very much for your quick response with valuable comments.
We are planning to have our next meeting on May 2 to discuss the draft constitution of
the NGO. Basically, this NGO will be at National Level and we are planning to establish
Road Users Organizations (RUOs) at institution and community level. These RUOs will get
the membership of the National Level Organization which is identified as
"MARGAMITHURO"-Friends of Roads. We need to have extensive participation of the
road users. The organizational structure should gear to do so. Once the constitution is
finalized we will send you a copy for comments. Will you please help me to get a copy of
the Road Rage Book? Thank you once again with best regards
Harold
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 25 Apr 2001
Dear Professor James,
I am a third year psychology student at James Cook University Cairns Australia, who is
interested in studying road rage and aggressive driving behavior for my Honors(4th year).
I am presently in the process of compiling my research proposal and I am interested to
hear if there are any related material, journals etc which may assist me with the
literature review for this subject. I have read articles about your research in Time
January 12 1998 & US News & World Report 11 November 1996. Do you have any further
recent information that I may include in my research review? Your reply would be
gratefully appreciated. I can be contacted on the following addresses
Lena
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
Lena,
Besides our new book (see below) we keep references and reviews in these files:
http://DrDriving.org/facts/references.htm
http://DrDriving.org/articles/driving_psy.htm
Aloha,
Dr. James
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 22 Apr 2001
Dear Dr Driving,
I am currently conducting research on the causes of Air Rage for an end-degree
Dissertation. My topic is "Could The Non-Smoking bans on Aircraft be the cause of an
increase in Air Rage". I would appreciate your opinion on this matter from a
medical/psychological point of view, and I would appreciate your help in this matter. If
you don't mind I would like to include your opinion and statement in my dissertation
project.
Yours Sincerely,
Gerald
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
Hi Gerard,
regarding smoking and its contribution--I deal with what I know in the Air rage file
here:
http://DrDriving.org/rages/index.htm
But for now I don't have any definite knowledge about it--research is lacking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 19 Apr 2001
The only purpose road rage laws will reinforce the position bad drivers already have.
They can cruise in the left lane, and commit other driving offenses with immunity. As soon
as someone else gets angry about it he is the one who will suffer from the road rage law
and the asshole wins again. Whatever happened to enforcing the laws we already have
concerning driving? I am on a safe driving committee at work and I drive from GA. to SC
everyday. To my surprise most people on the committee have no idea what the laws are, what
signs mean, and generally lack the skill level to operate any machinery.
In SC people will
do anything to instigate a confrontation. I have hit several people who have prevented me
from passing. In each confrontation when the instigator called the police I told them
exactly what happened. If they are in the left lane and I am driving in the right lane
approaching another vehicle how would you explain how my left rear bumper ended up in
their front right fender? I have had the occasion where I approached vehicles in the left
lane and blinked my lights to request them to speed up or slow down since they like to
drive alongside the vehicle in the right lane (GA law prohibits this).
Their action is to
slam on the brakes. My action is to rear end them. I want to see them call the police and
tell them I hit them for no reason. If someone thinks they can intimidate me and escape
unscathed because they are in their car they are dead wrong. I found a little paint
trading and they don't want to play anymore. If I have to pay the price for road rage we
both pay or we both don't. I found the most complaints about road rage are from the people
who instigate the confrontation in the first place. There are signs all over GA. & SC
highways that are ignored. If law enforcement can't enforce laws already in place I don't
see much hope in enforcing a new one.
Milton
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 18 Apr 2001
This past Easter Sunday my brother and I were the victims of another couple's road
rage. To make a long story short the woman and man were in separate cars, we tried to pass
a car and the sped up while we were trying to get over, before she began speeding up we
had plenty of room, she had to apply (not hard) her breaks. At the next light the woman
got out of her car and came to my passenger side window and began banging on the window
telling me I better watch my back, she was swearing and threatening me. The light turned
green we drove away and left her standing in the middle of the highway (55mph), when she
came up to my car she had left a small child in a car seat in her car! Her husband was in
the car behind us. As we approached the next light he cut us off and then slammed on his
breaks so severely that we were forced into the median. At the stop light he got out of
his car and threatened my brother who ignored him, so the guy ripped my brothers
windshield wiper off... There is more but I am basically writing to see what I can do
about this in a court of law. I am 21 years old and my brother is 18. I am afraid that we
are going to take the fall because we are young and they are supposed to be mature
adults!!!! Please if you could direct me to an organization or group or website that might
be helpful, I would be very appreciative!!! If you could send this along to any one who
might be able to help that would be great. thank you Kylie
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
I am the training manager & my safety topic this month--Next Tuesday it is
published is on "Road Rage. " With the growth over here, people are noticing
more aggressive driving habits. So it is a concern of our employees. We are focusing on
driving with aloha.
Any suggestions? I love your web site.
Marie
Friday, April 27
We are on Oahu on Kailua. Anything we can do for you?
Aloha,
Leon James and Diane Nahl
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 17 Apr 2001
Dear Dr. Driving:
I wonder if you might be so kind as to offer me some advice. I'm a 25 year old woman,
the wife of a 30 year old electrical engineer. My husband is a diabetic, and a terribly
aggressive driver. Last week he was involved in an accident with another driver, a 20 year
old man with no insurance, who had no insurance. The accident happened on a dry road,
after dark. The 20 year old made a right turn onto the road in front of our vehicle,
cutting us off and running a red light. My husband took it as a personal affront--he
always does, whenever someone else does anything. In this case, my husband reacted by
waiting until the last minute to apply the brakes (though he clearly could have done this
much sooner) and laying on the horn, to let the guy know he was mad. The 20 year old
pulled into the left lane (going in the same direction) and sped up, to get clear of us, I
suppose. My husband took it for a challenge, and consequently sped up also, in the right
lane, beside him. They were each accelerating, racing, until the other guy came upon a
line of stopped cars, who were waiting to turn left. His lane was also a turning lane, and
these people were innocent bystanders. The guy swerved into our lane because he could not
stop, and hit us on the left side. He glanced off our car, and hit the last car in the
line of waiting cars on the right side.
Thank goodness, no one was hurt, and the damage
was minimal. The problem is, now I need to get my car fixed, and our insurance company
will be going after the 20 year old in court. My husband thinks that the whole thing was
the other driver's fault, and the police naturally have placed the blame on the driver who
hit us and the bystander. My husband provoked him, but did not hit anyone. I know my
husband thinks that he skillfully maneuvered his way through the whole thing. My husband
believes that the 20 year got what he deserved; I know that he thinks he taught the 20
year old a lesson. He believes his actions were justified, but I don't think they were.
Someone could have been hurt, or worse. I have told my husband how foolish he is, but he
won't listen to me. I'm writing out of desperation, sir, because I don't know what else to
do.
I feel that my husband is a bully and a menace, and that he will eventually cause a
terrible accident, because this is one incident of many similar ones; it just happened
that this time, there was actually an accident. He thinks he is a great driver, skilled
enough to avoid accidents even if he provokes other people. I'm hoping that, if you will
respond to my note with some advice (any advice!) that my husband might see some reason in
your words. I suspect that perhaps his diabetes may affect his behavior, because low/high
blood sugar causes him to have mood swings. Whatever the cause, I can only see one
possible outcome from his behavior on the road, and I dread it every day. So, what is the
answer, for the families of those who know their loved ones suffer from road rage and
cannot persuade the "enraged" driver to act sensibly on the road? Are we to wait
for the worst, or is there something I can do now to prevent later calamity? I appreciate
any help you can provide, sir. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
R
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
Hi R,
Sorry I did not reply beforehand. I'm in agreement with you that your husband is out of
control and that he is endangering himself and you, and other drivers.
I've heard this kind of complaint before as many husbands terrorize their families by
refusing to acknowledge their human rights for safety and comfort.
Generally there are two answers or recommendations. One is that he seek professional
help from a counselor or therapist. The other is that the family work with the husband and
that as a group they go through the exercises and activities that ultimately will change
their attitude. So I recommend that you take a look at our book and try to involve your
husband in the exercises and the arguments we present. Please write back after you get
into this procedure and I may have further comments at that time.
The book
Leon James, Ph.D. and Diane Nahl, Ph.D.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare
(Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 2000)
ISBN 1-57392-846-1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 29 Apr 2001
Dear Dr. James:
Thank you very much for your reply. I'm happy to report that the accident did have a
profound effect on my husband's behavior, after all. He is more cautious--and
courteous--than he has ever been. I showed him your email, and I think it went a long way
to help him acknowledge that he does have a problem--it isn't all in my imagination after
all. After reading it, he admitted that he does suffer from road rage; it's the first
admission of any deficiency about his driving that he's ever made. I cannot thank you
enough. In the meantime, at least he has agreed to try and work on the problem, and I am
seeing the results. Perhaps that minor accident has saved our lives, or someone else's.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
R
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 26 Apr 2001
hi, I’m doing a major report for model congress
(this big thing some of us were
chosen to work on) and while I was in the process of looking up some information, I noticed
you're sight... I was just wondering what you're thoughts were on the subject of having
the elderly (aprox. 65) retake their driver's test ... it would help if you were for this
bill, but however you're opinion lies I'd appreciate it if you'd email me back here, and
tell me you're thoughts upon this particular aspect of the road. thanks in advance,
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
The information about the elderly: I keep what I have in this file:
http://DrDriving.org/elderly
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 23 Apr 2001
Hi,
I am a third year psychology student from Ireland currently working on my research
project. It is in connection with computer driving games, positive feedback, and self
esteem. I am having major problems sourcing a standardized self rating driving ability
questionnaire. I would deeply appreciate any direction which your experience maybe able to
point me in, regarding sourcing such questionnaire.
Randy
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
About games and questionnaires, I keep what I have here:
http://DrDriving.org/tests
http://DrDriving.org/youth
Sat, 21 Apr 2001
I am an Occupational Therapist Driving Assessor working in Australia. I complete
assessments to determine a client's medical fitness to drive on behalf of the licensing
body the Roads and Traffic Authority. I frequently visit the DrDriving site and am very
interested in your research. I will be visiting Honolulu May 4-6 and am wondering if it is
possible to visit your institution and source some information for my work in Australia.
Regards,
Jackie
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 19 Apr 2001
Dear Drs. James and Nahl,
I'm not sure if you guys remember me, but I had asked for assistance with my
undergraduate honors thesis here at the University of Texas in the fall of last semester.
I looked at road rage and its correlational effects to traffic accident frequency
(operationalized through surveys and Likert scales; analyzed via Pearson and Spearman,
along with singe factor ANOVA). To save from belaboring on beyond a synopsis, I just
wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for the TREMENDOUS site of bountiful information. I used
the site very much in my thesis, of course plastering you guys' names all over my
footnotes!! Just to let you know that I am currently at the tail-end of authoring it and I
utilized many of your statistical and rage management charts imbedded in my thesis. I kept
the styles the same and just gave credit to you as the creators.
Ok, well once I finish the actual writing by next week and get time to breathe, I'll
send you my statistical results and further details about my "research."
I did manage to order a copy of the new book, but haven't delved quite into it yet. I'm
hoping to use it for leisurely reading once I finish.
Lastly, just FYI, I did include a word of gratitude to you guys in my acknowledgement
page, since originally you guys did email me with encouraging words a while back and I
gained some much from the website.
Ok well, I’ll be in touch. A million thanks again,
Respectfully,
J.B.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+++++++++++++++++
Leon James, Ph.D. and Diane Nahl, Ph.D.
ROAD RAGE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare
(Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 2000)
ISBN 1-57392-846-1
Press Release
Two nationally known authors from Hawaii have published a new book on a topic often
discussed in the media. What other authors say about this book:
=========================
Like the weather, everyone is talking about road rage, but Drs. James and Nahl have
finally done something about it. They show that what we call "traffic" is really
an ever-changing set of social relationship tests, and how we engage in these
auto-connections speaks volumes about the ultimate quality of our own and others lives.
They show us how being a better driver helps us lead a better, happier, healthier life.
Paul Pearsall, author of The Pleasure Prescription and Wishing Well
Next time you're about to crowd someone's bumper because they cut you off in traffic,
take a deep breath, back off, and drive to the nearest book store to buy this book. You'll
not only learn why we've become such impatient, hostile drivers, you'll learn exactly how
to reverse this life-endangering habit. Bravo to the authors for a well-written, much
needed book. Read it and reap!
Sam Horn, author of Tongue Fu and ConZENtrate
It's about personal behavior! ------ For those of us that have been personally involved
with "Road Rage"; for those of us who have witnessed "Road Rage"; for
those of us that understand "Road Rage" truly exists and is a serious issue for
the motoring public, this is a page turner. Leon and Diane have defined the issue, shown
what it has cost us and most importantly ----Given Specifics for us to prevent from
participating in a "Road Rage" incident or being the victim of "Road
Rage". This is a must read for young drivers, experienced drivers and professional
drivers alike-----Remember that it's about personal behavior! Who better to discuss this
issue than Driving Psychology educators, Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl. Stan
McWilliams, Manager Safety Information Systems, M.S. Carriers Inc. It is certain to become
an American classic! Jo Goecke, iSyndicate.com Everything you always wanted to know about
road rage and aggressive driving. Leon James and Diane Nahl bring the scholarship
desperately needed. John A. Larson, M.D., F.A.P.A., Institute for Stress Medicine James
(University of Hawaii) and Nahl (information and computer sciences, University of Hawaii)
locate the roots of aggressive driving in childhood exposure to parental attitudes about
driving and media portrayals of driving. They also present the conclusions of recent
studies, look at citizen activism, and summarize legislative and police initiatives. Also
included are self-evaluations to measure one's own road rage, and activities to help
drivers improve their self-control.
Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
====================================
Excerpts and review comments: http://DrDriving.org
email: DrDriving@DrDriving.org
Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl are professors at the University of Hawaii.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 3 May 2001
Leon,
I received a copy of the book today and will add a full review page to my web site in
the early Summer. Are you happy for me to use the book for may main research material for
a full re-write of the road-rage section of the site - I would include a few quotes and
reference yourselves as sponsors of the road rage section. In total the section will
contain maybe 2/3000 words and include UK statistics ... I'll keep both you and the
publishers in touch.
Best regards,
Jason
Getting better with each succeeding day ...
Web site: http://www.smartdriving.co.uk
This week's quote:
"Action may not bring happiness but there is no happiness without action."
- William James, Educator
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 19 Apr 2001
Being from NY I think I can explain why drivers are less aggressive there. There is
much more traffic in a more confined space than say California. It is hard enough to
maneuver a vehicle in NY when you can have less than 1' between cars moving at a variety
of speeds. That makes it harder not to run into another car by accident. Where there is
more room on the roads people have a tendency to screw with other people. In NY there are
very few pristine cars on the road so who cares if you get one more dent. If you want to
screw around intentionally you will probable be slapped for it.
Mack
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 24 Apr 2001
Hi, my name is Angela and I am doing an English paper on reckless driving in Kailua. I
was wondering if you had or new of a place where I could get statistics on reckless or
aggressive driving for the Kailua area. If you could respond to me even if you don't have
or know any I would greatly appreciate it. I really liked what you did with the webpage!
Mahalo & Aloha,
Angie
Fri, 27 Apr 2001
Sorry I don't have anything on Kailua. Good luck though!
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat, 28 Apr 2001
Hello, may I place a link to your page from mine? I am a Graduate Student in Library
Science and am creating an online guide for commuters as a school project. Thank you for
your time,
-Hathie
Sat, 28 Apr 2001
Hi, Hathie, good idea. Go ahead. I especially recommend Dr. Nahl's Driving Informatics
directory at
http://DrDriving.org/facts/informatics.htm
and our book--with selections and clickable References at
http://DrDriving.org/articles/book_toc.htm
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 1 May 2001
I am doing a staff study at the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) at
the University of North Florida. I am looking for information that correlates the
aggressive driving with occupant protection usage.
In particular, any information about drivers involved in risky driving behavior not
wearing seat belts/motorcycle helmets. Any information that you can provide would be
helpful.
Thank you for your assistance.
Tue, 1 May 2001
Sorry, Roberto, but I don't have information on aggressive driving and occupant
protection usage.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 1 May 2001
I am writing an article on bumper sticker legislation and am exploring one of the
justifications put forth by legislators for such legislation, namely the need to defend
against road rage caused by drivers who do not like the sentiments expressed on bumper
stickers on the cars around them. Do you know where I could find some discussion of this
phenomenon or statistics on the number of "road rage" incidents caused by or
linked to disapproval of bumper stickers? I've poked around the net and in some government
documents from the Transportation Department but haven't found anything yet. Thanks in
advance.
Tue, 1 May 2001
Sorry, Cassidy, but I don't have any information on the bumper stickers topic you're
writing about. My own view is that bumper stickers have a driving function and should not
be altered to serve another purpose for airing one's views--without at least making a case
for it giving justifications other than--"it's my bumpers." It's not like your
home front door--it takes at least two licenses to drive your car on a public venue, so
the restrictions are greater when it comes to bumpers due to public safety.
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 1 May 2001
DrDriving,
I am a 40 year old woman with two boys, 10 and 15. I am engaged to be married to a man
who is 43 years old. I have dated this person for 20 months. Increasing I feel frightened
when driving in the car with him. He often drives at least 15 miles over the speed limit
in areas where the speed limit is 25 to 40. While driving on the interstate he is always
driving at least 65 miles per hour, up to 80. He is always trying to be first. It is like
he is racing with the other drivers to beat them. He is constantly talking to the other
drivers under his breath. No one can drive properly but him. He is never the one to be
courteous and let the other person in during a merge or if someone is coming off an exit
ramp. He defends his driving by saying he has never been in an accident. He also gets
angry with me when I flinch or hold on to the side door handle. It is like everywhere he
drives it is a race to get there. I have told him that I feel that he is a very aggressive
driver. He doesn't say much to this. He might come back with "How many accidents have
you been in?" or "Do you think your a good driver?"
I know that this may seem mild compared to other stories but I keep telling him that he
may be a skilled driver who has never caused an accident but I feel like he is going to
scare someone else and cause them to do something that will cause an accident.
Do you have any advice?
Thanks so much.
Tue, 1 May 2001
Hi Carla,
Your situation is quite common with other men like your friend. I would advise that you
and he read our new book together. It's written for men like him. It has exercises you can
do together while driving. It will also be good for your teenagers.
In the meantime you need to talk to him about how you feel more, and less about his
driving. This way he cannot ignore you and still claim he loves you, respects you, and
wants to marry you. Tell him how you feel--write notes to him about it, after each drive.
This will challenge him: Is he just going to ignore how you feel? This should be the
focus--your feelings, not his driving. This is the real issue, isn't? Why he is ignoring
your feelings?
Let me know what happens.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 1 May 2001
Hi, just visited your site and would be interested in ordering your TEE Cards. I would
like the Cartoon ones and the C1, C2, C3 and C4. Can you please email me the costs and let
me know how quickly I can get them?
Thanks.
Tue, 1 May 2001
Sorry we never actually produced them. But I can give you permission to print them, if
you write me the details (which ones, how many, and for whom).
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 30 Apr 2001
Are you aware of any device that will set a speed limit on a car for teens? My 19 year
old drives too fast and I am concerned. Thanks Alice
Tue, 1 May 2001
Want to answer this, Mr. Traffic?
Are you aware of any device that will set a speed limit on a car for teens? My 19 year
old drives too fast and I am concerned.
Thanks Ann Ward
Dr. Driving forwarded your e-mail to me. I am unaware of any speed regulators available
on the car market. What you need to do is carrot & stick. If you have any leverage
with a 19 year old financially, or otherwise, let driving recklessly have consequences.
Mr.Traffic
www.mrtraffic.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 1 May 2001
Dear Leon James
I'm a journalist from Denmark writing an article about Road rage for the magazine
Rapport. I would like to ask you a few questions through e-mail. Hope you will answer them
- it would help me a lot in my work with the article. Can you explain why ordinary people
suddenly becomes outrageous monsters and attack other drivers? Is it an instinct buried in
all of us, or is the cause social and society-related factors? Is road rage a symbol of
where society is now, more than what people really are? Will road rage spread to all
countries and what can be done to stop road rage? In the UK the government will write
certain laws about road rage - is this a way to stop it? Thanks for your time. Hope to
hear from you soon.
Sincerely
Jack
Wed, 2 May 2001
On Tue, 1 May 2001, Jack wrote:
They can only do this because they are driving in a constant state of inner rage. They
are seething within and are fueling the mental flame by ruminating, which is to go over in
their mind, over and over again, how they hate this--another driver, traffic, time
pressure, etc. When we drive around in this mental state we are "cocked" to
explode when something happens to trigger us.
> Is it an instinct buried in all of us, or is the cause social and
> society-related factors?
We learn it as children from our parents and other adults as they drive us around.
Also, we learn it from television where we see aggressive and foolish driving behavior
every day of our lives. Usually these bad driving behaviors are not punished by the laws
of reality. So we form fantasies about driving that influence how we drive or react to
other drivers and traffic.
> Is road rage a symbol of where society is now, more than what people
> really are?
Society is made of the composite of people, therefore road rage and aggressive driving
are indicative of people. Rage in public places is getting more common. Every generation
is getting better at it. Things are going to get worse creating a big challenge for
society to overcome. We will be better off as a result of overcoming this challenge. It's
a spiritual opportunity to bring us closer as a human community.
> Will road rage spread to all countries and what can be done to stop
> road rage?
It has already spread everywhere. We need to provide support groups for drivers where
they can meet weekly and help each other change. In
our new book called ROAD RAGE AND
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING (Leon James and Diane Nahl--Prometheus Books 2000), we recommend the
formation of QDCs -- Quality Driving Circles -- that are support groups for drivers based
in the workplace or in neighborhood organizations, and we also specify what activities
drivers should do to change their driving personality. It's called "The Threestep
Method."
> In the UK the government will write certain laws about road rage - is
> this a way to stop it?
Laws and enforcement can help but only education and self-change through support groups
can we hope to fully control the costly epidemic.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 19 Apr 2001
Hello -- I am writing to you from a Public Broadcasting television station in Virginia.
As two of only seven stations independent of PBS, we are working to create new and
innovative programming. We have a contract with the Department of Education this state
that keeps us going and provides us with some funding to broadcast educational
programming. We're now looking to do productions of our own based on the needs of kids in
our area and nationally.
Road rage is an issue that comes up again and again for kids. When we ask them what's
on their minds, they talk about traffic. Younger kids elaborate into stories that sound
almost like hushed urban legends told around a campfire. Sometimes the stories revolve
around their parents, sometimes around an accident they've seen, sometimes around a road
rage story they've heard.
We'd like to create a student film festival that runs on a yearly basis, with entries
in the first year focused on traffic. We'd like to ask you to be involved as a partner.
We'd hope that we could have kids use your website content as a basis for their work, link
our festival site, and provide to you an artistic aspect to the subject. Kids would be
building their content based on visual art, drama, and of course, the media arts. We would
be starting with kids in the Virginia geographical area, then possibly taking the project
national with some of our tech partners.
To find out more about us, please go to www.wnvt.org. We'll look forward to hearing
about your interest, as well as any supplementary ideas you might have. It's clear you're
the masters of this field!
Sara
Thu, 19 Apr 2001
Hi Sara, your proposal idea sounds very good to me indeed. Let me talk to Diane Nahl
about it and we will get back to you in a couple of days.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 3 May 2001
I have read with great interest, your web site regarding road rage and it's effects on
today's life. I would like to say, I am a 63 year old male with no road rage tendencies,
now or in the past. I do, however, see it manifest itself daily and do my best to avoid
it's consequences. I feel that dealing with the symptoms rather than the causes will
ultimately fail. This group of people, who I choose to call the "Me, My, Myself
Generation" will continue to operate on the road in the same way they run the rest of
their lives. For some reason, the media has managed to convince, at least a large group of
us, that we. live.. in .. "this fast paced world of today". Well, excuse me, but
the pace you decide to run your life at is a personal one, not one brought on by some
mystical outside force.If the need for instant gratification of all things material, have
brought our society to this point, i.e. too much work , neglect of the needs of our young,
lack of the proper amount of rest and sleep, then I think unless attitudes change, road
rage will be a permanent part of our lives.
It is a sad state, and far more extensive than many people would be lead to believe.
I would like to believe, that everything I have said is in error, but I think not....
In closing, anyone who brings this problem to the public should be commended. I thank
you for that.
Sincerely,
Jason
Even a small star shines some light
Thu, 3 May 2001
Yes, Mr. Hall, I think you are right in your analysis, and I agree that we need a major
overhaul or cleaning up of our mental pollution. It can be done!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 3 May 2001
To whom it may concern,
Please help me!!!! I am a student who needs help with her road rage. I cannot remember
when this aggressive behavior started. I have tried everything from deep breathing, to
yoga, to meditation. There is nothing I can do about my aggressive driving. I have also
talked to many women about this problem. I feel that this is an epidemic. I have multiple
answers to the problems of road rage. I know every reason why I do this. The problem is I
need a way for someone to listen to my suggestion. This traffic and road rage problems is
not going to get better until someone like me is heard.
Thank you so much for your time
Thu, 3 May 2001
The first thing I would recommend is that you read our new book (see below). We wrote
it just for the kind of problem and concern you're talking about. Please do that and write
back when you're into it. Then I think I can be of some service with further suggestions.
but you can see that the initiative has to come from the road rager, in this case you. My
book works--it worked for me and many others.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 7 May 2001
I am a middle school student building a web page for a assignment. I would like to use
your image called crash.jpg from your sight
http://DrDriving.org/articles/testimony.htm
. I will
set a link to your sight from my site at
www.dreamwater.org/gms/richardsgms
.If you
don’t like the manner that I use it, you may use the email link to notify my teacher
and she will make sure that it is removed. otherwise it will remain on my page until
October 2001.
Thank you for responding.
Mon, 7 May 2001
OK permission granted. BTW, your page doesn't come up when I tried the address you
gave.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tues, 8 May 2001
Thanks a lot for the picture. I was waiting for your permission before I put it on the
web.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 7 May 2001
Hello,
My name is Carrie and I am an associate producer for a community access show called
What's Up Wit' That. We are doing a show on 5/16 on road rage. I'd like to know if I could
use some of your images from your site to show on our show---assuming the DPI is good
enough to show up on TV. I did inquire about this a few months ago, and am now moving
forward with our show. Please let me know if we could use them; we will source your show's
Web site in the credits if the images work.
Carrie
Tue, 8 May 2001
Permission granted. BTW, your site wouldn't show up when I tried.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
Also, I'd like to let you know that our new book has been published:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 7 May 2001
Hi! My name is Jaslyn. I recently got in an accident and it was my fault because I
"failed to yield the right-of-way at an intersection". Now I have to write an
2000 word essay on it and it is due tomorrow. I was wondering if you could help me out by
sending me some statistics on how many people run stop signs or something similar. If you
can it would be a GREAT help!!! Thank you so very much. I will check my mail later to see.
If you can't that's ok. Thanks anyways!!! :)
PS: 2000 word essay's are hard to write :(
Mon, 7 May 2001
Check these two files:
http://DrDriving.org/facts/
http://DrDriving.org/surveys,survey2/interpretaions.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!! It helped me a lot!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 6 May 2001
Well what can I say,
I wish I had found your site 2 years ago. Today I am ashamed to admit, I was convicted
of a "Road Rage" type incident. Whatever happened and however it happened is
irrelevant, however if you want to know more you can always ask and I will tell. The point
is, having read the information on the site I can relate a lot of your studies and case
history type information into my situation. I stand to lose my livelihood and assets
because one 10 second bout of insanity overcame me, after 16 years as a professional
driver I blew it. Having time to consider everything I would like to tell others how easy
it is to lose control. Congratulations on putting the site up and I will be spreading the
word on how easy it is to lose control on the road.
Mark
Mon, 7 May 2001
Thanks, Mark. too bad about the road rage incident. Please read our book to make sure
you don't get into that state of mind again. Write again after you've started reading it!
The book:
Leon James, Ph.D. and Diane Nahl, Ph.D.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare
(Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 2000)
ISBN 1-57392-846-1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 8 May 2001
Is it coincidental, or did road rage surface along with the big nationwide SUV craze?
How much have inattentive drivers, slow and distracted drivers and other irritating
drivers contributed to "Road Rage"? How much have the police profited from the
increase in traffic tickets similar to the windfall in red violation fines?
Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 9 May 2001
Hi!
I am June. I’ve requested for your permission to use Moral Driving IQ a bout a
month ago. My article with your DR IQ translated into Korean has been published in a
Korean newspaper. Here is its URL.
http://www.donga.com/fbin/moeum?n=society$c_47&a=v&l=2&id=200105070464
You may not be able to read what my article talked about, but you can see your names on
the bottom of the article. The journalist who is in charge of that section appears to have
a great interest in a psychological approach to traffic issues. He asked me if there are
specialists in that areas and any driving education programs for the public based on such
an approach and If so, he seems to be very willing to go to US for meeting them and
collecting information of the programs. Do you have any suggestions or ideas for him? If
you are operating such education programs, that would be wonderful. Please let me know.
Again, thank you for your help.
Sincerely yours,
June
Wed, 9 May 2001
Thank you for the URL and the article in Korean about our road rage work. Regarding
your question, I believe you and your friend would be interested in meeting with Dr.
Richard Kirby, Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle and Co-Founder of YARR
and many road rage and aggressive driving prevention activities and programs. I'm copying
him on this message and you can also contact him directly.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 9 May 2001
I am a Psychology student and am attempting an essay explaining how Psychology can help
explain the phenomenon of 'road rage'. Could you suggest any papers which may be of use?
Thank you for your help
Sharon
Wed, 9 May 2001
Yes--consult this paper:
http://DrDriving.org/articles/driving_psy.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 9 May 2001
trying to take course on web TV but can not get video to play but can get other videos
to play on windows media player am I wasting my time are is there another way to get the
coarse on web TV suspended license
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 9 May 2001
hello my name is Ernie I am 16 and form Tampa Bay Florida. I tried to receive a drivers
permit at this age and the people that work there said ,"no you need to be holding
the permit for a year". I think that’s just wrong that busy people that need to
get around and having trouble getting a license at 6 months after turning 16 is wrong .I
agree that if you have a permit when your are 15 and your get a permit but after you turn
16 you should be able to receive one after 6 months. I have college after school everyday
after the first semester of school and if I need to wait a year to get a permit my life is
going to be messed up because I was 15 for 7 months before the rule changed to a year and
I work harder to improve my self every day than most people and I’ve had a very hard
life. I just need a drivers license before January next year or everything I did my whole
life is worthless because I need to get to school in the mourning then I need to go to
college in the afternoon and then I need to go to work every day and every weekend I need
to work to support myself. please reply cause I need help to change this factor.
sincerely,
Ernie
Wed, 9 May 2001
Hi Ernie
I agree that the one rule fits all approach will not be appropriate in some situations
like yours. On the other hand your message doesn't reflect this attitude. Instead you feel
cheated and treated unfairly. So I recommend you separate two issues here. First, what to
do about pursuing your plans under the conditions where you can't drive yourself. Write
down every possibility you can think of and walk around with the list in case you get new
ideas as you discuss it with others. This is very important. Second, you need to teach
yourself the correct way of thinking about driving, permits, society, rules, and things
like that. YOu need to support society in your mind. You need to see that this is a good
rule since it protects society. You need to read and find out why this is a good rule for
society. You need to think it through. This is very important if you want to be happy and
successful in life. Also, I'd like to let you know that our new book has been published.
Write back after you've had a chance to read what is "emotional intelligence"
for drivers. Here is the book:
Leon James, Ph.D. and Diane Nahl, Ph.D.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare
(Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 2000)
ISBN 1-57392-846-1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 8 May 2001
Yo Doc,
I've just been pointed toward your website by an invaluable ally of ours, one Mr. Joe
Hendry. The shit is really about to hit the leaf blower up here re: questionable
automobile advertising content and technique. I'm forwarding a couple items I thought you
might find interesting. Please excuse their second hand nature.
Thanks for everything you're doing time and talent.
-scandalous-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, March 27, 2001
Open complaint to Advertising Standards Canada
PRODUCT
General Motors' All-New 2002 ESCALADE from Cadillac
WHERE SEEN
a) Full color print ad - March 2001 edition of The GLOBE and MAIL's REPORT ON BUSINESS
Magazine, back cover.
b) Full page, b/w print ad - page A5, March 22, 2001 edition of the NATIONAL POST
PROBLEM
The ad conveys the message that by using "the most powerful SUV in the
world", one can obtain a cup of coffee from the corner coffee shop, more quickly. We
would argue that because of urban speed limits, easily attainable by virtually all
automotive products, the promised advantage derived from the Escalade's 345 HP capability
is negated. Unless the manufacturer is encouraging the breaking of traffic safety laws,
the core of the ad's message is based on falsehood. (Especially, given any extra time
needed to find enough space to park this truck.) It seems obvious to us, that this ad
represents a clumsily veiled attempt at promoting acceptability for the indiscriminate,
in-town use of this type of vehicle, despite the ever-mounting wealth of irrefutable
scientific evidence to the contrary. Here, the automaker places its own bottom line ahead
of the health and safety of the overall community. General Motors and their agents,
Maclaren McCann, are once again* practicing a form of deliberate environmental sedition.
Their actions run counter to the many tax dollar-funded initiatives aimed at controlling
present ecological problems - damage that stems in no small part, from the manufacturer's
intended long-term use of this and other GM products. We thank ASC for the time taken to
consider this matter.
Yours,
Warren
*See ASC Case # 3259
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, April 11, 2001
Yet another open complaint to Advertising Standards Canada
PRODUCT
General Motors' Chevrolet Cavalier
WHERE SEEN
CITY-TV, April 11, 2001 between 6:00 am & 7:00 am
PROBLEM
The Ad portrays a young couple in a Cavalier. The man in the passenger seat has the
hiccups and his female friend proceeds to take him for a dangerous car ride apparently
designed to 'scare' away his condition. The car is seen speeding irresponsibly along a
long dock or pier that extends out over a body of water. The car drives along a narrow
path right next to a number of large objects that obscure the view of any vehicle or
pedestrian that might innocently happen into the Cavalier's path. In fact when a large
obstacle does move into the way, the Cavalier swerves towards the water to avoid it before
coming to an abrupt halt, perilously close to the end of the pier. We hold that this
scenario, without justifiable reason, displays a blatant disregard for safety and depicts
a situation that might encourage unsafe practices or acts. After weighing what we believe
to be the ASC's flawed findings with regard to your case # 5268 we would appreciate some
guidance as to just how we would go about appealing that ruling, while we eagerly await
your response to this, our latest complaint.
Still yours,
Warren
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, April 16, 2001
PRODUCT
General Motors' Pontiac Grand Am
WHERE SEEN
CBC Newsworld, Aug 23, 2000 at 2:53 p.m.
PROBLEM
The Ad portrays an urban chase. A man on foot is pursued by a Pontiac. The automobile
is repeatedly used in a physically threatening manner and the pedestrian must resort to
extraordinary measures to avoid contact with the vehicle. Ultimately cornered, the runner
returns a spare set of car keys to a former partner - the female Grand Am driver. We hold
that this scenario, without justifiable reason, displays a blatant disregard for safety
and depicts a situation that might encourage unsafe practices or acts. Further, any
reinforcement of the concept of vehicle as weapon, is totally unacceptable from the
pedestrian perspective. As such, this commercial has been included in a similarly-themed
collection of images that has been targeted for criminal evaluation. Thanks again for
addressing our concerns. We will continue to be in touch regarding our planned appeal of
CSA's case #5268 decision.
Warren
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 9 May 2001
Hello Dr James,
using Google I referenced your site looking for cartoons on traffic safety for our
annual school magazine. I didn't find any but enjoyed looking at your site -it is very
impressive. I hope you are still running it because I did not see anything for year 2000.
good luck
Cassy
Thu, 10 May 2001
Thanks. We have not added any new cartoons--it's amazing how few people and artists are
into this form of public education.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat, 5 May 2001
Hello sir ,
I have completed my theses ,wanted to convey token of thanks to you for guiding me and
making my project a success. I am sending you the resultant discussion part of my theses
work .are there any presentation or seminars done on this topic in the near future , i
would be glad to attend them .please let me know . I am from INDIA thank you once again.
Sharla
Thu, 10 May 2001
Thank you, Sharla, for your tables and analyses. I will file them for future reference.
Good luck in your further academic endeavors!
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 10 May 2001
Hello.....
I am a computer animator and I'm trying to recreate a semi-truck as it is jack-knifing.
Do you know of any good drawings or perhaps avi's on the net that would be helpful to me.
Thanks....
Randy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat, 12 May 2001
Hi!
I am a master student getting my degree in Social Work and have been writing a paper
dealing with road rage. Is there anyway possible that you might be able to give me a
'heads up' on journal articles or empirical data to use in my thesis? Everything has to be
documented with empirical data and web sites is unacceptable. I would appreciate any
information you can give me that will at least get me going in that direction.
I have been searching and searching research articles, but have found few that address
the problem and more importantly...the intervention of drivers who experience and commit
road rage.
Thank you!
Sat, 12 May 2001
Try this file:
http://DrDriving.org/facts/references.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat, 12 May 2001
I can't thank you enough! How wonderful! I appreciate your time and how quickly you
responded! The lists look great and I will look for the book.
Thanks again!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fri, 11 May 2001
My teacher has assigned my class to organize a debate with a partner. In Alberta
(Canada) there might be a bylaw coming into affect stating that teens are not allowed to
drive passed midnight!! My partner and I are debating against this and all the sites we
have surfed prove us wrong! Are arguments are
1.If a teen went to a night club and they couldn't get a taxi or call someone, how
would they get home if it was past midnight?
2. Police would not be able to monitor this and if they found out a way, the time would
be wasted!! they could have been stopping the bank robbery or the 7-eleven hold up!
Sat, 12 May 2001
all the information I have on teen driving issues I keep in this file:
http://DrDriving.org/youth
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat, 12 May 2001
Thank you for helping me out!!!! I really apprieciate it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sat, 12 May 2001
Dr.Driving
I am a college student writing about air rage in airplanes due to alcohol. I would like
a background of
1) What is air rage?
2) If alcohol stimulates air rage? If yes, how and why?
3) Our there any regulations/rules to the amount of alcohol one can consume in an
airplane.
It would be very helpful if you can respond back and send me any information
-Thank you for your time-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun, 13 May 2001
I'm doing a report for school. Should driving privileges be based on academic grades?
Do you know of any articles, statistics, or web sites on this subject?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 14 May 2001
hi my name is Josh and I’m 16 and a few weeks ago I was driving with my friends
and I was given a speeding ticket I went to court and got the judge to say that I could
take a drivers ed course to make the ticket go away. he said yes and made some
requirements saying that to have it not reported to my insurance I could take the course
but I could not have friends in my car for 6 months and I’ve been driving for 7 I
wanted to know if I got your tapes would I be able to count this and not have to deal with
the judge's orders and not get it reported to my insurance?
Mon, 14 May 2001
You need to ask the judge for this. Perhaps you can take the video course then write a
report on it and give it to the judge. This would definitely influence his opinion of you.
Good luck.
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 14 May 2001
I am dreaming a strange dream eight years. The cooperator who studies my dream is being
looked for. I am not as a patient. It is happy only to listen to the story. Because it
isn't good at English, the person who understands Japanese is being looked for. The dream
which I am dreaming exceeds subconsciousness and super-consciousness. And, introduce it to
me if there is a specialist who is familiar with the dream. Send it if there is a
question. I want to answer.
From, Karen From Japan
I am 27 years old.
Mon, 14 May 2001
Sorry, but I don't know the answer to your question about learning about dreams. Please
ask a librarian and also check the search engines on the Web.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 14 May 2001
dr,driving,
my name is Nadine and I am doing a research paper for a college class on road rage and
was wondering if you have any pictures that you can email me that show what road rage can
do and also some recent facts. I know is should get your book, however my budget right now
does not call for that. I know you are really busy, but if you can do this it would be
greatly appreciated. thank you for you time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Nadine
Mon, 14 May 2001
Sorry I don't have any pictures on road rage. What you see on my site are the images I
found on the Web. You can do the same.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 15 May 2001
I'd like to report a reckless driver, but don't know where to go. I've contacted my
local police dept. but unless they see it happen there is nothing we can do. I have the
license plate number and model/color of the car. Where can I go to do this?
Thanks!
Dandy
Tue, 15 May 2001
Sorry I don't know. I think the local police department or mayor's office should have
this information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 16 May 2001
Thanks so much for answering my email. The book sounds interesting, perhaps my local
library will carry it?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 15 May 2001
We have a radio show on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time that deals with
automotive and transportation issues. Our program is carried by 14 radio stations in the
southeastern United States. This weeks topic of discussion is Road Rage. If you can be
available for a ten minute interview we would have to call you at 11:05 (5:05 your time)
Saturday morning May 19. We need an answer today. Please advise.
For Dennis Roper, Host The Right Turn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 16 May 2001
Dear Dr. James,
The link listed above is a great tool we would be interested in featuring on our site.
I am assuming you control the rights to this survey? We would of course credit you as the
author but cannot link to your site because of the wishes of our clients.
Today we do not yet have a mechanism for selling your books, etc. on the web but are
developing a strategy for some sort of increased commerce capability. Our present
supplier, the V-store only allows customers to purchase what is in their inventory. If
your publisher was able to make your book available to V-store, our customers could click
and purchase from our site. I could request that they carry it but could not guarantee
they would.
I hope you will consider allowing us to use this or any other survey type tool you may
have developed. It would be a great service to our readers and would help spread the word
on this important topic. At any rate- keep up the crusade, you are making an important
difference. I was just commenting to my wife how in our area every school year end we are
bombarded with horrific tragedies involving young drivers, speed, and alcohol. This is
crucial work you are doing!
Kenny
Wednesday, May 16, 2001
Hi Kenny,
You hereby have my permission to link or mention or quote from the file you specify
(below). It is the text of one of my surveys. Your readers might also like to see an
article that discusses the results of that survey in this article:
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/survey3/personality.html
Also, I have another survey on aggressive driving at this location (which is no longer
active):
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/surveyblank.html
And the results are analyzed, discussed, and graphed in this article:
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/survey2/interpretations.html
You are welcome to quote, link, or reproduce them on your site as long as appropriate
credit is given to me at the beginning of the quoted material, or at the end. By credit I
mean my name and Web address:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 17 May 2001
Thank you so much Dr. Driving and keep on truckin!
Kenny
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thu, 17 May 2001
Dear Colleagues:
I have just downloaded the article on the World Road Rage Survey from your website, and
have not had time to read it carefully. However, I did use the "Find" function
to check for references to the word "seatbelt" in the article, and none were
returned. I would be interested in reading any work which has been done which relates
incidents of road rage with imposition of legal requirements to use seatbelts. If you can
provide any references which address that specific issue, I would be most grateful.
Darryl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 16 May 2001
Dear Dr. James:
I'm a freelance science journalist trying to find someone who can answer an odd
question for me: have psychologists ever looked at why certain songs become
"stuck" in one's mind from time to time. I often find myself involuntarily
humming a song I don't even like, and have wondered why. I know it's not your area of
research, so if you don't have any ideas on the subject, I'd greatly appreciate if you
could send me the names of some colleagues who might be able to help.
Thanks,
Barry
Thu, 17 May 2001
Hi Barry,
To answer your question about tunes in the head playing themselves off irrespective of
our wishes: Only those songs or tunes will do this that we acquire. We acquire songs or
tunes when we love them and rehearse them, or rehearse them because they are played in our
presence and we hear them and focus on them while we hear them. This rehearsal establishes
memory "engrams" or other networking features that are made of
"bundles" of neural (synaptic) connections. The song or tune is now permanently
recorded in your mind, and in the cells of your brain. All memories can be activated by
various "trigger" stimuli and it's not always easy to localize or identify
precisely what these triggers are in any situation--e.g., words, topics, tunes, feelings,
moods--but these are "associated" emotional meanings that are connected to the
engram of the song.
Incidentally, I never never have this happening to me, though I wish
for it. I cannot sing a single song or tune. I made up a song in my childhood, and some
nonsense poems--these do play themselves off when triggered. My wife on the other hand
constantly has songs playing in her head. In fact at one point she had to focus on
"detriggering" herself because she didn't want these songs and words be part of
her thinking and mood any more. Hope this helps. Get back to me if you have additional
issues in your mind about it. My Ph.D. dissertation (McGill University, 1962) was about
repetition of songs: I drew charts based on data from Variety Magazine's listings of the
"Hit Parade" on national radio. I showed that the more a song is played on the
air, the faster it disappears from the charts (measured by weeks of listing in the top
50). I attributed this to the phenomenon of "semantic satiation" which I was
studying: The more you hear something the less meaning it has until all meaning vanishes
for awhile. The article was published under my former name:
Jakobovits, L.A. Studies of fads: I. The 'Hit Parade.' Psychological Reports, 1966, 18,
443-50.
Here is a file that shows how my students analyzed the spiritual meaning of songs:
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/499s2000/masize="3a/file8.html
You can go to my site and type in songs in the Pico search engine--you'll find various
things in my student reports.
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy/leon.html
Aloha,
Leon James
Professor of Psychology
University of Hawaii
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 23 May, 2001
Dr. James,
Thanks for your reply last week. I'm writing because my editor thinks he remembers
hearing something recently about a study on songs getting stuck in peoples' heads, but he
couldn't figure out where he heard it. He doesn't want to do a story on it if someone else
has covered a similar subject recently. Was there a recent psychology conference that
might have touched on this subject? Can you think of any recent studies that might be
triggering this editor's alarm bells>?
Thanks,
Barry
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 14 May 2001
RE: Permission to use website articles
Copyright Permissions Coordinator:
The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), a member of the Texas A&M
University System is a non-profit state agency which provides technology and vocational
training for public and private sector industry. One of the courses we teach is Critical
Traffic Safety Issues for School Bus Drivers. One of our instructors has found three
articles from your website that would be helpful in the class.
Therefore, we respectfully request permission to reproduce the following: "The
National School Transportation Association (NTSA)," "Government Agency
Facts" and "Re: tailgating/aggressive driving -by a school bus," three
articles from your website (http://DrDriving.org/schoolbus.html), to be used in our course
manuals and other instructional materials for use in the classroom by our instructors. The
course is presented several times each year. Each registered student for this course
receives a manual and various supporting handouts. In addition, TEEX may have the
opportunity to provide the manuals for a fee to third parties who are not TEEX students.
Any resulting income will used to further the non-profit educational programs of the Texas
Engineering Extension Service.
Due to the administrative burden of managing royalty payments, TEEX does not use
materials where such payments would be required.
Of course, proper credit will be given wherever your materials are used, and your
materials will be referenced in a list of sources of additional information that is
included in the course manuals.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tammy
Mon, 14 May 2001
The material you asked about (see below) is not mine--I just quote it from the
original. I always try to give the original link for anything I quote so you should be
able to get to it and ask them.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mon, 14 May 2001
Dear DrDriving,
I would like to apologize for my last email directed at you. I now realize that it is
one of your uneducated readers and not yourself who has posted that ignorant rant about
school buses.
Reggie
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tue, 15 May 2001
Dear Sir,
Have you got any info on comparing risky driving (driving with a cell phone, pushing
through traffic lights etc) between men and women. Also analysis of driving behavior with
passengers between genders would be most appreciated. Just a few results or where to find
them would be great.
Many thanks
Dominic
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 16 May 2001
Dear Dr. Driving:
I'm currently looking for information on accidents caused at intersections when
motorists don't stop for emergency vehicles. Can you suggest any sources for this
information? I am planning on writing a proposal to the City of Chicago suggesting that
emergency vehicles carry radio frequency devices which (within a specific distance) would
trigger traffic lights to turn red in all directions. These devices would be in
ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, etc. The technology would be helpful in all sorts of
emergency situations from rushing to fires to police chases.
Thanks in advance for any information-
Michilene
Thu, 17 May 2001
Sorry I don't have the information you asked about it. But what you're proposing sounds
like an excellent idea. good luck with it!
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wed, 16 May 2001
Dear Mr. James,
it probably sounds unusual, but I would like to ask you, if you know one of your
students who is interested in an idea-exchange with me. I am a student of psychology at
University of Goettingen, Germany and I am looking for discussion of the idea as follows:
During my holidays in Crete my friend and my rented a car. Without knowing the landscape
we drove about 200 miles. I had no long driving experience, really. That's why I
couldn’t estimate how long I would be able to drive properly. The phenomena I
recognized the first time were twofold: first I didn't realized that I began to become
tired, second, after I recognized it, it took me some time to decide to stop. Now I have
questions like: how one can train a person to recognize early the state of concentration
or does it held to install a computer assistance program which informs the driver for
example with following speech: "you are driving so and so long, you have operate the
clutch x times, the oxygen level in your cabin is reduced to ..., the
hand-foot-coordination has worsened,... therefore the risk of accident for you rises up
to... percent/times."
Dear Mr. James, do you think it's worth to develop these ideas
further? Could you help me to find someone, who could help me to do that?
Thank you very much!
With best regards,
Sally
Thu, 17 May 2001
Your idea is good. Please pursue it. Unfortunately I don't have anyone here who might
work with you. I only have undergraduate students and no assistants. But keep trying and
good luck!
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
Home>Dear Dr.Driving Letters>Page 11
|