Truly,

George

ps-found your web site on WebSearch

thanks for telling me your story. You seem to be in a despondent mood. Quoting you: "Every time I go out and ride safely and obeying all the traffic laws, I'm yelled at, called a loser and get the finger. What's wrong with people? And why would someone physically attack me with their car?"

As DrDriving, I have devoted two decades to try to find an accurate answer to these types of questions about drivers and their hostility towards one another and towards other road users like passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. I think the answer is easy to understand and verify by all, namely, that we have evolved a culture of disrespect and hostility on highways and streets allowing people to victimize each other every day on roads. It's costing us a lot! In deaths, in crashes, in road rage incidents, and in stress producing hostile exchanges that divide us as a community and reduce our ability to fight illness. We need to learn how to protect ourselves under such hostile and stress filled conditions of roadway use.

First, we need to acknowledge and realize that the hostility and aggressiveness others show towards us IS NOT PERSONAL. You just happen to be there so you can play the role of victim. Anyone in that position could have served equally. So the attack or hostility is not personal. This should be reassuring. So what's next? Second, you need to understand and convince yourself of that truth, that retaliating is dangerous and should not be attempted. It would not serve your best interests. You lose control over the situation exposing you to more danger.

Also, you cannot change another driver's behavior who insists on doing what they want. Third, you look for the quickest way of putting the incident behind you. Forget about it. Make it into a routine event, which is what it is. Of course once in a while a non-routine event happens, like the driver attacking you. This kind of event is not routine and should be dealt with differently. Your plan of going to the city council is a good one, I think, and gives you something constructive to focus on. But the routine things--try to live with them without taking them personally. Don't let them spoil your road use. Don't let them make you despondent. Write back to tell me the outcome of this event. Take care and drive with Aloha spirit! **DrDriving**

two articles for justification of this:

Violence

Congressional Testimony

Take care and drive with Aloha spirit! **DrDriving**

Here is a copy of my speech outline, as we had to turn in a full content complete sentence outline about 6 weeks ago.

I gave the speech to the Communication department and 30-50 other people the Monday before last. Thanks for your quick response and your help. Imagine yourself driving to work one day along I-435 just minding your own business when suddenly a bright red Camaro flashes out in front of you, cutting you off and causing you to slam on your brakes just to avoid an accident.

A. After you realize that you just avoided a collision you begin to feel a slight twinge of frustration at the person in the Camaro.

1. That slight twinge turns into anger.

2. In time that frustration turns into outright rage.

3. Minutes later as you keep replaying the situation over and over in your mind that twinge of frustration that turned into anger and then rage causes you to overtake that Camaro.

As you speed by you give the meanest glare you can, and honk your horn citing your disgust at his actions.

B. What I have just described to you is an all-to-often occurrence of road rage. I also have experienced road rage. A. I've felt that rage while driving on I-435, I-35, and even here in Liberty close to campus.

1. Oftentimes I have become mad at the people who come racing sown the highway in "my lane" and then pass by me at the speed of sound.

2. Of course they're also the ones who never get caught!!! B. I remember having a speeding contest with another driver while driving to Kansas City.

1. I would pass him, he would pass me and so on.

2. This went on until I realized the stupidity of the situation, and decided to slow down Most of us drive. A. Whether it is to work, to school, on errands or just a trip to the mall, most of us drive. B.

Therefore we are all possible victims or spreaders of road rage. What is road rage?

A. Is it the simple act of getting mad at the person who rudely sped by you going 85?

B. Or is it more complex than that?

1. After researching this topic, I've found that road rage is much more than just being mad at another driver, and road rage is much more prevalent than I first suspected

2. It's not just limited to seething metropolises like Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and New York.

3. ROAD RAGE is and can be seen all across America and even in Europe.

We need to drive less aggressively to keep from spreading road rage. By doing so we can help to protect others and ourselves from serious injury, even death. Today I will discuss what road rage is, how much of a problem road rage is and what everyone can do to prevent road rage from possibly ruining your life. (initial summary) Need Step Road rage isn't only a problem it's a disease.

A. Psychologists in California, where traffic congestion, and road rage incidents are highest, are treating patients with road rage.

B. This has opened up a new division in psychology, traffic psychology. Arnold Neremberg, is a traffic psychologist, as can be seen in this video clip from ABC News. (SHOW VIDEO CLIP) A. ROAD RAGE is defined in many different ways.

1. Some believe it is a set of symptoms brought on by aggressive behavior.

2. Others feel that road rage is brought about by the encroachment of others into one's own buffer zone.

3. For my speech today I will define road rage as the need for revenge retaliation, and payback towards the offending driver or drivers.

4. In other words, road rage is that feeling of extreme anger which wells up inside of you after someone speeds by you going 85 in a 65 m.p.h. zone.

5. ROAD RAGE is feeling that you need to make the other person pay for their heinous wrongdoing.

B. So what has caused road rage to become such a problem? (transition)

C. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic safety "the average number of violent *** traffic incidents reported in the US has increased 51% since 1990." According to their data and projected values, there are going to be 2,023 reported violent incidents in the U.S. in 1998, with an average increase of 7% per year. (Show chart)

D. According to a six year study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, from 1990 to 1996 a total of 12,828 people were injured or killed as a result of aggressive driving, this number also included 94 children under the age of 15!

E. AAA has also released data saying 78% of company car drivers report that at some time another driver had verbally abused them.

F. According to congressional testimony by Dr. Leon James, professor of social psychology at Hawaii University, "aggressive driving is a cultural norm because our society condones the expression of hostility whenever we feel wronged. (Cartoon with tank feeling) G. One story that clearly supports his claim involves two young women drivers in Cincinnati Ohio. H. 24-year-old mother Traci Alfieri and 29-year-old Rene Andrews came together for a few fateful seconds last fall at an on ramp near Cincinnati. After Alfieri pulled into the merging lane, Andrews tried to pass on the right shoulder. She then swerved back on the left, cut in front and hit the brakes. This is a road rage technique known as a "brake job." This caused Alfieri to swerve into a stopped tractor-trailer. Andrews continued on to work telling her coworkers about this jerk lady that didn't know how to drive.

Later that day however. Andrews was sentenced later to 18 months in prison for aggravated vehicular homicide because her road rage action lead to the death of the 6 month old fetus that Alfieri was carrying. I. Another well-publicized incident of road rage involves a driving instructor. In Durham North Carolina David Cline was charged with assault after telling a student to follow a car that had cut them off. After the student caught up with the car and both cars stopped on the side of the road. Mr. Cline then got out of the car and punched the other driver! Makes you wonder what driving lesson he was teaching that day!

J. Dr. Leon James, is also known as "DrDriving." This is his nickname on the internet as he maintains an extensive internet site about aggressive driving the psychological aspects thereof. He has a Ph. D. in Social Psychology and teaches traffic psychology at the University of Hawaii.

K. When we drive we have this feeling of power, self-control and anonymity.

L. A road rage article in the January 12, 1998 issue of Time magazine said "Driving is a *** curious combination of public and private acts. A car isolates a driver from the world even as it carries him through it. The sensation of personal power is intoxicating. Sealed in your little pod, you control the climate with the touch of a button, from Arctic tundra to equatorial tropic. The cabin is virtually soundproof. You are the master of your domain" (Supporting Statement)

M. I recall reading one story about how during the drive to work let's say John, became enraged with another driver for going entirely too slow. He decided to pass her, and give her the bird while doing so. Much to his surprise, she turned out to be his bosses wife!!!

N. A September 30, 1997 from the New York Times states that "since 1969 the *** American motor-vehicle population has grown six times as fast as the human population.

O. In other words, the average couple producing three children during that period also produced 18 cars, or 18 trucks, sport utility vehicles or motorcycles. The January 12, 1998 issue of Time magazine adds that there are 17% more cars in America today than there were 10 years ago. (SHOW CHART) A. Additionally, the number of miles driven has increased 35% since 1987 while only 1% more roads have been built. (SHOW CHART) B. With there being more cars than ever on the road, and only a minimal increase in the amount of roads, the is of course much more congestion on the roadways than ever before as well.

1. When people talk they like to keep a certain distance from the other person or persons depending upon the topic of discussion.

2. Similarly, people establish a certain buffer zone around their cars.

3. With more and more cars on the road these buffer zones are constantly being invaded. 4. I think everyone feels a bit war when a huge 18-wheeler comes baring down behind us like a charging bull flaring its nostrils. A funny phrase I found from one of the articles said "Tarzan had it easy. Tarzan didn't have to drive to work." Here are two catch phrases about road rage for the late 90's. A. "Tailgating, is that your hood ornament or are you just glad to see me? B. "Failing to yield to pedestrians. Yes walkers are a menace. Yes they should buy a car like everyone else. (brief pause) But they can still sue." XII. Road rage is obviously a problem. 1. Road rage is not confined only to large cities.

2. We're all affected by the spread of road rage.

3. It's a problem that needs immediate attention.

C. So what can we do about road rage? (Transition) XIII. Satisfaction Step XIV. There have been many different proposed solutions for the problem of road rage. A. Driver's education takes that approach that we can educate road rage away. B. Better law enforcement is another proposed solution.

C. I propose a different solution that all people can adopt, without costing millions of tax dollars, or taking a long time to pass through the senate and the house.

1. I propose that we all be more considerate of others on the road.

2. It's that simple.

3. It's as simple as following the golden rule of "do unto others as you would have done unto you."

4. All the other suggestions come out of being considerate to others.

5. As I stated before about tailgating and hood ornaments, it is best not to tailgate. a. For one it is unsafe, at any speed and in any kind of weather condition. b. Secondly, just think how the other person feels as you ride their back like a raging bull.

6. Driving is mostly an exercise of anticipation. a. Remember that when you pull out to pass that laggard 18-wheeler two cars in front of you, other cars are also likely to do the same either in front or behind you.

 7. Even thought it is easy to go blazing by that slow bus driver, it is best to pass gradually instead of hurriedly.

8. A large part of road rage is the exchange of anger and hostility between two individuals. a. If you simply avoid engaging in such power/speed contests, you make it safer for yourself and the people around you. b. The worst think you can do is engage in a power struggle, because anger perpetuates anger.

9. Road rage thus becomes a continuous exchange of anger and rage between two drivers until the ultimate harm or elimination of the other driver.

10. Metaphorically speaking it is like playing chicken but not veering off at the last second.

11. It is best to calm those hurt feelings and or bruised egos. a. In other words, your not the leader of the pack anymore, does it really matter? b. What difference will one or two minutes make? Visualization Step I. If we don't take steps now towards curbing this epidemic of road rage, a picture of the future is that of traffic anarchy.

A. Imagine people going whatever speed they choose, having no consideration for others at all, and weaving through traffic at the speed of light endangering everyone.

B. If road rage continues to spread like wildfire, this frightening picture of the future may become reality.

C. Drivers concerned with nobody but themselves, disregarding the safety of themselves and others.

D. In this future, obscene gestures like the bird and the use of obscene language towards other drivers isn't the exception...it's the norm. Action Step II. Road rage is a problem that obviously needs immediate attention. III. Today I've discussed what road rage is, it's varying definitions, its symptoms, signs, and effects.

IV. ROAD RAGE is caused by an increase of drivers, more cars on the road than ever before, the way that the car has become an extension of one's ego, and an increasing amount of aggressiveness towards other drivers.

V. I implore you to take a look at how you feel and how you act when you're driving along I-35 or I-435, or even in your hometown today, tomorrow or even next week. (Action Statement) A. Take a moment and step back and look at yourself.

B. Are you enveloped in road rage, passing people left and right and spreading your wrath amongst your surrounding drivers?

C. Or are you simply trying to avoid a confrontation, and containing whatever anger has welled up inside you?

VI. I remember that speed chase I had on I-35.

A. I remember the feelings of "bring it on" and "look at me, I can speed too!!!"

B. Then I realized how dangerous it was to keep playing speed games.

C. I also remember the soothing effect that turning off my rage, slowing down and turning off the madness had on me.

D. It was like a refreshing breeze passed by me, taking the rage away, lifting the blanket of anger, and making the drive more enjoyable.

Just experienced Road Rage and it could have been avoided but for myself. Someone who was tailgating my husband and I decided to give us the horn at a stop sign. I turned around and saw him giving us the "finger wave" and decided to do the same. Feeling some satisfaction at this I continued to compete with his gesture. I do not do this in my home nor elsewhere, but somehow in the car I must have decided it was OK. IT WAS NOT OK. He followed us and pulled up along side of the passenger side of the car (mine) and called me names and spit on the car window (fortunately it was up). The look of rage on his face scared me. I knew that from that moment on I would never never never participate in road rage again. I fault my behaviour because I put my husband and myself in danger not by his action but by mine. I have learned an important lesson, but I surprised by my willingness to want revenge on this jerk. The real jerk turned out to be me. Thanks for your page on road rage. It has helped me. Diane

what a frightening experience with road rage! Thanks for sharing it. I've put it up on . I'm wondering if you'd care to further elaborate or analyze your experience for me. This is because I'm working on a driver's ed module right now and I'm trying to teach the point that when we get into a road rage exchange things are happening fast, yet at the same time, there are several choice points--places where for a second or so, we could take another route rather than escalate. I want to have such examples so people, especially young drivers, could dissect and see these choice points where they can back out of it and avoid tragedy. So please, write back with a kind of lengthy self-analysis showing your thoughts and feelings second by second during the brief episode (probably no more than 2 or 3 minutes, right?). So what dozens of things happened during those 3 minutes in your mind and perceptions? Also: what were the after effects? How long? In what way did it affect you? Do you keep thinking about it? Is it like a little traumatic episode in one's life? Thanks for being a good driving psychologist, Diane! Leon Take care and drive with Aloha spirit! **DrDriving**

• 1. Retaliation.
• 2. Satisfaction.
• 3. Surprise.
• 4. Shock.
• 5. Fear.
• 6. Shame.
• 7. Guilt
• 8. Reflection.

The episode of RR we experienced last no longer than a few minutes, but in that time frame I saw myself in a way that I had never seen before. I am not a bad person. I am not an evil person. I am not a great person. I am a person. I need to work on my reaction to someone else's reaction. The old adage "two wrongs do not make a right" is so basic, yet so profoundly true. If I refuse to contribute to the rage then it will not compound. It is myself that I must change not the other person. Truly I am not sure just how to go about this, but I will try to keep myself in control and try to think before I react. My husband took me to the movies later that afternoon. All I could do was think about what "COULD HAVE HAPPENED. HE COULD HAVE HAD A GUN, HE COULD HAVE........., I do not remember much about the movie. Later that evening we went for a walk and we talked. I began to feel better while we were walking. I guess I forgave my self and then the trauma eased. Writing to you feels wonderful. Like absolution after Confession. Once a Catholic always a Catholic. Bless you and Mahalo.............Diane.

I'm doing a story and I'd love to get your perspective. We now have numerous miles of car-pool, or high-occupancy vehicle lanes in New Jersey, for which you must have two or more people in a vehicle in order to legally use the lanes during rush hours. Drivers tell me this enrages them, because there are very few cars or trucks ever in the car-pool lanes, even while they are stuck inching along in stop-and-go traffic jams. Many drivers have told me they think as many as 50 percent of the cars that are in the car-pool lanes are actually solo drivers cheating. I've done some traffic counting on my own, and the real percentage seems to be 2-10 percent at any given point. But drivers say, well, it seems like it's more. I wonder if the frustration of sitting in traffic is distorting their perception, magnifying the perceived number of cheaters sailing merrily along while they are sitting in congestion. I'd love to discuss the issue with you. I'm writing for the middle of the coming week, about April 22. Could you give me a call, or e-mail me and let me know the best time to call you? Thanks, Paul L. Wyckoff Transportation Editor The Star-Ledger Newark, N.J.

I am doing a persuasive research paper on why driving regulations need to be increased. If you could please answer some of the following questions it would be greatly appreciated. 1. Do you think that the increase in aggressive driving is due to the decrease in driver's education? 2.Do you believe that all states should have some form of graduated licensing? 3.Do you believe that the increase in popularity of sport utility vehicles has affected the number of cases of road rage? 4.Do you think that driver's education should do a better job of teaching the psychological part of driving?, James B.

I am pleased to provide the following answers for your persuasive essay: >

1. Do you think that the increase in aggressive driving is due to the > decrease in driver's education?

Yes, partly. I advocate Lifelong Driver's Education

2.Do you believe that all states should have some form of graduated  licensing?

Yes, I do. Driving is a complex habit we acquire over many years and the early years are crucial. See my views here in relation to a survey in Hawaii

3.Do you believe that the increase in popularity of sport utility vehicles has affected the number of cases of road rage?

I do not know. Not necessarily. The people who drive these vehicles should be studied with regards to why and how they drive them. I would like to see such research.

4.Do you think that driver's education should do a better job of teaching > the psychological part of driving?

Yes. I advocate that Driving Psychology be introduced in Kindergarten and have a curriculum going till licensing in high school. See this page for CARR--Children Against Road Rage

CZAR

Thanks for your reply. Could you let me know what your phone number at your home office is? In terms of elaboration, my interest is in what aspects of sitting in traffic act on the perceptions of frustrated drivers so they perceive the percentage of HOV-lane cheaters to be far high than they actually are? Is it the same type of process that makes it seem the other lane of traffic is always moving faster, or the other check-out line at the grocery store is always moving faster? Your thoughts in general would be most interesting. Thanks, Paul Wyckoff The Star-Ledger

From. I really think that guys' attitude behind the wheel can ruin a relationship. It's like they're telling us that they don't want to listen to what we have to say or they don't care how we feel when we're in the car. I talked to Dr. James about this problem before and he said that, it's kind a like a form of an abuse. Ofcourse, when you get into a heated argument, you start cussing and say mean things to each other. That's me and my boyfriend. We really had a big fight over his driving behavior before and I thought he would learn already. I was hopeful, but we still have the same arguments over his driving behavior. He's really a sweet and loving guy when he's not driving, I don't know what happens when he's behind the wheel. He really hates driving though, and he always begs me to drive but I don't want to. I hate to drive when he's around. I get so stress because he thinks I don't know what I'm doing. I guess, we both need help. CZAR

Thank you for your quick reply, it is greatly appreciated. I have yet to check out the web pages you recommend but will do so immediately. What I plan on doing for my research proposal deals with anger while behind the wheel. I believe that the intense aggression seen behind the wheel is due to physiological arousal. This type of arousal is seen during many stressful events, but there are few social norms and/or constraints that someone must meet while driving a car (they have almost complete anonymity while becoming "violent"). Hence, people have the ability to act out their anger through aggression.

I would like to make people aware of this arousal caused by driving and teach them relaxation techniques and means of dealing with anger, so they can control the arousal and hopefully therefore control their aggressive driving. what I would like to do is send out a mass questionnaire about aggressive behavior, not only during driving but in general. Once I have selected a sampling of "aggressive drivers" I'll split them in two, one will become my control while the other group will try the techniques. The independent variable would be the type of driving training to control arousal and the dependent variable would be aggressive driving.

My "course of action" would be to have simulators that create stressful driving situations. (I'm presenting this poorly because the ideas are still being developed, my apologies for the constant jumping around...). The control group would use the simulators and be told to control their aggression (or something along those lines). The other group would be hooked up to machines that would measure their arousal while driving (measuring bllod pressure, pulse, body temp, etc.). The group would be taught to control their arousal (very similar to biofeedback) through deep breathing and acknowledgment of the arousal. These individuals would also be placed in stressful situations (i.e being confronted with an annoying person) and taught to control their anger and arousal in these areas also.

The simulator technique should probably be done for 4 weeks, perhaps 3 times a week or so. After a month hiatus from the simulator, both groups will again be tested on the simulator, but the second group will no longer have the help of the machines. Hopefully there will be a decrease in aggressive driving in the second group and not much of a change in the control group. If this does work it could be implemented into the drivers education program. That is the direction I am heading right now. Although I am curios as to why ordinarily patient and calm individuals become enraged while driving.

Again I think this may be due to the anonymity factor... Anyway, thank you for taking the time out to read this. Thanks again for the information. If you have any suggestions, comments or feedback, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Joanna

So, I don't know what happened next but it was really frightening because we were just one car away from them. Third time, I saw something like this, but in a much milder way was on the base. My brother and I were going to the minicom and we saw this guy got down from his car and walked over to the car behind him and he was screaming "Slow down, this is the base, the speed limit is only 25 --- Can't you see!" And he was pointing at the guy in that car. Then he went back to his car and drove away. Ever since then, I'm really scared when other drivers stare at me when they pass me by. I always feel like I did something wrong and that they're gonna follow me and harass me. But, I learned to ignore them and when I know somebody is giving me the stink eye, I start singing along with the radio and pretend I'm looking for something in my bag. Well, I hope all those stories I shared will help everyone of us realized that we have to be more careful when we're driving out there because there's a lot of aggressive drivers on the road. CZAR

How to deal with this? Well, that has to come within yourself. Are you strong enough to be able to quickly evaluate these options before you respond negatively (not trying to justify really)? These actions of the drivers are in no way justifiable, but your next actions should require some sort of cognition. If this person cyclist) is going to head to the city council meeting, he should go in with a well researched background and sound foundation for an argument to be listened to. If he enters the meeting with just 'complaints', then his testimony will be listened to, but no real solution will be found without some what of a back ground on 'why' these drivers are doing this. Finding the solution after giving the council a few plausible causes for the 'road rage against cyclists' would greatly affect the actions of the council in finding the solution vs. 'just another complaint'. Thoughts on how to contain your anger: first, resist the temptation to lash back at the offending party as an initial response. Take a second or two to evaluate (it often helps greatly).

Second, the mind is more powerful than any human knows yet.. use the cognitive side to find a solution.. you'd be surprised how well it works once you've tamed your ego. Third.. I'd suggest reading Buddhist philosophy, I'm no Buddhist by any means but it has helped me realize a few things I never considered. On this subject, remember these words if nothing else, 'ignorance is bliss'. Consider that when thinking of what the 'aggressive driver' does. They may not even know what it's like to be the victim. Aggressive drivers truly do need to understand the impact of what they cause on others. Hold your anger and create a strong, well researched argument for the city council or newspapers (whatever your methods- both would be mine). ---'-,--(@ Dave

Take care and drive with Aloha spirit! **DrDriving**

I just took your survey, and I think it's a great idea. Rather than people setting up their own surveys, since you do collect the state of residence, wouldn't it be helpful if you asked people as an alternative to have links to YOUR survey? (I can understand some folks will want to run their own surveys, possibly for academic projects etc.) I have always been amused by the bumper stickers that say, Perform random acts of kindness, and senseless acts of beauty.

Why not consistent acts of kindness, and thoughtful acts of beauty? Since I realized the spiritual power of driving behavior for myself some 10 or 15 years ago, I've tried to consistently "make someone's day" as often as possible, though much of the time I fail to do so due to preoccupation. I am technically a poor driver in terms of a lack of "situation awareness" and some impulsiveness, but these things don't normally lead to problems. (And I do signal while making those scary last-minute moves, which is probably what saves me from making a total fool of myself.)

One place where I'm torn is between knowing I should not do ANYTHING to add to the stress of someone who is obviously driving with a chip on his shoulder, and having an occasional compulsion to deny them (subtly) the opportunity to make a really bad move. I'm getting over that pretty thoroughly. (Your material makes some reference to "vigilantism", which somewhat describes this impulse.) In Arizona we have straight streets with, typically, two lanes in each direction. I tend to avoid driving in the curb lane because:

 (1) when I reach a red light, so often there is someone behind me who wants to make a right turn, and I'm in the way; so leaving that lane clear at an intersection is a move which reduces stress for others.

(2) Traffic moves with pretty equal speed in both lanes, depending on the momentary situation.

(3) Three out of four surprises happen in the curb lane, so one can drive more smoothly and safely one lane to the left.

(4) Here in Arizona I find that the main stream of traffic leaves the curb lane open a lot of the time, making it easier for people to enter the stream of traffic. I always try to travel at or _slightly_ above the speed limit (one or two miles an hour) so someone behind me is a little less likely to feel the need to get past me.

In the Scottsdale area we now have photo radar and red-light cameras, which I consider a very good idea. (There are a lot of libertarian minds here, with whom I have some sympathy but only on the theoretical level. They are LIVID about photo radar as an invasion of "privacy".) My wife's on a trip and I'm using her car instead of my old truck. It drives like a cloud, I find myself 5-10 over the limit routinely. I've now learned to cut in the cruise control to remind me how the speed limit (40 everywhere here) feels in that car. My comments above, about the curb lane, were intended to question your correlation of left-lane driving with aggressiveness. This web-page reply mechanism only lets me edit the current line ....

Once at an accident scene I was impressed that the policeman's first concern was to get the traffic moving. Obvious once you think of it; traffic jams lead to further risks. Since then I have taken it as one of my driving responsibilities to do whatever I can to promote an overall smooth movement of the traffic. One questionable thing I do while commuting is to tailgate a little as our long line of traffic goes through a brief green light, so that as many people get through as possible. This is with the foot over the brake pedal, but I've never had a close call. I back off once through the light.

So again, one might consider this bad practice but it is not based on an aggressive attitude (and the driver ahead of me is typically not seeming to .e (sorry) seeming to glance nervously in the mirror -- I watch for that also). Random acts of kindness: Do you have a list of suggested acts somewhere? Let someone into traffic (but not if you're the last person in the line!). ALWAYS back off when someone is trying to switch lanes. Try not to block an intersection at a red light in anticipation that someone may need to come through. Watch for other places on the daily commute where people often are trying to turn across traffic (I find commuters are generally very good about this). When seeing an obstacle ahead, DON'T wait till the last second to swerve around it -- the guy behind you won't see it in time. When seeing traffic slowing ahead, slow early to soften the surprise for people behind you (especially important on the freeway).

At an accident scene where other things are taken care of, park the car well off the road and walk WAY back to signal approaching traffic into the clear lane.

Again, thanks for your work. It's time.

Vic

Thanks for your message and also for changing the colors on the background colors. I have my own tricks to make time on the road more comfortable.

1. I've realized I cannot change people; aggressive drivers' bad habits, included. So, when I see those drivers, I try to maneuver to make them easier. I leave enough space ahead of me; this method alone decreases a chance of being cut-in. If someone wants to cut-in, I never fight, but I'll make room for the driver, reducing risk as well as my temper.

2. When I'm in hurry, I'll try to go slower. Or even better way is to leave home earlier. 5 minute earlier start can never be caught up by faster driving in a city driving.

Philosophy behind my attitude is the appreciation of process. Before, the destination was very important to me, but now I've realized the process to reach the destination is the fun part. The traffic congestion does not bother me as before. I take it as a great opportunity to look around the environment; buildings, trees or mad drivers. Our life itself may be the same way.

So far a destination, a success, for example has been an anti-climax to me. The ultimate destination of our life is death which, I am not sure I can enjoy. Then I have to enjoy before I arrive at the destination. I've learnt from Carlos Castaneda's The Teachings of Don Juan. There is a passage: "You get angry at people when you think their acts are important." After all, there aren't many things in my life, which are very important. Thanks again for your great endeavor!

Shu

 Subject: Thank You (fwd) She has discovered how violence escalates and that we should all not act territorial. The best thing I believe to do is to just continue driving the way you think is right and ignore the other. But at the same time we should evaluate the events that led up to this ask ourselves if we are actually at fault. David

What a relief and delight it was to find your web oasis in the vast desert of internet research. It was so good, in fact, that I was even able to overlook the fact that it was written by a psychologist: the sworn rivlas of all sociologists.

Just kidding. I'm not a sociologist... yet. Actually, I'm writing my senior thesis for my undergraduate degree. A few years ago I quit my job and took the big plunge back into the classroom and it's been quite an adventure, let me tell you. Then I let my husband convince me that a computer was the logical investment for my future college career.

Yeah right, I've been had! (a Sega Genesis would have been a MUCH cheaper way to play video games). Then I hear the business that the net is THE place to be for data collection and research. Second big fib and second big mistake. I suppose it's true that it's a great tool and I'm sure the information is really out there (and not just an evil joke thought up by some fiendish 1980's MIT graduates). Unfortunately though, instead of surfing the web, I've been wiping out in the big internet undertow.

That's were your fabulous website comes in (and just in time, because I bet, though really amused by my terrific wit, you were wondering what all this has to do with anything). WELL... it just so happens that I'm conducting my research on road rage. More specifically, I'm researching the affects of road rage on women. Most of the information I've found (and the reason for my particular choice of topics) relates that this is a predominantly male affliction and/or that men seem to react to it more so that women. I just don't buy that, especially because, since I moved here to California from New York (possibly the two worst places in this entire nation to get behind the wheel), I've seen it all: gestures, profanity, vengeance maneuvers... you name it.

And there's no way, as one study suggested, that 96% of road rage sufferers are men. I've been to the front lines! Be warned, the women are ready for battle! I've even been afflicted with it myself and on more than one occasion! The 405 alone is enough to turn me into a crazy woman!

All kidding aside though, my research and my degree mean a great deal to me and I take them both very seriously. It's these late nights on the computer following long days at the good ol' library that prompt me to write these funny-but-slightly-eccentric letters. I wasn't kidding though, when I said I was having difficulty finding information that's closely related to my specific topic. I'm thinking that perhaps I'm not hip to whatever secret word one needs to type into this thing to get through the information super highway toll booth. I was wondering if you had any advice on where to find the information I need.

Or perhaps you know the names of some much needed journal articles on the subject. Naturally sociological journals would be my first choice (ha ha). My May 19th deadline is looming in the background like a really obnoxious tailgater (OK bad joke, I admit it). I would, in all seriousness, be extremely grateful for any help you can offer. Thank you very much for your time and for giving a stressed out undergrad the chance to vent. Thanks also for thr great information found at your site!

Very sincerely, Karen
Aspiring Sociologist Chapman University (Vandenberg AFB campus)

 PS I thought you might find some delight in knowing that the soc/psych rivalry may be a thing of the past! Our brilliant instructors have combined the senior seminars for the two classes and it seems the we can work together after all. Qualitative data still rules though! :) Thanks again!

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thanks for the funky but nice words about my site! I appreciate your motive for doing the gender investigation, and also the deadline! So here are some things you could use ASAP: See the bibliography of my students' reports on gender differences

See also several books on Traffic Sociology by Sociologist J. Peter Rothe.

Though not on road rage, they are wonderful in showing the importance of the sociological dimension and perspective on driving as a societal phenomenon. I use his books for my traffic psychology courses. Challenging the Old Order (1990).

Also books on The Truckers' World (truly fascinating revelations) and one on The Elderly and another on Motorcyclists. The guy must be a genius. He has no Web presence but the libraries have stuff no doubt.

Take a look at my own analysis of recent data I collected on gender differences in road rage.

Take care and drive with Aloha spirit!

**DrDriving**

Dear Dr. James:

 As a journalism student at San Jose State University, I am writing a story about the problem of aggressive driving and road rage in the Silicon Valley region of Northern California. From my background research I found that you have studied the psychological and social effects of traffic stress. I would like to request your help for information for my story. You can help me by responding to a few questions listed below. The context of my story is the explosive growth of Silicon Valley during the past two years that has seen traffic congestion and commute times skyrocket. A California Highway Patrol officer who investigates road rage incidents in the San Jose area said aggressive driving is a real problem. He receives 4 to 5 reports every month, but many incidents are unreported.

Two weeks ago a motorist was badly beaten by another driver after a traffic altercation on a local freeway.

 1. What are the psychological differences between aggressive driving behavior and the more extreme road rage eruptions of violence?

2. What are the social and psychological contributors to aggressive driving and road rage--particularly for the region and culture of Silicon Valley? (The high tech culture of the valley is often characterized as intense, competitive and fast paced.)

3. Does the leap in traffic congestion and commute times lead to more incidents of aggressive driving and road rage?

4. What steps can be taken by individuals and society to reduce the problem?

Thank you very much for your consideration and cooperation. Yours sincerely,

Dan

thanks for writing. I think you realize the full seriousness of your driver mentality. May I suggest you start the process of re-training yourself. After all: who is doing the driving? It's really the automatic self, and this automatic self is not rational or intelligent, just fast in its reactions and steadfast in its habits. These are good traits. But it's also like a beast or demon, so we (the rational self) need to take charge. Here is what I advise a lot of drivers, and what I do myself: I carry a tape recorder in the car and keep it on. Meanwhile I keep talking out loud all my thoughts and feelings. Later, I listen to the tape. This is a way of getting aware of our automatic self, and where it needs retraining. I'd like to hear from you again after you tried this "self-witnessing" approach for a few times. Take care and drive with Aloha spirit! **DrDriving**

 I write and edit a newsletter for home care nurses and each month I choose a health or safety topic. They are always on the road and my next topic is driving safety. Road rage is new to the KC metro area, which is growing faster than drivers can adapt. The result has been a virtual epidemic of Road Rage, especially in the suburbs.

Can I have permission to print some of your advice in our newsletter and give you credit? Our newsletter is a free newsletter that we send to our own Home Care nurses and area pediatricians (mailing of 500) We are a not-for-profit, 501(C)3 [charity].

Yes, you may have permission to use quotations from DrDriving's Web site. Please be sure to credit DrDriving  and the address which could be as short as: drdriving.org (works real well).

I'd like a copy of the handouts, if you don't mind, either by email (if you have it in a file) or printed out:

Take care and drive with Aloha spirit! **DrDriving**