Sun, 8 Aug 1999

Dr. James, I am a student at Irvine Valley College in California and am working on a speech concerning cell phone usage and driving. Have you any thoughts on the stupidity, er, psychology, of these types of do-ten-things-at-once drivers? Any brief, or prolonged, opinion or venting would be greatly appreciated. Mahalo, Wendy

P.S. I almost ran over a bicyclist using a cell phone last Friday. Have you expanded research on moving vehicles in general?

Sun, 8 Aug 1999

Dear Dr.

I am researching the phenomenon of Road Rage. I am a talk show host for TALK RADIO NETWORK and would like to interview you or someone who has specialized in this issue. I am looking for someone with penetrating information about the psychology of rage and why it is so prevalent on the road.

I want to talk about it from a deeper perspective, i.e. why so much in America; is road rage a 'exhaust' for the rage of the times we live in and the hell of making a living.

Please let me know if there is any chance that we might talk by phone. The interview will most likely last for two hours with calls from the listening audience. I do look forward to talking with you.

Sun, 8 Aug 1999

Mr. M,

Thanks for your interest in interviewing me. I've been on several radio call in shows around the nation this past year as road rage has heated upas a topic. I'm glad you're continuing the talk on it. People need to start examining their driving philosophy. I'm glad you want to go into that at some depth. I'm used to the format of dialoguing with the host then having people call in and talk to me (and of course commercial and newsbreaks...).

One thing I found worthwhile is the so called "Scenarios Analysis" which is just going over in detail pieces of the driving story of the caller and pointing out that it takes two to create a dispute or negative incident on the road, but people don't take into account their own contribution tot he exchange.

And that's where we are at risk--all of us drivers who ignore what we do to get the other driver angry or even hostile. If we decide that the Prime Imperative of the Driver is

To Retain Control over the Situation No Matter What, then we learn to watch ourselves so we don't aggravate any situation by the way we act. Because the moment we respond with anger to someone's behavior or provocation, at that precise moment we lose control over the situation. Why? Because we can't predict how the other driver (or pedestrian or cyclist) is going to react--ignoring you oncoming after you.

And if they come after you, you're at great risk to try to defend yourself, and the whole episode ends either in disaster or in total frustration and dejection. Therefore the smart way to drive is never to oppose anyone. Let them do what they want. Let them.

But people rub up against what's deeply ingrained from our American culture: Automotive Vigilantism (if you want a term for it), which means all those little voices inside telling us: Don't let them get away with it! Don't be a wimp and just take that! Don't let them laugh at your expense. Defend your rights. Etc. Etc. So it all goes pretty deep, this battle of becoming a Reformed Driver, that is, a Supportive Driver.

I have had to win that battle because I used to be a Rushing Maniac and I did not respect the rights of my passengers (not to scare them by the way I was driving). But I overcame my problems and thereby became DrDriving, and now I can show others how to do it.

So that's my story (I know you wanted to have some of it in advance, but of course I can elaborate on the show). So now you need to tell me where you are and what time that translates here in Hawaii and when the show appearance is scheduled to see if I'm free.

Also, you can tell me a little about your show, the audience, and what you desire to accomplish with the topic. I'll be happy to cooperate. Take care Leon James ("DrDriving")

Mon, 9 Aug 1999

I have a question. If by chance you come up to a four way stop sign at the same time as the three other people that must stop too, Who has the right of way? -J-

Mon, 9 Aug 1999

I think the one on the right has the right of way. DrDriving

Mon, 9 Aug 1999

To reader:

I have a quick question and I hope that you can help answer it. I have recently bought a pickup truck and are hearing of certain laws which prohibit me from having the tailgate down when driving. Do you know if this is true? If so what is the reasoning for having such a law? Thanks for your time and help.

MR. Vega

Date: Mon, 9 Aug 1999

I don't know the answer but I've sent your question to Mr.Traffic and he'll write if he knows.

DrDriving

Mon, 9 Aug 1999

The tailgate can't protrude more than the bumper without a flag being attached....this is to protect from collision. Thanks for contacting Dr. Driving and him for forwarding your question to me.

Mr. Traffic

Wed, 11 Aug 1999

I am the editor of the High Plains Statesman Newspaper.  I would appreciate your permission to use information off of your website, as I am doing an article on road rage for the paper that will go to print the17th. Deadline is Friday at 5. please email me written permission using "return to author" if you would.

I will, of course, give you complete credit for the information and/or quotes that I use from the site! Thank you!

Christine

Wednesday, August 11, 1999

Ms. W, I hereby grant permission to your request below. Thank you for your interest in my materials!

Leon James DrDriving

Thu, 12 Aug 1999

Dr. James,

If you wish to see the article, I could email it to you as an attachment, or I would be more than happy to mail the paper, in its entirety to you, article and all. I will need the address at the university if you want the hard copy and the paper. Thank you so much!

I had used your information as a senior at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas majoring in Speech Communications and having to do a presentation -- so I was familiar with the site. I was overjoyed to see it was still "up" and am thankful for your cooperation!

Christy

Wed, 11 Aug 1999

Dear Leon,

We are making a research on traffic education (on drivers aid/K-12,Traffic aid/Truck drivers aid/bus drivers aid/Commercial drivers aid). If you have any information (books, slides, brochures, study notes exc.) about these please send it to us, We will be grateful. Best regards,

Mr. M.N

Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999

Mr. M.N,

Please explain the context or background of your request. Who are you? Who do you represent? what do you do? What are your plans for the materials you're requesting? Then I can decide if I can be of any help to you. Thank you.

I notice you're from Turkey. Can you tell me this: Is there a highway sign in your country that says "Keep Your Dragon Inside"? What's the story of that sign? I'm curious.

Leon James

Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999

Dear Sir,

I am a Genaral Director of ARGE Education, Research and Consultancy. It ęs a private company and currently we are studying with Police Department.

In Turkey, The project we are interested is about education programme for drivers and students. The target group will be truck drivers, bus drivers, commercial drivers and students of elementary and middle school.

The aim of the project is especially to make target group conscious about risky behavior in traffic situation and to improve road safety. Do you have any documents like books, slides, brochures, study notes etc about this ęssue and can you send them to us?

If you can help us, we will be grateful. The other question you asked was about the highway sign in our country. The sign in our roads says "Stop Your Traffic Monster Inside". It iwas a part of the road safety campaign. In my opinion, It is saying " you do not make these mistakes, but your monster inside do".

I believe the massege was wrong. Driver himself make those mistakes. Mistakes should not be attributed to monster. Best Regards

M.N

Mon, 23 Aug 1999

Dear Mr. Leon,

It was more than thoughtful of you to send me information related to issues of traffic. Any more information you could give me will be a tremendous help in planning traffic education for driver and people in Turkey.You may know that there is a big problem with drivers in Turkey and many people die or injure because of the traffic crash.

Therefore, what I am trying to do that helps people to prevent from the traffic crash by conducting an education program. This is a non-profit study. For this reason, if it is convenient, will you kindly send me free sample copies of available materials that could give me a better understanding of " TheAware Driver Course", including to the following specific subjects:

· Driver attitude and aggressive driving behaviors

· Crash avoidance

· Defensive driving techniques

If the free sample copies of materials are not available, could you send me price and more information related to each subjects indicated above. I will certainly appreciate any information you could give me. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, M. N

Mon, 23 Aug 1999

Ms. N,

Please inspect my Web site. You will find lots of materials related to the topics you mention.

It's up to you to identify which materials you're interested in. It would take a couple of hours of looking around and reading since I have a lot. After that, you might know more clearly what you're after. Once you found the materials, you can print them with your Web Browser. Of course you're allowed to use them only by permission, but you're allowed to print your own copy. Then you can ask for permission when you know

(a) exactly which materials (their Web address on my site) and

(b) the conditions of their use (classroom, driving school, handouts) and

(c) the payments involved, if any.

After all this is specified by you, I can consider the request and let you know right away. I hope this clarifies for you in what way I can be of help to you Take care! Leon James

Tue, 10 Aug 1999

Hello Doctor,

I just read your article on "Road Rage" on the Internet. Such a great article. I was explaining road rage to my brother from Canada, found your article on the net, he and I learned a lot.

Thank you, Ed

Wed, 11 Aug 1999

Doc-Would you consider road rage a sickness and why?

Rey

Thu, 12 Aug 1999

Mr. C,

Yes, but a mental sickness like all of us have due to character weaknesses like drinking too much or being violent to one's spouse.

Wed, 11 Aug 1999

Dear Dr. Driving

I recently started a company that deals with roadrage and aggressive driving. We have designed and copywrited a product that is marketed nationally to auto insurance companies.

So far, so good. What makes me qualified to do this work? Simply 15 years of sales in the Motor City which equates to approximately 30 to 35 hours per week of drive time, and of course, a common sense approach to driving. I find the behavior that motorists exhibit and the rational behind it fascinating. After studying, researching and experiencing roadrage there is little that would now surprise me.

Following is one that may take the cake: Driving on Harper Ave (suburb of Detroit) I witnessed two elderly gentlemen in separate cars screaming at one another, one driver motioned to the other to pull into a nearby parking lot.

Two, approximately 65 year old men, stood face to face, each trash-talking the other, and, oh yeah, one of them was hooked to an oxygen tank. Aggressive driving and roadrage is definitely not limited to any particular generation.

David Moore

Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999

I am doing a little project and i would like to know from ure opinion so that i can add some ideas...Why are teenagers considered the most high risk drivers? If u can please help me answer my question it would help me alot..

Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999

They are considered high risk because they have more accidents than other age groups. More accidents are caused by taking high risks.

Now you tell me: Why do teenagers take high risks? Why do they ignore their parents and teachers who warn them not to take high risks? What do you think society should do about the fact that teenagers refuse to listen and insist on taking higher risks when they want to? Looking forward to your answer. But please: type your statement in your word processor, then do a spell check. Then copy it and paste it into your e-mail. Thanks.

Dr. Driving

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999

DEAR DRS.:

I JUST COMPLETED YOUR ROAD RAGE DRIVING SURVEY AND AS A PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER OF 21 YEARS I HAVE OVER A MILLION MILES ACCIDENT FREE. I CONSIDER MYSELF A COURTEOUS DRIVER BUT WITH YOUR SURVEY I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF AS I KNOW THE PROPER WAY TO BEHAVE ON THE HIGHWAY'S I FOUND MYSELF EXPERIENCING SOME OF THE TRAITS SUCH AS CUSSING TO MYSELF AND GETTING MAD BUT I HAUL ABOUT 8,000 GALS. OF GASOLINE WHEN I, AM, LOADED SO I WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING TO PUT ANYBODY IN HARMS WAY I GUESS WHAT I, AM, TO SAY IS YOUR SURVEY JUST GIVE ME A MAJOR REALITY CHECK.

I WILL NOW KEEP CHECK MY EMOTIONS AND TRY HARDER TO STRIVE TO BE A BETTER DRIVER THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PUT UP YOUR WEB SITE AS IT IS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I HOPE MANY MORE DRIVERS TAKE THE TIME TO DO YOUR SURVEY.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

JIM

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999

Thanks Jim!

I visited your site--it's great! Please write againwhen you have additional observations on your driving emotions, especially about how to develop a positive spin on events. Positiveness protects you from stress and keeps you peaceful.

Negativity puts you at risk, makes you sick, and produces dejection in life. Developing a supportive driving style and philosophy saves you from negativity.

So I think truck drivers need to share with each other on how to accomplish this positivity behind the wheel. Leon James DrDriving

PS

I posted your letter and mine on my trucking page http://DrDriving.org/professionals/  

 along with the link to your page. Let me know if you don't want the letter up--I'll remove it right away.

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999

Having had a period of time off the roads in the UK I can not believe the change in driving styles and the lack of tolerance....there is such a short fuse for people to react....and totally being unrealistic in situations we often just simply accepted in the OLD days....

But in your look at this subject can you tell me if you have found any link with toxicity and change in behaviour...??? On reflection whilst living in India the behaviour change was noticeableon a large scale there too...

I know that we can include the psychology of over crowding but generally the cultural norm is c'est la vie and laid back with acceptance of situations....

But the major point is that in India there is terrific pollution problems with massive exhaust emissions....so much so that 10 mins of me being pillion on a yamaha 350 I would look like I had been down a coal mine...!! So is there then a link with toxicity...???

MARJORIE

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999

Thanks for your observations, Ms. Vincent. I don't have data on this right now, but I will look into it. Let me know if you find something on it on the Web. Stress and toxicity are no doubt contributors to road rage because when the body is attacked, the mind is affected.

We then need additional effort and alertness to balance the mind and to prevent it from sliding down into the corporeal (savage) mentality.

Leon James, Dr. Driving

Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999

Thanks Leon for your response...an even more worrying observation the other day was when I broke down on the road and the first guy to come along got irritated blew his horn and just went passed... with no offer of help or enquiry as to whether I was coping...

I was brought up in a community were folk helped one another in a time of need....now these days there is no offer of help... Then over here in the UK is getting bad as you also do not know WHO will stop and what else they will do...!!!

I remember a case of a pregnant woman breaking down on the motorway and her "helper" raped her...!!!!!!!!

There is another interesting occurrence that litigation is growing stronger here...and there have been cases of first aiders giving help then being sued.... so you do see folk avoiding that situation too....

But all this is very sad as we move towards a new century....surely we need a community spirit to take into that century..?? we can not all be in isolation of one another...??? MARJORIE

Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999

Just a thought. I think TV commercials and auto marketing gives people the sense of power and being better than the other driver. Here is some examples: "Start Something" - Mazda Slogan, Just what we need on our roads is someone who "starts something"

A Lexus commercial shows a car weaving in and out of a town blowing dust in everyone's face almost running over people. A Lexus commercial shows how the "extra" power helps you "get ahead" while this car practically runs another car off the road after passing it or "getting ahead"

A Cadillac driver is pulled over next to a Lexus and talks about how he doesn't have the "Northstar" system. Leaving us to believe he is somehow a "better man" Another Cadillac commercial shows a Lexus denied valet parking because he doesn't have "northstar" system.

I think Car manufacturers are able to install the rage of competition between companies into their customers. They market on Road Rage, no question in my mind.

Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999

Thanks SureCheck!

I'm using your examples in an article I'm writing, but I won't put in your name unless you want me to. I'm planning to have my students collect this kind of information. Thanks for your contribution!

Dr Driving

Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999

Hello Dr. James!

I'm a producer at cars.com, the most comprehensive car information site on the Web and the Internet home of the Car Talk guys "Click & Clack" (feel free to check us out at http://www.cars.com/ ).

We've visited your DrDriving site and would like to select your site as a cars.com Site of the Week (visit the feature at http://www.cars.com/features/siteofweek/index.html ).

If you're interested in participating, I'd like to put a reporter in touch with you to ask you some questions in order to prepare a profile of you and your site (you can see examples of previous Site of the Week reviews at the URL above). If you're comfortable providing a phone number, that would probably be easiest for the reporter, otherwise, if you agree, I'll simply pass your email address along.

I do hope to hear back from you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me with them. Congratulations on a terrific Web site! I'm looking forward to communicating further with you.

Best regards, Kara

Friday, July 09, 1999

Ms. R,

Thank you very much for selecting my site! Yes, I'd like to be interviewed. Looking forward to it!

Leon James DrDriving

Mon, 16 Aug 1999

Hello again Dr. James

Rick just submitted his profile of you and your site to me, which I've just passed on the senior editor here at cars.com. I really enjoyed reading about you and your work and am looking forward to featuring your site as a cars.com Site of the Week!

Before that can happen, though, I have a couple of logistical issues to take care of with you.

First, may we have permission to republish photos from your site to accompany our profile? Are there any that aren't your property that I should avoid using? I'm particularly interested in the following images:

http://DrDriving.org/icons10/drds.gif  http://DrDriving.org/icons9/leon.jpg  http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/409bs99/man/icons/Mvc-012f.jpg  

  And, as a token of our esteem, I'd like to send out a cars.com prize package. If you'd like to provide me with your mailing address, I can send it out to you.

Thanks so much for participating! Once I've been able to schedule your site to be featured (probably in mid-September, I will be in touch. In the meantime, don't hesitate to share any questions or concerns you might have with me.

Best regards, Kara

Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999

Dear Dr. Leon James:

I work for an insurance agency that for over 20 years, has been supplying P&C insurance to facilities that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities, i.e. United Cerebral Palsy, Association for Retarded Citizens, etc. A large percentage of these agencies have large fleets of vans for the transportation of their clients.

At any given time, I can walk into any agency that has a fleet of vehicles and accurately guess that 75% of all of their losses are coming from auto and approximately 65% of all of the insurance dollars paid are going to auto claims. It seems that Driver Training, which is done frequently due to staff retention issues in the field, is not having a positive effect on auto losses.

Two questions: Have you developed a training module that could be used as a tool for conducting training to groups of drivers? If you have, is it on a level that can be understood by the average direct care giver? (In our case, the direct care givers are the individuals transporting individuals with disabilities and quite often may only be paid minimum wage.)

Sincerely: Steven G.

Tue, 17 Aug 1999

Professor James,

I am a syndicated columnist, women@work, iSyndicate.com. The column is a lifestyle column for women ages 50-75 in the workforce. iSyndicate provides content to some 100,000 Internet sites. I have interviewed a businesswomen in San Francisco, who fits your classic example of road rage, and has lost the quality of her life through the vile behavior of another woman on the road.

I am writing a featured article on what she experienced and would like to please request permission to use some quotes from your impressive research. I will give you professional recognition and credit for all material I lift from your Internet site. Thank you for your most kind consideration.

Jo Goecke

Tue, 17 Aug 1999

Thank you for your interest, Ms.Goecke. You hereby have my permission for your request below. I'd appreciate a copy of the article, if possible. Thanks. Also, if you'd like some "exclusive" statements specifically for your article, just e-mail me with one or two questions and I can email you backwith the answers.

One of the studies I read reported in an article said that researchers attribute aggressiveness of women drivers to their excessive responsibilities combining work and children, but especially when women feel their hard work is taken for granted.

Leon James, DrDriving

Wed, 18 Aug 1999

During National Kindness Week I made little slips of paper that read "Natl Kindness Week. Your toll has been paid - pass it on" and when I went to the toll booth, I went to the manual lanes and asked what the toll was for the person behind me. I paid the toll for them, and asked the attendant to pass on the slip of paper with the message and sped up. I felt so giddy!

Wed, 18 Aug 1999

Thanks Joe, may your kindness continue to bounce around!

DrDriving

Wed, 18 Aug 1999

Leon,

I'll see that you get a professional copy of the article. Yes, I would love to get some personal comments from you in addition to quotes from your extensive Internet research. I especially liked your e-mail thoughts on women, stress and work. The scope of your research is outstanding!

The article is going to be around 10,000 words so you will be able to get your expertise across to my readers with more than a paragraph or two.Send me your address and I will mail you my press credentails. After I put the article into syndication, I'm going to market it to national women's groups. I will see that you are kept informed of reprints so you can add the credentials to your resume. In any event, I have added your name to my database for expert source for driving safety-related issues, especially road rage.

Thank you so much for your kind permission to use your research. I will take as careful care of your name as I do my own. On the run.....

Best regards,Jo Goecke

Thu, 19 Aug 1999

A few months ago, after the latest in a string of housing developments went up in my remote neighborhood, a 4-way stop was installed at the nearby crossroads. This irritated many of us that are used to a through street. I make it a practice that whenever I reach the intersection at about the same time as the cross street traffic, I wave that other person on.

Well, last week someone waved me on, actually insisted that I proceed first. It just goes to show that the little courtesies that we give to others, go a long way to promote courtesy in others. So, do something nice today. Try to make it a habit, and please teach it to your kids. Character counts, but so does kindness and courtesy.

20 Aug 1999

Hello,I have been scanning all of your wonderful documents on Road Rage with much interest. I was a driver education teacher in a NJ school system educator and am currently the New Jersey State Driver Education Administrator with the NJ Division of HIghway Traffic Safety.

I would like to share your info with NJ's driver education teachers and traffic safety officers at driver education seminars this Fall. I would also like to share your children's book on Road Rage to initiate creative projects which all age students can develop in school this Fall.

I am, therefore, asking permission to see the children's book which was mentioned to E-Mail you for a copy.

Unfortunately, when I tried to utilize your E-Mail form, it would no send my message because of a user certification problem, so, I am using my E-Mail system to obtain permission. Please advise what I must do next, if you grant permission as I am an Internet novice!

Marlene

Mon, 23 Aug 1999

Leon,

Thank you for your address. My press packet is on its way to you. Here are more details on my featured article. The woman, Nicole Marcus, I am interviewing for the article suffered this horrendous experience:

Marcus was on her way to work (paralegal for 15 years in San Francisco) and a woman behind her was honking her horn. Marcus could see the woman's face in her rear view mirror and it was filled with rage. A man in front of Marcus was negotiating a left-hand turn in San Francisco during morning rush hour.

When he finally made his turn, he looked back at the woman still laying on the horn, and flipped her off. Marcus pulled out into the intersection and proceeded straight ahead. The woman, who was honking, pulled to the left-hand side to pass Marcus - almost hit an on-coming car - and pulled in front of Marcus, then stopped dead.

In the process their two cars barely kissed bumpers. The woman in a rage got out of her car and yelled "did anyone see her hit my car?" She ran back to Marcus, who had the driver's side of the front window open. The woman stuck her head in the car, still ranting. Marcus lifted her right hand and told the woman if she did not remove her head immediately from her car she would slap her. The woman withdrew her head and yelled "did anyone see her slap me? "She was incoherent. She ran back to her car, got a pencil and paper and took down Marcus's license plate number.

She was still ballistic and Marcus told her that she was crazy and Marcus was leaving to go to work. She told her where she worked. Marcus believes when she told her she was crazy, it set her off on a revenge campaign against Marcus that has ruined her life,

Leon. To make a quick summary....when the woman got to work she called the police department and told them Marcus had left the scene of an accident. Then the woman pressed the District Attorney (failed bureaucracy) to charge Marcus. She called the District Attorney's office every day for 30 days. Marcus knew absolutely nothing about these accusations. Marcus was arrested, then released.

Over a period of one year, Marcus was called to court 11 times. Nothing ever happened in these hearings except to schedule other hearings due to bureaucracy. I have meticulously checked the facts in this case - the story is true - and Marcus went through hell with this woman. At one point she claimed Marcus pinned her between cars, slapped her so hard she almost fell into on-coming traffic and she now wants financial restitution.

Later she accused Marcus of making terrorist phone calls to her home. This didn't check out either. Her case didn't hold together when push turned to shove and all charges have been dropped by the District Attorney's office against Marcus. This woman still cannot let it go. The woman is now threatening civil litigation but Marcus has not been subpoena as of today, August 23. The woman claims that when she was pinned between cars the injuries to her legs keep her from her livelihood and she now needs surgery.

In the bureaucratic process of this incident, Marcus's quality of life has been destroyed. She is letting me interview her to help other people who get caught up in something like this know what can happen. Marcus has stress rashes that cover her body, she has had to give up her paralegal job to take work as a temp because she has trouble concentrating, needs to take time from work to attend hearings, etc.

Marcus has lost professional-level wages, paid $2,000 to have the woman investigated (the woman is deeply in dept and teaches ballet, so much for knee injuries pinned between cars), etc., and the woman never has had to come to court, her attorney was provided by the District Attorney's office. Marcus says the District Attorney's office has given the case to five different ass't district atty's over this past year and not one of them had a full understanding of the circumstances of the case, thus all the court hearings.

It's a well-documented story for 60-Minutes, Dateline, 20/20, etc., I plan to feature it in my syndicated column, as well as market it to AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). An article I wrote on widow's grief AARP used in a widow's handout packet.

Leon, it's a money scam, but I think it might be road rage, too. Marcus experienced aggressive tailgating, flashing lights, rude gestures, obstruction of vehicle, verbal abuse - the only one missing in Marcus's case according to the American Automobile Association Foundation's criterion for road rage is physically assaulted. Marcus is 57 years old.

At a time when she should be saving for retirement, she is paying off bills created by this woman's charges. I am very interested in sharing her experiences with my readers because I think it will give some kind of closure to Marcus if she knows she has helped a lot of older women to be better prepared.

She is a very classy woman. My heart aches for her. What do you think, DrDriving? Is it a classic case of road rage? How would you advise older women driving to recognize road rage? What did Marcus do that she should not have done during the young woman's tantrum? Very specific suggestions on how this developed to become out of control?

If an older woman is out at night and this happens, what to do? You get the idea. Also, I would like to get some quotes from U.S. Senators involved in the i highway safety ssue? Whom would you recommend? I note your credentials include appearing before Congress to help draft effective laws to deal with road rage. Can you make a couple referrals to get quotes from some people in the private sector who have been very supportive of you and your work. Directors of government agencies?

I note you receive grants for your work. If I can give some nice publicity to any of these folks, you have only to make the referrals. Thank you so very much for your kind interest. Take care over the holiday weekend. Best regards, Jo Goecke

Mon, 23 Aug 1999

Thanks for the story, Jo. It was moving and pathetic. To answer your questions: The only mistake Marcus made (from the details you give) is to have her window open through which the other woman was able to stick her head.

My advice to older women, and all drivers, is to lock the doors and windows to secure your safety. The other mistake (I forget the details...) is to have stopped. My advice is never to do that for obvious reasons.

Finally, my third advice would be to be more forthcoming and try to take charge in a positive way (not just Not Aggravating Things, but also, using the apology process as a means to control the other person's insanity.

But in this case the situation is different, being a scam. About your other question of contacts--I'm sorry but I have no contacts yet (still working on it).

The grants you mentioned were not for my work in Driving. I expect this will change when my book comes out next year (Prometheus Books Publishers--The title is Road Rage and Aggressive Driving--with Diane Nahl). Good luck with your AARP project. I also wrote to them a while back, but haven't heard back.

Take care, Jo, and remember to drive with Aloha! Leon

Tue, 24 Aug 1999

Leon,

I've attached an article about aggressive driving and road rage for the September issue of Law Enforcement Technology. I'm under a rather tight deadline so if I could get any suggested changes submitted to me by 1 p.m. August 27, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you so much for your help with the article.

Ronnie

Wednesday, August 4,

Mr. P,

I would be happy to have you interview me by phone. You are 5 hours ahead of Honolulu time, so you can call me early in your afternoon. My home-office number is 808-261-2382 and if you e-mail me the day and time, I'll be ready for you.

Perhaps you can indicate some of the specific topics you're interested in about legislation and road rage. I have a summary document on legislation in this location: http://DrDriving.org/legislation  

Looking forward to talking with you. Leon James

25 Aug 1999

Dear Dr. James:

I'm a researcher for engineering consultants in Illinois, and I'm trying to track down some information. Is there any information on steering behavior? In particular, I'm looking for information on inadvertently letting your car drift to the right or left in highway driving. Info on healthy and/or impaired drivers is acceptable. I've spent time in Dialog as well as the Internet and your web page is the closest I've found. Any help is appreciated. John

Mr. K,

I don't have information on the steering issue you raise. I wonder if you tried news pages on the Web that might give you leads. For instance, I typed in "car drift" into Infoseek search engine and found some leads you can follow up. I'll paste the results below. Let me know if you find anything so I can publish it on my site. Thanks and good luck. Just occurs to me, you could ask my buddy Mr.Traffic (www.mrtraffic.com  ) who is also knowledgeable about many driving issues.

Leon James DrDriving

Wed, 25 Aug 1999

Just knowing the phenomena is called "car drift" is a help!

Thanks John

Thu, 26 Aug 1999

i have driven a car for quite a many years never have i seen such total disregard for others.i was taught to treat another driver like you would a vistor in yourown livingroom.today that seem to represen timidness.what ever happened to right of way ? today if something is in the way of oncoming traffic i have to become a defensive driver because these idiots com across the right in my driver.s space in order to avoid a head on collision i have to throw and the guy in back of me is infuriated because i did not continue at my same speed .disgusted in philadelphia

Olivet

Thu, 26 Aug 1999 Dear Dr. James, I read one of your web sites on aggressive driving. I'm a pretty careful driver, but I get so easily ticked off when aggressive drivers are on my tail going way faster than I am. I'll admit it. I get angry when people don't understand that there are others on the road.

I'm a Christian, and I know my yelling about it is not pleasing to God, and it's something I have to repent for. I just have one question. How can I "keep my cool" when someone behind me is driving too aggressively for my tastes?

Thank you and God Bless! Joe  

Thu, 26 Aug 1999

Hi Joe,

About your question: "How can I "keep my cool" when someone behind me is driving too aggressively for my tastes?" The answer is to think of what the Lord said: If you do this to one of mine, you're doing it to Me. Also, the Lord said to Peter who asked Him how many times should I forgive these idiots who are in my way: Seventy-times seven, which means as often as they do it to you.

Remember this: the Lord is with you, riding as a Passenger. If you curse, or if you call your neighbor an idiot, you are making the Lord weep. The Lord is sad when you drag yourself down to hell, which is what you're doing when you feel anger and hate in your guts against another motorist.

Friend, I pray that your eyes be opened and that you realize that anger is from the devil. I am speaking now as Christian to Christian, and I know you won't get offended as I speak these words to you. I speak them to myself as well. I wrote a Christ Against Road Rage book and if you want to see the Table of Contents it is here

:http://DrDriving.org/youth/christ.html

I'm still looking for a suitable publisher.

Let me know if I offended you for I'm sorry. But I have a hunch you're not offended by being reminded of the truth. One thing is sure: If you force yourself to have compassion for other motorists (this is a free choice for a reborn Christian since the power for it comes from the Lord!), then the Lord can both protect you better on the road and give you more positive driving experiences.God bless and write again, Joe!

Leon DrDriving

Thu, 26 Aug 1999

Sir/Madam:

Have you any tips for dealing with the passenger who is often in a vehicle with a person who is showing symptoms of "Road Rage" behaviour? What I see as a dangerous person is not evident to the driver.

It is beginning to cause serious problems to the extent that we no longer will travel together in the same vehicle--this is not really a solution???

Why is it that the driver can't see they have a problem and actually get very defensive of their behaviour. It is always the other person's fault. Thanks Darayl

Thu, 26 Aug 1999

To: java130

Many women have this experience (I'm assuming you're female!). Even my wife--for I was somewhat like that, but then I started listening to her. In my case the motivation was my fear of God and love and worship for Him. But if your man doesn't have the fear of God, then maybe you can have him read some of my materials on the site (you can print some out) and discuss it with him.

I discuss it in terms of health (his) and human rights (yours). Maybe you can enter into a contract with him: he agrees to listen to you on the trips you go with him, and you agree to give him something in return he wants.

After a few times he will discover that he likes it better this way. In any case, I recommend you keep a Driving Diary jointly with him, showing him the entries you made about how you felt when you were driven by him each time. Write back and let me know what happened.

DrDriving

Fri, 27 Aug 1999

Hi,I wonder would you be able to help me with a perhaps unusual query? Would it be possible to obtain statistics on the level of accident risk for a particular automobile color, and some explanation as to why color might be a causative factor in traffic accidents? Could you possibly provide sources for the above requested information Thanking you, Michael

Fri, 27 Aug 1999

Dear Professor James, It has occurred to me that the means of communications from driver to driver are quite limited: turn signals, horn, hand gestures. But is there a signaling device that says "I'm sorry?" Often I wish there were some kind of light or jack-in-the-box that one could employ in those unfortunate circumstances when offense has been given. Do you know of any research being conducted in driver-to-driver communications?

Fri, 27 Aug 1999

Mr. S,

I agree with you. Here is a Page that lists some reports on driver communication. http://DrDriving.org Let me know if you find additional references.  Thanks.

Leon James DrDriving

Mon, 30 Aug 1999

Dear Professor,

Many thanks for the references. I am wondering whether you would grace my programme with an interview? M.

August 30, 1999

Yes, Mark, I agree. E-mail me when you want to place your call to me here in Hawaii and I'll let you know back with my telephone number. Possible times for me are mornings (your afternoons), but I'm pretty flexible. Let me know. Leon

Dear Professor,

Since we are television it will require some further co-ordination. Our preference is to use videoconferencing. Does the U of Hawaii have such equipment? most universities do. Otherwise we can hire a freelance photographer, or make arrangements with the local ABC affiliate or CNN bureau(if there are these available). Please advise, Mark

Mr. S, I'll see about what can be arranged and I'll have the campus engineer email you with appropriate details. Perhaps you can give me some more details: How long? What structure? When? Leon

Wed, 1 Sep 1999

Dear Professor,

It would take about 15 minutes of your time. In the item I will have explained my frustration in not being able to apologize to drivers when I make a mistake, or in fact do anything more eloquent than grunting (blaring the horn, etc). I'll have suggested that in this age of information, it's pretty appalling that grunts are as sophisticated as we've achieved in our driver-to driver communication. then I'll introduce you. we'll chat about the reasons & you will (hopefully) suggest some remedies. How does that sound?

Sat, 28 Aug 1999

Hi. I'm a self-admitted road rager. I'm not thrilled with your report here, but I am seeing myself in your words which I find a bit disconcerting. I realize I am not alone, but I also realize that the moment I step into the driver's seat I am angry. I am defensive before I even leave the driveway. And my sons are learning this behavior. Thanks for the enlightenment. Larry and Nancy

Sat, 28 Aug 1999

Thanks Larry, and congratulations for being a real man, that is, one who takes the first step of A-cknowledging he has a driving problem. Now do the other two steps: W-itness yourself making mistakes and feeling aggressive, then M-odify your little habits one by one. Be sure to let Nancy be your coach. That's when I started making progress as a rushing maniac many years ago, when I started letting Diane be my driving coach. Take care and write again when you go further!

Leon James DrDriving

Sun, 29 Aug 1999

Hi. Sorry for the confusion but Larry is actually a fairly calm driver, though he has a tendency to follow too close. I am the one who has road-rage, further proof of your assertion that women are becoming more agressive. Nancy

Sun, 29 Aug 1999

OK Nancy, my suggestions work reciprocally, so you need to let Larry be your driving coach. DrDriving

Mon, 30 Aug 1999

Dr. James,

My name is Josh Trudell, and I'm a reporter for The Telegraph, based in Nashua, New Hampshire. I'd like to speak to you about your studies on road rage. I'm currently working on a story about the development of southern New Hampshire, which has been growing by leaps and bounds.

As a result, traffic has grown exponentially on many roads that used to be fairly quiet paths. If you would like me to call you, please reply to this e-mail with a time and a phone number. If you don't mind calling me, you can reach me at 603-594-6584. Our website is www.nashuatelegraph.com . Thanks for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon, Josh

Mon, 30 Aug 1999

Dr. James,

My name is Tom . I first contacted you about a year ago regarding my new position as the aggressive driving coordinator for the State of Florida. I am working at The Institute of Police Technology and Management at the University of North Florida.

I am currently planning an aggressive driving summit for Florida law enforcement officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, emergency medical people, and citizens from around the state who are interested and active in traffic safety. The Summit will be held on the University campus February 8-10, 2000. I know that you have a very busy schedule but might it be possible for you to come to Jacksonville to make the keynote address on Tuesday morning, February 8, 2000. I hope you will be able to do this for us.

Thank you, Tom

Mon, 30 Aug 1999

Mr. G,

I'm honored by your invitation and trust, and it sounds attractive! I need to discuss it with my partner and co-author Dr. Diane Nahl--we always travel together. So I'm not saying Yes, but only asking that you give me two weeks to consider it, as it involves my schedule and projects.

While we think about it, it would help if you could specify what cost arrangements you're able to offer as this makes a difference to us (we're both struggling professors!). Also, what you hope I can achieve in my speech and what other events might be involved--so I can think about it concretely in terms of the preparation involved.

Incidentally, my sister and her husband and child live in Miami Beach. I grew up in Montreal and we used to spend our Christmas vacations there before I moved to Hawaii in 1971. Loved Florida! But I've been hearing from Floridians who fill out my road rage survey on the Web, and they are aggressive! But then, so are the people in the other states (but Florida drivers top all others in terms of Yelling at another driver!!).

I've also been reading about the aggressive driving initiatives by legislation and law enforcement activities in your state, and Florida is at the forefront, especially in terms of driver training and re-education.

That's a key direction I think. How do you feel about it? I'd enjoy hearing your interests. Thanks again, and hope to hear from you.

Leon James DrDriving

Mon, 30 Aug 1999

Good morning, Just a quick reminder about tomorrow's Staff Development Program "Driving Informatics and Road Rage Advice". The event is scheduled from Noon - 1:00 p.m. in HL 401 (originally we planned on Rm. 1 - but this classroom will be in use). I will open and be in HL401 at 11:30. There is a computer with Netscape and a projector. If you need additionally equipment or would like to get into the room earlier just let me know. see you tomorrow,

Vicky

Wed, 1 Sep 1999

Hi Bob,

I liked your chapter because it covers all the important topics from today's perspective, as seen by psychologists. I think the level is not too difficult for the intended audience you mentioned. Apart from that I don't have anything to criticize save one thing: You're not giving an overall theory that the audience could use to think more intelligently about safety and psychology, though the bits and pieces you review do help them to go in that direction. Of course this isn't your fault since this overall theory isn't in the literature. But maybe you can make one up as a way of integrating what your chapter presents in bits and pieces. Good luck, and thanks for letting me see it.

My book will be out sometime next year, by the way. The title is Road Rage and Aggressive Driving and it is intended for the lay person who doesn't know much about the topic or its context in society today. Leon James

Thu, 2 Sep 1999

Leon, Many thanks for your quick reply with comments on my book chapter. I am glad to hear you liked it, and I will try to come up with an overall theory, or at least a reasonable summary, to tie all this together. I look forward to seeing your new book on aggression on the road. Sincerely, Bob

Tue, 31 Aug 1999

Hi, I write for eight daily newspapers in Michigan. Someone sent me a copy of your road rage survey. Michigan drivers rank high in some categories. I was hoping I could arrange a quick phone interview with you. ASAP.

David

Wed, 1 Sep 1999

We are a private research library and our patrons are the Representatives and Senators of the State of Michigan. The researchers here are requesting a copy of your "Dr. Driving World Rage Report."

I understand it is fairly extensive around 50 pages. Please tell me where I may obtain a copy and cost. Your help is sincerely appreciated. Always, Ellen

Wed, 1 Sep 1999

Ms. H,

The road rage report and other reports I have written are presented free on the Web at my site. You can print a copy then duplicate it to distribute to the legislators.

You might also like to look at more than one report or article. Please look around and I'll be glad to help you locate things if you email me. After tyou decide what you want to distribute, please email me with the details: the address of the article, the number of copies, and for whom it is intended, and I'll be happy to email you back with my permission. The main page address where you can reach all articles is:

http://DrDriving.org  

Take care and drive with Aloha! Leon James DrDriving

Thu, 2 Sep 1999

Thank you for your prompt reply. A few moments ago I pulled the report and gave copies to the researchers working on the topic. Also sent the web site to all others in the Division for their inspection. It is an informative site more complete than any I have bookmarked at this time. Ellen

1 Sep 1999

I have a small business named above. I have been looking everywhere for good information on drinking and drinking and road rage. I found your site by accident really, let me start by saying its a great site. Lots of information.

I would like to request any videos and other activities you would recommend for my students. Please notify me by email of cost of said items. Secondly I would really like to recommend this site to my interested parents on furthering their child(rens) driving education. Thanks Have a nice day, peace333333

Wed, 1 Sep 1999

Thanks for your kind comments on my site! I hope you do recommend it to your family and friends, not just your students. To answer your question, please consult my announcement of a video that might be useful to you that I wrote.

There is a link to the AIPS from who it can be ordered. Let me know if I can help with materials for teenagers. What topics should I cover? What arguments have you found that they pay attention to?

Thanks. Leon James DrDriving

Mon, 30 Aug 1999

In Oro-Medonte located in Ontario Canada. We launched a Road Safety Program involving the whole Township. It is called Road Watch. Our mandate is to Reduce Fatalities, Collisions through Awareness, Education and Enforcement. Our roads have Road Watch signage and all citizens receive a packet of Citizen Report Forms and when they observe dangerous aggressive driving they can fill in the form and describe the behaviour, action etc. location and then information can be faxed the the Ontario Provincial Police or placed in a Drop Off Box made by our high schools students.

Funds were raised for this project and this September we have Education Resource Kits for Primary, Junior and Intermediate students. K-to grade 8. If possible there is information that would be valuable to include in our kits.

We have the permission of both School Boards todo this and the Road Safety has been tied in with the schools curriculum.

Thank you JOan, Road Watch

Fri, 3 Sep 1999

Hello, I'm working on a study of road rage. I'm pretty sure I know what the root aggravating factor is, besides heavy traffic or long commutes. How am I sure? Because I know what makes me likely to be a road rage candidate!

Don't worry, I know how to take care of myself so that it doesn't happen, and I'm not talking about taking on the right philosophy on life. What I need to make the connection solid is statistics on what time of day each report of road rage occurred. Any ideas? thanks,

J. Andre

Dr. Lavoie,

I do not know of such data you're asking about. Have you tried the news reports about road rage? Some of them might give the time of the event. Let me know if you find anything.

Thanks. Leon James DrDriving

Fri, 3 Sep 1999

Hello Dr. Driving!

May I call you to discuss this? I only have circumstantial, but compelling, evidence at this time. I feel very excited that I'm on to the root cause of road rage, and more importantly, one of the leading contributors to why America can be such a violent country. The implications are vast.

I want to publish in a journal the idea, my evidence, and the solution, but I don't even have the first clue as to where to submit the paper. You see, I'm a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics. I've published plenty of papers within my field, many in top journals for my specialization, and I have two best technical paper awards, but this probably means little to the medical community, and I expect to run into a brick wall when submitting to the reputable medical journals.

I was thinking to just write a letter to the editor, but am having second thoughts that this is just too big (and fun, I might add). Want to talk?

Andre J.

Fri, 3 Sep 1999

Hi Andre,

before we talk we need to go a little further with the topic so I can judge whether this has anything to do with me. I'm not an engineer but a psychologist. I'd be glad to read a description you want to give me about what it is.

I don't like mysteries, if you know what I mean. By the way, I do enjoy one idea from an engineer: Traffic Waves.

At least these are my ideals!! What kind of a driver are you and how did you get into this topic?? I note you have a French name. I got my PhD at McGill and taught at Laval in Quebec, but that was decades ago... Leon

Sat, 4 Sep 1999

Dear Sir,

I found your congressional testimony on road rage on the Web. I am a newspaper reporter for the Bangor Daily News in Bangor Maine. I am currently working a series of stories regarding the problem of speeding vehicles in our communities.

This article is not about Road Rage, exactly, but focuses more on the increasing problem of speeding through residential neighborhoods and a lack of police enforcement in the state. I am hoping that you may be able to offer me some comments on this subject, such as theories on why people are going so fast. I hope to hear from you and appreciate your consideration.

Renee

Sat, 4 Sep

Ms. O,

thanks for your interest in my views. I'd be happy to comment for your article. Please refer to my site DrDriving.org and I am a Professor of Traffic Psychology at the University of Hawaii. My new book is being published by Prometheus Books and is due in Fall 2000. Its title is: ROAD RAGE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING. Thank you for mentioning it!

Now to your questions! It's easy to understand why people are going fast, but more difficult to get them to stop. Motorists on their way home or to work are merely passing through neighborhoods they care nothing about and think nothing of. We are able to abstract the neighborhood into a crossover path.

Since motorists are anxious, impatient, frustrated, preoccupied, it's easy to see that their emotions will control the gas pedal. They will systematically try to circumvent regulations and traffic calming devices. It's automatic. Now how do you get them to change? There are to two methods and both must be used.

First, law enforcement and traffic calming methods--but these have limited effectiveness and furthermore, tend to make motorists even more impatient and rebellious. Therefore you need a second approach which is education and training.

Drivers must follow DrDriving's Three step Program: A-- for Acknowledge that you are part of the problem by the way you drive, and that you need hlep to change. W-- for Witness yourself behind the wheel: how impatient do you get? When? Why? Do you want to be that type of person? Are you tired of it? M-- for Modify your habits one trip at a time. Pick something very specific, like following too close, or not observing the speed limit signs, or getting angry when someone enters your lane, etc.

By doing this for months and years, you will eventually change your entire driving personality. Also, the community should reward drivers who respect regulations. Maybe there could be a telephone number people can call to report a license plate of a car that you think deserves honorable mention. Then publish the names in the press or on the Web.

Finally, you need to start early so you have a Driver Education Curriculum K-12 so children can learn early to respect other people's rights in pulbic places. Let me know if you want more solutions or opinions on something.

I also recommend you use the search engine on my site to look for topics you're writing about. Leon James DrDriving

Sat, 4 Sep 1999

i wanted to express my thoughts about frustrated drivers. i feel i'm the only driver on the road that exhibits any common sense and that other are ignorant. most drivers do not understand driving protocol and thus cause hours of needless traffic. many feel they are entitled to clog up the left lane simply because they are observing the speed limit. traffic protocol dictates that if an approaching motorist wants to drive faster than the slug in front of him, the slug should step aside. even state troopers are lenient with the speed limit in the interest of keeping traffic moving.timid drivers unfamiliar with the road should not be in the left hand lane.in short, too many drivers are not aware, or they simply don't care about other drivers that have a destination in mind and want to get where they are going without needless delays. chris_bergin

Sat, 4 Sep 1999

I agree with you Mr. B. The trouble is: how do we re-train those people who do it?

DrDriving

6 Sep 1999

Hi! My name is James P. Rudd, better known as Jim. I am a graduate student at Brenau University. I am taking a course in Management Skills. I elected to do a paper about how Managers are having to develop new skills dealing with employees coming to work or the work environment after experiencing road rage. They could be the Rager or the Victim. Can you provide any helpful information or ideas? Thanks

6 Sep 1999

Try "teleworking and driving" at the Infoseek search engine. You'll get quite a bit for a starter

6 Sep 1999

I'm e-mailing you from the 'So You Think You're a Good Driver' programme at the BBC to find out if you are in contact with any psychologists over here that do similar work to yourselves. I am fascinated by quite a lot of the material on your various websites, especially the information about how different cars affect our perceptions of ourselves and others. But we are also looking into a wide range of psychological findings in connection with our attitude to the road. I am wondering if you know of any similar work being done in the UK. I would be grateful if you could e-mail me and let me know. shirley

Monday, September 06, 1999

Hi Ms. P,

I don't know anyone personally but when I look at my I find two possible leads for you.

 Thanks for consulting my materials and good luck with your hunt. I'd be glad to answer your written questions (or by phone) if you have any as you proceed with your search!

Leon James DrDriving

Mon, 6 Sep 1999

Thanks so much for such a quick response. I shall be in touch if we need anything more. shirley pope

Mon, 6 Sep 1999

Dear "Dr. Driving",

I have been doing some research into aggressive driving and road rage, and I came across your website. I am planning on doing presentations at my company and to my Naval Reserve Unit about road rage and aggressive driving. I read the section on your website titled "The Components of Aggressive Driving," and I found it to be quite thought-provoking.

I would love to use that section in my presentations, but I understand that your material is copyrighted. Would it be possible to get permission to use that section for my presentations? Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Wade

Mon, 6 Sep 1999

Mr. A,

you have my permission for the purpose you state below. Write back and let me know how people react. Also, if you can think of additional points I should cover, please let me know. It would be good if you could give people the address so they can go to the site: DrDriving.org Good luck with your lecture! Leon James DrDriving

Tue, 7 Sep 1999

Randomly came across your web site while looking at material on Child restraints I am a policeman of 37 years experience in Melbourne Australia, and because of my position as Chief Inspector Support Services at "H" District Rosanna Headquarters I serve on a Regional Community Road Safety Council.

This year we are looking at the issues of local communities working on modifying driver behaviour and the much written of "Road Rage", so I am quite interested in your work. I hope that I can get some ideas from your hard work to apply to the issues that are now emerging in Australia.

I have taken the Liberty of printing out some of your material and bookmarking the site for further research. The only use I would make of this material, is to provide a sound basis for adoption and credit as source for the idea within the Road Safety Council or within the internal workings of our Victoria Police Department. I hope that you have no objection to this type of use. And of course if the material was to be used other than stated I would ask for specific permission.

I will write again as I delve further into the wealth of material you have published. My regards and Keep up the good work. Ken

Wed, 8 Sep 1999

Thank you, Mr. A, for your kind words about the materials on my site. You are welcome to use them as you described, and I hope you write again with your comments on what else I should be covering or making more explicit. You might be interested in the RoadRageous video course I wrote

Leon James DrDriving

Tue, 7 Sep 1999

Dr. Driving:

Aloha. I am a transportation columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and I noticed that Illinois ranks No. 8 among states and provinces for aggressive driving. Can you help me understand the methodology that went into that finding?

Also, I am doing a story on aggressive drivers focusing specifically on tail-gating. It seems now that the U.S. has done away with the uniform 55 mph speed on most highways, the most broken traffic law on the highway seems to be the law requiring motorists to remain so many car lengths behind the car in front of them. I notice this driving in the St. Louis Metro area all the time. And it begs several interesting questions:

1) is tailgating by itself aggressive driving?

2) is there some sort of extension of what psychologists refer to as "personal space" that applies to the auto? Specifically referring here to the tailgaters again.

3) how close is too close from a comfort zone level?

4) what emotions are set off in someone who is being tailed closely?

Ken

Wed, 8 Sep 1999

Mr. Ken,

I'm glad you're perusing my materials for your article. I'll answer your questions below, and I'm also available for a telephone interview.

A little over 2000 people filled out my online Road Rage Survey, giving me a good national sample of drivers who also surf the Internet. Age varied from 15 to 85 and about half were women. There were about two dozen items asking people to indicate which ones they themselves performed at times: Tailgating, running red ligts, Changing lanes without signaling, and so on. So when you see a percentage, it means that percentage of drivers from that state confess to those particular aggressive driving behaviors.

There are no studies that actually observe drivers on streets or highways, except in limited conditions (e.g., how many drivers go through red at this intersection over a 24-hour period). I compared the results by state, by age groups, by gender, by type of car.

1) is tailgating by itself aggressive driving? Yes. However, there are different types of tailgating just as there are different ways of overeating, etc. The two most common forms of tailgating in my research has been Tailgating proper and Following too close. They differ in terms of motivation or intention.

Tailgating propre is motivated by self-righteous indignation ("How can you drive this way and block people's way"). This is aggressive driving, even road rage. But Following too close is an unconscious habit and is motivated by social factors such as peer pressure, perceptual level of adaption to closeness, or insufficient caring or alertness.

These are not aggressive driving. When you compare the two behaviors you'll see that they may appear similar under a quick glance (distance separating the vehicles) but are very different in detail (due to the difference in intention).

2) is there some sort of extension of what psychologists refer to "personal space" that applies to the auto? Specifically referring here to the tailgaters again. Yes. Personal space often goes with "territoriality" which is what cats ferociously fight about every night outside our house. Most drivers imbibe the culture of driving since childhood, and this involves a mental driving economy that has us unconsciously keep track of who and how often "invades" our personal space. This by itself would not be harmful except that it is coupled with another cultural norm we learn in childhood: Don't be a wimp--Fight back.

Along wiht all sorts of false psychology,like: If I let them get away with it, they'll keep doing it. Etc.

3) how close is too close from a comfort zone level? This depends on the "level of adaptation" that is, the local norms on each highway that determine how most drivers behave there.

4) what emotions are set off in someone who is being tailed closely? Fear. Anger. Retaliation. Fear leads you to look for a way out of the situation. Anger is the desire to defend yourself against an attack, invasion, or insult. Retaliation is the desire to get even and also to punish. These emotions create a host of thoughts that go along with each emotions.

It's very important for drivers to become aware of these thoughts and to manage them rationally. This should be done on every trip until it becomes a new automatic habit. Then you're safe and smart. Let me know if you want more, or if you want to call. Perhaps you can mention my web site address as DrDriving.org and my book called ROAD RAGE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING due in September 2000 by Prometheus Books.

Thanks. Leon James DrDriving

Wed, 8 Sep

Dear Dr. Driving,

Hello, my name is Andrea Brown. I am writing a speech on defensive driving. I am planning on using your website as part of my speech. I need to know exactly where you have gotten your information in order to give credibility on why I have a right to talk about defensive driving. Please tell about yourself and your studies. I need to give statistics to the class that are 100% true. Thank you so much!

Sincerely, Andrea

P.S. Please respond ASAP since I have to give my speech early next week.

Wed, 8 Sep 1999

Ms. B,

check this file for statistics: http://DrDriving.org/surveys

Wed, 8 Sep 1999

Thank you so much for responding. I will definitely be using the statistics you have found through the survey you conducted about aggressive