| Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2001 11:55:33 -1000 Subject: Car Aggression Information
Dear Dr. Driving,
I just saw something on our local TV news that has driven me to the Internet to try to
get more data. The reason...on April 6, of this year my sister and her husband were in a
horrible car accident in which he was killed and she received injuries to include a
crushed wrist which has resulted in several surgeries. My sister has not been able to
return to work because of the rehabilitation requirement and of course dealing with the
tragic loss of her husband and soul-mate.
Since my sister was asleep, she did not see what happened leading up to the accident. She
woke up to hear her husband yell, "Oh no, oh no." She woke up in time to see
that David was behind two pickup trucks in front of them of them on the road driving side
by side, slower than their vehicle, which was going the speed limit. David tried to avoid
hitting the pickup in front of him, but in hitting the brakes and going from side to side
on the highway to avoid hitting the truck in the passing lane, hit an embankment, which
sent their vehicle rolling over several times. The two pickups continued down the road and
did not stop. He died at the scene of the accident and she was airlifted to a trauma
center.
The program I just watched talked of "car aggression" and how two cars will
"duel" down the highway until one suddenly passes the other to match speed. I
wonder if this is what happened to them. Since we have no witnesses to any of this, the
police speculate that David had fallen asleep at the wheel (unlikely since they were only
~20 minutes from a shopping stop), or if he was being reckless in driving fast (unlikely
because that was not his nature).
The car aggression scenario is the only one that makes sense. How common is this? The
wreck happened in California on Highway 10 to Las Vegas. Please direct us to any
resources, etc. My sister's heart is broken and we are trying to make sense of this.
Thank you,
J.T.
Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2001 19:24:45 -1000
Sorry to hear the sad story about your sister and her loss. This type of duel--if
that's what was--is not too uncommon, especially for some people. I think she would know
if this was something her husband would or would not do. Falling asleep at the wheel also
happens. Hard to know what happened here. However, to help both of you understand what
happened and why, and if it can happen again, please read our new book were we explain the
psychology of drivers--the thoughts and emotions behind the wheel and where this comes
from, and how to handle it.
Aloha,
Leon James
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 02:29:08 -1000
Subject: death penalty case involving road rage
Dear Dr. Driving,
I represent a death row prisoner who may have killed two people due to road rage.
Because he did not testify, the trial court refused to instruct the jury that they could
find he acted under extreme emotional disturbance. The court said my client could not have
the extreme emotional disturbance instruction because there was no evidence of how the
accident affected him. As a result, he was convicted of intentional murder (the jury had
no choice). The evidence was that his car had collided with the victims' car at the time
of the incident. He did not know the victims.
Are there any studies that support the proposition that everyone experiences extreme
emotional distress (of some variety) when their car collides with another car?
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 11:56:31 -1000
Subject: Thanks for your insight regarding traffic mentality 10/15/01
Dear Dr. Driving,
I am really enjoying your web page on rage. I was born on Oahu and now live in the
Seattle area. I constantly think about traffic and how it is shaping our urban culture. Up
until Fall of 2000, I enjoyed being in a car, especially when I was a passenger. High
speeds and heavy traffic didn't bother me. During that time I started to see how
Interstate 5, as it stretches from Mexico to Canada, was an entity unto itself. It never
sleeps. In 10/00 I survived a crash which was result of my own rage and it changed forever
how I will drive and perceive traffic. According to the Seattle Times, this region is now
heralded as the "6th worst traffic in the nation". I want to say that I believe
your research is very valuable. It is very common for drivers to deny the risks and
responsibilities of driving and act as if the end (destination) is worth any means to
achieve it . I wonder when death by car accident will become so common that we prepare
(accept?) mentally for that possibility during our lives. By the way, my career goal is to
be a helicopter pilot and survey car traffic from above. I just hope I can get there
before the skies have "jet to jet" traffic as well. Here's to driving with the
Aloha spirit.
Sincerely,
S. G.
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 16:31:54 -1000
Subject: Re: Malamlama article
congestion issues. Is there a way we could meet sometime? Or conduct an interview via
email or phone? Since space is limited I was thinking of maybe focusing on ways to avoid
road rage or being a victim of road rage. Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi, N.I.,
Yes, we can do either, just let me know. One thing that might be suitable is to quote from
my congressional testimony. You might like to take a look at it and see if you find
something to quote. Let me know if you want more choices, or if you prefer my selecting it
for you. The address is:
http://DrDriving.org/articles/testimony.htm
Aloha,
Leon James
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 17:54:50 ?1000
Subject: Costs for materials
Dear Dr. Driving,
How much? Can't find costs for materials. Did I overlook it?
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 19:05:37 -1000
Are you interested in the video? Please let me know which option:
http://DrDriving.org/video
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 01:47:12 ?1000
Subject: feedback on roadrage article
Dr. Driving,
How can you blame road rage on unresolved issues when bad drivers cause road rage in
the first place? You see it every day, people talking on the phone, people needlessly
impeding traffic flow, people not paying attention to the road. All of that causes stress
in people like me who are just trying to get from point A to point B. A great example is
the case in California when that guy who was suffering from road rage threw that lady's
dog into the road. What he did was wrong, but know one asked what was that lady doing with
a dog in her lap while she was driving! A dog is more distracting than a cell phone. I'm
sure she was a pathetic driver. Bottom line: driving is still a privilege, not a right. I
hope each state passes legislation banning cell phones in cars. I hope there are stricter
driving tests; I want the elderly off the road. Please don't be an apologist for
incompetent drivers.
T
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 15:22:05 -1000
Hi T.,
We agree on this: that bad drivers who are distracted or etc., should fix themselves and
they have no excuse for continuing. And they cause stress for everyone, plus cost,
injuries and deaths. So no apologetics for them!! My point is: (a) they should fix
themselves; it's not easy; here's a way you can do it. And (b) those of us who, like you,
just want to get from point A to B and are stressed out by these bad drivers, also need to
learn how to drive differently: not defensively, not aggressively, not timidly, but
supportively, treating driving like it is teamwork. Please read our book and then write
back.
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2001 10:58:58 -1000
Dear Dr. Driving,
Two and a half years ago my wife, two year old son and myself were going last minute
Christmas shopping on Dec. 23 at approximately 5:00 in the evening. While approaching a
blind hill top we were hit head on by a volunteer fire chief who was responding to a call
approximately 10 miles away in a neighboring town which is also in the same fire district.
However the accident occurred in a town which is not in his fire district and according to
witness testimony and his own in our civil court case he was responding from a local
drinking establishment and he was passing two cars on snow covered roads approaching a
hiss crest at a high rate of speed. My son was uninjured but I suffered broken ribs a
punctured left lung and spent Christmas and New Years in the hospital away from my family.
As did my wife although her injuries were more life threatening than mine. She will have
seizures probably the rest of her life not to mention she had to have part of her
intestine removed to save her life the night of the accident and she was 4 months
pregnant. Our second child was born without complication so far. The man who hit us
claimed he had a siren though the witness did not hear one nor did I. And the vehicle he
was driving was registered and insured in his wife's name and he was never charged with
anything because the district attorney said there wasn't enough evidence despite witness
statements and his own that he was drinking prior to the accident. And beyond his drinking
he was driving without due regard for other motorists. The call he was responding to was a
cal pole accident no personal injury. In my opinion and many others he should be held
accountable from a criminal standpoint. Any information you may have for us would be
greatly appreciated. Although we have filed suit against the town, fire department himself
and his wife it is a difficult case in so far as holding the towns which contract with
this fire dept. Liable for employing such an incompetent individual to such a high rank as
fire chief what kind of example is he setting for his peers and what message does that
send to other firemen if he wasn't held accountable for his actions he to this day is
still with the volunteer fire co. in our small town. Please reply we look forward to your
feedback and can supply further info. if needed thank you for your time.
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 07:37:21 -1000
Subject: Road Rage articles for school newspaper
Dear Dr. Driving,
My name is B. S. and I am doing an article on road rage for my school newspaper The
Tornado Tribune. (Booker High School) I was wondering if you can send me and useful
information that you think is really important that I may use to address this issue to my
fellow peers at school. I am a senior in school this year, and I know what it is like to
be driving on the roads nowadays so I would appreciate any information that you can give
me so I can pass on this information to my fellow students at Booker High. Thank you for
you time and cooperation!
B. S.
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 09:21:41 -1000
Hi B. S.,
You can select your own passages to quote from Dr Driving's site for teen drivers located
here:
http://DrDriving.org/youth
Let me know if this is what you want. Another good file to look at is my congressional
testimony on road rage:
http://DrDriving.org/articles/testimony.htm
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 11:03:45 -1000
Subject: When you were offline...(via HumanClick)
Greetings from hot, dry South Texas.
Dr. Driving,
Thanks for the visit and for the URL for your site. Congrats on finding my Sociology of
the Road site--it's still a work very much in progress to illustrate matters for my social
psych course.
I have given your site two links from
http://www.trinity.edu/mkearl/hwsocord.html
Peace,
M
M. C. K.
Professor & Chair
Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology
Trinity University
Great course, Professor. I really enjoyed going through your files--I love the
sociological perspective even though I'm a psychology professor (used "Frame
Analysis" in my social psych course many years ago).
Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2001 03:51:05 -1000
Subject: Rage results.
Dear Dr. Nahl and Dr. James
My name is B. S. and I an currently conducting a research on Air Rage. I was just
wondering can you reveal some personality results. This is purely for academic purposes.
Regards,
B. S.
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 18:02:13 -1000
Hi B.S.,
I haven't analyzed the results lately, but last year I did add up some. Please check in
these files:
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/personality.html
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/survey4/definition.html
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/anger1.html
http://DrDriving.org/personality.html
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/rage-statements.html
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/survey2/interpretations.html
Aloha,
Leon James
Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2001 06:19:21 -1000
Subject: teen drivers
Dear Dr. Driving,
It is alarming to us as parents the accidents reported of teen drivers on just about
any news station one looks at. So many are dying in these accidents and others maimed for
life. Are there total statistics reported yearly of the percentage of teen accidents.
Someone who cares.
D.Powers
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 19:32:56 -1000
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 12:28:46 -1000
Subject: Real Life
Dear hearts,
I love what you are trying to do but, I don't think you really know what traffic is like
in the real world. I don't think rush hour is the same where you are as where I am. Still
I have never made the stupid mistake. I have more than three million accident free
commercial miles, you have
piled higher and deeper. In paradise.
Aloha,
S
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 13:00:48 -1000
Thanks for your sentiments on traffic and Hawaii--we do have our mini-world of
congestion here and the average commute is the same as the national average--32 mins.
(means half of all drivers take longer!!) We also have road rage assaults on a regular
basis...
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 05:43:38 -1000
Subject: Backing - up
After a school bus drops off the children, are they allowed to back-up in order to turn
around?
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 05:43:38 -1000
My friend Dr. Driving forwarded your question to me.
Yes........they can back up as long as they do it safely. If you are waiting
behind......nope.
Mr. Traffic
www.mrtraffic.com
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 07:46:12 -1000
Dear Mr. James:
Thank you for you quick response to my request on information for the article I am
writing for my school newspaper. I also wanted to see if you would like to place and ad in
the paper. I noticed in your response you mentioned your latest book. If you would like to
place and ad about this book or any other things you may have please get in touch with me
and we can set something up for you. Getting an ad is a requirement for this class, so if
you can help me with that I would really appreciate it. Thank you again for all of the
information you sent me and will definitely be able to use it..
thank you!
B. S.
Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2001 14:37:17 -1000
Subject: Auto Dependence
Automobile Dependence
Four times as many United States residents have been killed in motor vehicle accidents
as were slain in all our nationıs wars since the 1776 Revolution. The rest of the world
is still catching up: in its annual World Disasters Report the International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies predicts that in twenty years traffic accidents will
take third place in the world for death and disability, ahead of war, respiratory
infections, tuberculosis and HIV.
Why do we routinely ignore traffic accident statistics when we draw up our laundry lists
of all the adverse impacts resulting from dependence on motor vehicles? Is such an extreme
degree of violence justified on economic grounds? Are maximum profits for the auto
manufacturers and petroleum industry paramount? Are so many injuries necessary to maintain
an adequate client base for the medical industry?
Many of us agree that the alternatives to driving are so inadequate that weıre left with
no choice ^Ë but the analysis shouldnıt stop there. No one should be forced to rely on
modes of transportation so dangerous that they require seat belts, air bags or crash
helmets. If anyone is forced to drive we need to do a better job of identifying the
political decisions responsible. Urban and suburban land use decisions (consistently
ignoring public transit and other alternatives to the auto as necessary infrastructure)
leave increasing numbers of us faced with taking a warlike risk of death or serious
injury, or being disenfranchised.
Since California and federal courts consider driving to be a privilege (not the equivalent
of our fundamental right to travel) federal law should prohibit any urban or suburban
development that is not at least as accessible and functional for non-motorists as it is
for those who drive. Development that accommodates only motorists is in violation of the
equal protection provision of our Constitution.
What kind of fools would build the biggest public works project in human history (our
interstate highway system), call it a national defense project, and then force themselves
into dependence on a mode of transportation thatıs deadlier than war? Our planning
process is a greater threat to our well-being than any allegedly hostile elements outside
our borders. We
should shift our defense spending to alternative transportation projects that will undo
decades of discriminatory planning and assure equal access for all.
Why will so many parents meekly submit themselves and their children to a warlike risk of
death, injury or permanent disability in an auto accident rather than protest government
planning decisions that offer no alternatives? With friends like that kids donıt need any
enemies!
Art Weber, El Cerrito, California, USA
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 07:47:52 -1000
Subject: Driving Panick Attacks
Greetings to you.
I have a problem. I've been going for driving classes to get license in my new country of
residence and I've attended over 50 sessions. I have no problem in driving. But if I make
a single mistake maybe during the beginning of a session, the rest is disaster. I feel so
embarrassed and so worried with the first mistake that I lose focus of the rest of the
rules in driving. Also the resentment that I've poorly performed pulls me down. Even in a
test, the panick overtakes me and I perform badly. My pattern of my sessions is I do
extremely well one day and the next day
it will seem to someone that I am just a novice doing my first sessions. I know I have to
work on my phobia. I've been trying some meditation and positive thinking exercises. But
yet I find my improvements are erratic. Can you help?
F. R. T.
Please read our book (see below). It will explain to you that a driver behaves in three
domains: feelings, thinking, and doing. You need to separate these three. The book will
also give you exercises to do. Please write back after you read the book. Good luck!
Leon James
DrDriving
THE BOOK:
Leon James, Ph.D. and Diane Nahl, Ph.D.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare (Amherst, N.Y.:
Prometheus Books, 2000)
ISBN 1-57392-846-1
Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 04:26:20 -1000
Subject: passing stopped school bus
Dear Dr. D on a 4 lane road running North and south with a turning lane divided with a
solid yellow line on both sides of turning lane. Bus is in south bound lane at a bus stop
picking up kids with stop arm out on bus. must north bound traffic stop? where can I find
this law on the internet? Thanks for your help.
J
Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 19:32:36 -1000
Subject: passing stopped school bus
Dear Dr. D on a 4 lane road running North and south with a turning lane divided with a
solid yellow line on both sides of turning lane. Bus is in south bound lane at a bus stop
picking up kids with stop arm out on bus. Must north bound traffic stop? Where can I find
this law on the internet?
Dr. Driving forwarded your question to me........If you are in California, you HAVE to
stop on BOTH sides of the street unless its a divided highway. The law varies in other
states.
Mr. Traffic
mrtraffic.com
Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 05:41:38 -1000
Subject: interview
Dr. James or Dr. Nahl:
Kelly , a reporter with the fort worth star-telegram, the third largest daily
newspaper in Texas, would like to interview you later today about road rage. she is
covering a trial today that begins at 1:30 p.m. central time, and involves a man who
reached inside a car to attack a woman who had cut in front of her. we're trying to find
out if there is a certain type of person who gets involved in road rage.
L. W.
metro editor
star telegram
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001 19:40:59 -1000
Subject: accident
Will you send me any and all information on Scott Campbell? I was told that he rear
ended a woman from behind and she was in her car for three-days in a creek??
Regards,
S
The reason I am interested is his Grandfather was my mother's brother. Both are deceased,,
and if this is true ...I am disgusted. You must understand that I do not know this boy,
nor his parents. I am only interested if this is the Scott who is related to me.
Regards,
S
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001 10:52:49 -1000
Subject: Hotline number
Dear Dr.Driving,
Our company is concerned about the aggressive driving in our city.
We understand there is a hotline we can call when we encounter an
aggressive driver. Is this the case and can you direct us in how to
get this number for Tucson, AZ
Thank you.
=======
Here are some sites that might help:
http://www.comnet.ca/~chezken/duds.html
http://howzmydriving.net/
http://www.idiotdriveralert.com/
http://www.roadragers.com/
Subject: One final addition to the newspaper!
H
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001 07:30:38 -1000
i it is B. S. again. I need one last thing to complete my article. I need a list or
survey type
thing on what to do when you are involved in a road rage incident. This will fill in the
void that I have left for my article. I was able to use all of the other information that
you sent me, but I would really appreciate this! Thank you very much!!!
B. S.
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2001 16:08:46 -1000
Subject: Cyber Rage
Hi!
I am A., Editor in Chief for Eye on CameraWare, the official online newsletter for
CameraWare. I am writing an article on Cyber Rage and am finding astonishingly little
online information about it. I am quite impressed with the volume of information about
Road Rage and Air Rage on your site. Do you have anything similar for Cyber Rage?
Thank you, A. (cwnews) Eye On CameraWare
I don't have much on this new topic. Here are a few sites I found that
might give you some info:
http://www.usu.edu/compserv/News/jul00_ocs.html
http://www.pco.org.hk/english/infocentre/speech_19990101.html
http://chronicle.com/free/it/jargon.htm
http://www.qlinks.net/items/qlitem7454.htm
http://www.uta.fi/FAST/US8/REF/chronmon.html
Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 18:28:06 -1000
Subject: Permission for using some information of your site material
Dear Dr. Leon James,
I am very much pleased to read and get the new ideas which is suitable to our city
Chennai (Madras - India) with your new thinking towards traffic of the users mental
ability to perceive things which causes accidents, public nuisance, etc. As I have been
engaged in writing articles which is of public use, I thought of using your ideas to suit
to our Chennai city for improving the quality of life over here. Therefore, I kindly
request your permission in referring your names and also for using few hints from your
website for the common benefit of the people. Awaiting for your earlier reply.
Hi O. M.,
I give permission if you make sure it gives the text in quotes, with my
name and Web site, and the book title. Good luck with your campaign!
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2001 10:21:34 -1000
Subject: TEE Cards
I would like to get some information about TEE Cards as in the pricing and quantity.
J. W. N.
Hi J. N., The TEE cards did not enter the production phase. Until I do I can give you
permission to print any of them you want for a royalty fee of 10 cents per distributed TEE
card. If this interests you please let me know and we can work out the details.
Leon James DrDriving
Date: Sat, 1 Sep 2001 20:25:57 -1000
Subject: Traffic Law Enforcement
Dear Dr. James or Associate:
I came across your website while searching for statistics on traffic law enforcement
performance, or productivity, by which I mean how well or badly police are doing in
apprehending and/or deterring violators. In about 40 minutes of (vigorous) searching, I
couldn't find anything on this topic! Isn't anyone interested in it?
(I'm going to comment on an idea of yours, but it will take me a while to get to
addressing it directly.)
I live in California, so the first place I looked was the California Highway Patrol
site. Wouldn't you think that __one__ of the main concerns of people visiting government
sites would be to learn how well the government agency is doing whatever it's supposed to
be doing? Apparently the CHP doesn't think so. I shouldn't have been surprised, because,
in my experience, enforcement is extremely poor. (Thinking about this is what prompted me
to go searching.)
Naturally, I can't blame the police if they are overwhelmed, but I get the impression
that they concentrate their efforts on technical violations, such as expired tags, since I
see some traffic stops which I think are for that, but I far less often see stops for
speeding or the like. My guess is that this is because the fact of expired tags can be
established in court without the officer's presence.
I live about twenty miles from Los Angeles, and every day and night on the Pomona
Freeway I see things which if I were seeing them in 1960, I would think the Ku Klux Klan
(or somebody) was chasing someone, or someone was running from the police. And that's not
counting driving which is merely moronic, such as pointless tailgating and weaving.
Non-freeway enforcement is no better, and I make the same guess about that. A few weeks
ago, I went through a long construction zone on Azusa Avenue in West Covina, where there
were __numerous__ temporary signs showing the speed limit as 25 MPH, but everyone was
doing 50. The City of West Covina could pick up a tidy sum by putting a couple of
motorcycle officers at hidden locations, so why don't they do this?
I think the lack of enforcement is reprehensible, because we have a tremendous problem
with aggressive driving and unsafe driving. I don't buy the oft heard idea that "slow
drivers in the left lane" are the problem, because I seldom see them, but I do see
all kinds of other things every single day. I'm annoyed and baffled by intelligent people
and opinion leaders who promote that idea.
(However, I have noticed that some of the people who do things that I might take as
aggression are the same ones who are __afraid__ to change lanes when someone behind them
__legitimately__ wants to pass. I don't mean that I see them simultaneously behave
aggressively and fear to change lanes. It's just that I have so much experience with a
certain stretch of freeway that in some instances I have a pretty good idea that I've seen
someone before.)
People also talk about drivers who appoint themselves as speed limit guardians and
refuse to get out of the way. I think this idea may be faulty, too. I probably get out of
the way more willingly than 99 out of 100 drivers, when I should get out of the way, but I
resent doing it when it would gain the other driver nothing and force me to slow down
substantially.
People also say that no one obeys the speed limit. This is false. There is a very
sizeable contingent who do obey it or at least don't exceed it by more than a few MPH. On
the other hand, there are times and places where extremely few obey it. I figure that the
distribution of driver types is not the same at all times and places.
So there seems to be a set of false and partially false ideas which are used to deny
the fact of aggressive and unsafe driving. I doubt that this is __simply__ self-serving on
the part of those who use the ideas, but I don't understand it, either.
Which brings me to commenting on your idea that the culture is at fault for approving
of open hostility. I think that's true to some degree. I think people are less civil and
decent than they were forty years ago. But I think what's also very important is a
cultural idea that it's not very important to obey rules or laws.
Decades ago, I would sometimes hear conversations about right of way; about the fact
that, on a certain street, the speed limit had been changed or traffic light timing had
been changed; about when it was or was not legal to get in front of someone; about the
"California rolling stop" (not quite stopping at a stop sign); etc. I never,
ever hear these things anymore. Two friends of mine who are interested in driving - one is
an autophile and an ex-racer - share my perception, so I don't think I'm being misled by
the fact that my father was a police officer and such topics came up in my home, and I
don't think I'm invalidly comparing California with Massachusetts, where I was raised.
(Anyway, I first saw California in the late 1960's.)
I think people have turned stupid and somewhat immoral, not so much that they have
become more aggressive.
Do you know where to get data on enforcement performance or productivity, esp. trends,
and esp., relative to the number of people breaking the law?
B. M.
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2001 19:24:12 -1000
Subject: few suggestions for efficient use of your name
Dear Dr. Leon James,
I have great pleasure in thanking you for giving me an opportunity to use your name and
your ideas for our city traffic regulation and betterment. I have used your name in the
following way, is it sufficient or if more modification is required and according to your
wish, I will modify it.
According to Dr. Leon James (email: leon@hawaii.edu), Psychology Professor, Department
of Psychology, University of Hawaii, has done pioneering work, and in his book entitled
"Road Rage and Aggressive Driving" has given in depth detail about the human
psychology with respect to the traffic condition, and also highlighted some of the
following aspects of human tendency towards traffic and suggested ways to minimize the
possible accidents which are modified to suit to our Chennai city conditions:
Awaiting eagerly to your response and thank you very much for giving me an opportunity.
With warm regards,
O.M.M.
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2001 06:27:30 -1000
Subject: Driving With Emotional Intelligence and Principles of Christian Driving
Psychology
Dear Drs. James and Nahl
Your website certainly has expanded since I last surveyed it. Keep up the good work, as
it seems that the "rage" phenomenon is continually expanding into just about
every aspect of our lives.
Because of the nature of my job I was urged by my wife to keep a diary of the various
situations which occurred during the time I was driving, especially those which could lead
to or be a cause of "Road Rage."
I kept a diary for over a year and then once again, at my wife's urging, I set upon the
task of writing a book. However, I felt just listing day to day driving events diary style
would certainly not be sought by a publisher.
Therefore, I began to gather information about "Road Rage", including:
definitions, causes, prevention and spiritual aspects relating to the subject.
My work is complete and although I have gathered information from many sources I have
recently learned that footnotes will not suffice when using a work published by another. I
really don't know whether my work is good enough or interesting enough to be published,
but after all the hours I devoted to it I must try.
This being the case and because I have used information from your works, especially
those relative to Christian Driving, I would need your permission to use this information
in my book. I realize this is an extraordinary request, but it would certainly be greatly
appreciated if you could find it in your heart to do so.
Thank you and sincerely yours,
S. C. H.
Hi S. H., In order to give permission I need to know more exactly what paragraphs you
are quoting. If on the other hand you are describing my ideas and concept in your own
words, this is allowed by anyone, with appropriate references. I'd like to see some of
what you have written, if you don't mind--I'll keep it confidential of course.
Praise the Lord!
Aloha, Leon James DrDriving
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2001 21:44:05 -1000
Subject: thank you very much sir
Dear Dr. Leon James,
Thank you very much sir for your immediate response and I will send you one copy of the
same after publication. Once again, thank you very much for your readiness and best
wishes.
with best wishes, O.M.M.
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2001 15:05:21 -1000
Subject: Re: Cyber Rage
Thank you for your swift reply!
The links you provided have been most helpful, thank you for your assistance. I look
forward to visiting your excellent site often and I will be looking forward to reading
your newest book. I wish you the best of luck in publication and I am certain it will do
very well!
Thank you again for your time and assistance, it is greatly appreciated!
A. (cwnews) Eye On CameraWare
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2001 04:41:31 -1000
Subject: Request for Information
Dr. James
Hello, my name is Sgt. P. with the Houston (Texas) Police Department. Our department is
implementing a Federal Grant Program enforcing seat belt/stop sign violations. What I am
looking for is information as to why drivers decide to run stop signs/red lights. I'm
looking for the psychological factors involved in these decisions.
I plan to use this information along with our local traffic violation statistics to
make presentations to local groups and organizations as to why this initiative is called
for.
Any information or bibliography references would be greatly appreciated.
Aloha, Leon James DrDriving
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2001 09:33:27 -1000
Subject: Discovery Channel - road rage
Dear Dr. James,
My name is K. M. and I am a researcher for the Discovery Channel's Health Network. We
are producing medical shows in Miami, Philadelphia and Dallas. I am wondering if you know
of any road rage programs in these locations or doctors/psychologists treating people with
road rage in these cities. Thanks in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
K. M.
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 12:44:17 -1000
Subject: Florida magazine article
Hello Drs. James and Nahl! I am the managing editor of Florida International Magazine,
a bimonthly lifestyle publication covering the issues that are important to Floridians and
frequent Florida visitors. Obviously, road rage and aggressive driving rank high in
importance. I am also a recent graduate of the AIPS Improv comedy traffic school (my first
ticket in 12 years of driving), which is where I learned about Road Rageous.
I had a wonderful interview with Chris Huffman at AIPS, but I would love to ask you a
few questions and receive a review copy of your book, "Road Rage and Aggressive
Driving," to mention in our upcoming article (scheduled for the Nov/Dec issue). I am
most interested in the psychology of road rage, i.e., what does it day about the human
condition?
Please let me know what your availability is. I would be happy communicating via
e-mail, if that is most convenient for you. My contact information follows below, as well
as the web site address for the magazine.
Best Regards, M. D.
Hi M. D., Yes, we will be available for an interview. If you call: 808-261-2382 between
8:30 and 10:30 Hawaii time (Florida time: 2:30 to 4:30) Mo-Fr Or, if you just want our
answers to two or three focused questions, we can do it by email--either way, or both, let
us know your preference.
I'm pleased that you found the Roadrageous course worthwhile. I think that the course
would benefit most drivers, before it is assigned to them by a judge. Many people can now
take the course online at the AIPS Web site.
Aloha, Leon James DrDriving
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 06:11:40 -1000
Subject: Request for information
Dear Dr Driving,
I have been looking at your web page on air rage and it provides some really useful
information. I am currently writing an article that is linked to air rage and I was
wondering if you could provide me with some more information.
If possible I would like to know the incidence of air rage among business travelers.
Are there any statistics or anecdotes that you could pass on to me or refer me to? I have
investigated air rage pretty widely on the Internet, but haven't found anything that is
specifically linked to air rage and the business traveler. If you have anything that could
be of use it would be great if you could pass that on.
Thank you so much for your help!
Kind regards,
L. K.
Hi, L. K.,
Here are several articles that provide some of the information you requested. Hope this
helps. If you have questions about the psychology of air rage, I'm the expert to interview
(you probably saw my air rage site at: http://DrDriving.org/airrage
Aloha, Leon James DrDriving
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 22:03:43 -1000
Subject: RE: Request air rage information
Leon, that's brilliant - thanks very much for your help. I'm just researching at the
moment, but the offer of an interview is great. I'll be back in touch soon.
Thanks again, best wishes, L. K.
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 05:44:45 -1000
Subject: Drive with aloha bumper sticker
Aloha!
While I was back home in the islands, I was looking to buy this bumper sticker. Since
this is your slogan, I thought you would know where to purchase it. Went to your web site
and couldn't find anything on it. Could you please point me in the right direction? I
currently no longer in the islands since I had to go back to school, but I thought it
would be great to put on my car since I'm with college students who in many ways don't
drive with aloha.
Thanks and good luck with your cause. I wish it well
D. K.
Sorry I don't know. If you find it let me know. Maybe you can produce and market it.
Our logo would be good. Are you interested in a license agreement? Let me know.
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2001 20:29:07 -1000
Subject: costs of congestion
Professor James,
I'm a reporter at the Star-Bulletin working on a story about the business costs of
traffic congestion. One of the prime ones seems to be stressed out and frustrated
employees who are less productive.
If this is one of your areas of expertise, I would like to talk to you for the story.
Would this be possible? (I've tried your office telephone, but got no answer.) I'm in the
office generally between 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, but could arrange to
call you or meet you at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and I hope to speak with you soon.
Aloha,
A. V.
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 11:54:02 -1000
Subject: Re: Florida magazine article
Dr. James,
Thanks so much for your quick response yesterday. I will give you a call shortly, but
here are a few questions that I am planning to ask:
1) When did the terms "Road Rage" and "Aggressive Driving" become
part of our common vocabulary?
2) When and how did you get involved with the field of driving psychology?
3) Is aggressive driving and road rage really increasing or are we just more familiar
with it? If it is increasing, what societal changes does this reflect?
4) It seems that the response to being "wronged" on the road is so severe ...
it seems that people become more angry at being cut off than the offense really deserves
... why is that?
5) I've read about the causes of aggressive driving, such as increased road congestion,
stress at the office, learned from parents and SUVs that make drivers feel invincible.
What about tinted windows (there are many in Florida), which prohibit drivers from seeing
each other's faces (making them seem less human)?
6) What about cell phones? Do drivers get angry when they see another driver on the
phone?
7) Competition ^? people feel good about racing ahead of other drivers ... like they
are "winning." What does this say about the human condition?
8) In an international metropolis like Miami and other parts of Florida where so many
drivers are from other countries, is there a cultural factor that may exacerbate the
problem? Are there differences in driving customs that may be taken the wrong way?
9) Your online study showing correlation between aggressive driving and age and gender
was very interesting. What about personality type? Are there personality traits that might
indicate someone is more likely to be an aggressive driver?
I look forward to speaking to you!!! If you'd prefer to correspond via e-mail, simply
e-mail me back.
Thanks, M.
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 06:08:56 -1000
Subject: psychology of driving
Dear Sirs:
I am a television producer currently working on a documentary called "Dangerous
Intersections" for the Discovery channel. I am looking for a psychologist/social
scientist in the Los Angeles area that we could talk to about:
1. Americans fascination with the car.
2. Why there's been an increase in red light running. ie more people disregarding the
laws, impatience, etc.
3. ideas about road rage.
4. what can be done to make the roads safer, from a psychological standpoint.
If you have any question please e-mail me or give me a call at 818-301-4586.
Hi L. H.,
The only expert who can answer all your questions is me, I'm afraid. One convenient
arrangement we've tried with several producers before is to hire a local TV crew and to
interview us by phone so you have the tape of our answers (myself and my co-author Dr.
Diane Nahl). However if this is not suitable to you, I can suggest this person:
Dr. Arnold Nerenberg
Director, Mental Health Services
7238 S. Painter Ave.
Wootier, CA 90602
He is a road rage therapist and co-author with me of the Road Rageous Video Course.
Aloha,
Leon James
Diane Nahl
DrDriving.org
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 08:16:01 -1000
Subject: Re: psychology of driving
Hello Dr.Nerenberg:
Thanks for your reply. I currently have people working of the costs and quality of a
local production crew to do the interview via phone line. I will get back to you when I
have something more concrete to report. Thank you for your interest, I hope we can work
out something. Also would you please e-mail me a telephone number and a convenient time
that we can discuss what we are trying to do, and you might be of help.
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 12:26:27 -1000
Subject: Information
To whom it may concern-
I am a journalism major at the University of Georgia and I'm writing an article for my
Advanced Magazine Writing class on the causes of road range and what can be done to
prevent incidents from occurring. I have gone to your website and looked at what you offer
there. Any additional information you could offer me would be greatly appreciated. Thank
you very much.
Sincerely, A. A.
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 04:41:33 ?1000
Subject: Reporting road rage incident
Dear Dr. Driving,
How can I report a DC license plate/driver with road rage in this morning's drive time?
Who do I call?
Thank you!
M. A. K.
Director of Development, Planned Giving
Volunteers of America
Direct line: 703.341.5073
Email: MK@voa.org
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 05:44:55 ?1000
Subject: Aggressive Driving / Traffic Safety Conference
Hi Leon,
I am in the process of planning an Aggressive Driving / Traffic Safety Conference to be
held over a 3 day period in October of 2002. I would like to know if you would be
interested in being a speaker / presenter at this event. We will have break - out sessions
as well as general sessions each day. Please let me know what you would charge as right
now we have a limited budget but hope to solicit more contributions from sponsors.
Also, I would like to take you up on your offer to give me a web presence on your site
to help promote our H.A.D. (Halt Aggressive Driving) campaign as well as ask for help on
our conference. This is probably the biggest thing I have undertaken and it will be a
first for Texas. I am committed to this and would welcome your input.
I look forward to hearing from you!
A.J.
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 09:32:06 ?1000
Subject: Road Rage and Idiot American Drivers
Dear Dr. Driving,
I read, with great interest, several of your road rage articles. I recently moved back
to Raleigh, NC after spending 12 years in Europe. The Europeans, specifically the Germans,
really know how to drive. They are aggressive yet predictable and road rage is totally
unknown to them. Why? These folks know the limitations of both their automobiles and their
own driving abilities. Most Americans do not have a clue. And defensive driving classes
cannot cure stupidity. Does anyone know how to use a turn signal any more, or not to
tailgate? The majority of American drivers are just plain inconsiderate. Combine that with
blatant stupidity and that equals
rampant road rage.
Excluding the French drivers seen backing up on autobahn exit ramps and some
Italians who drive with one hand on the steering wheel and the other hand on
the horn, Europeans are kickbutt drivers. Fast? Of course the autobahn is
fast. There you actually pass on the left; passing on the right is illegal, as it
should be here. And you use the fast lane ONLY for passing, and you do it quickly!!
Suprisingly there are very few fatal wrecks on the autobahn. Because these drivers have
sense. We Americans, on the other hand, do not. We live in a car-oriented society. We
drive everywhere.
Sadly, our cities are not set up for pedestrians. Walk somewhere? Are you crazy? I live
in a neighborhood that is one mile from the grocery store.
When I do walk there, people look at me like I'm insane. Yeah, crazy like a fox!!
People in Europe walk, bike and, when they DO drive, know exactly what to do. I look
forward to when my family can live there again, where folks know what they're doing. The
IQs and driving ability have both dropped sharply since I've been away. How disappointing.
B.P.
OK, let's keep it to no more than 5 questions by email. However, if I've already
answered the question and it is online I'll find it for you and paste it. You can then
edit or select as you see fit.
Also, please mention the book title and the site as follows:
the book:
Leon James, Ph.D. and Diane Nahl, Ph.D.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare
(Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 2000)
+++++++++++++++++++
the site:
http://DrDriving.org
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001 10:04:21 ?1000
Subject: Interview Query
Dr. Leon James-
I am a journalism major at the University of Georgia and I'm currently writing an
article on the causes and prevention of road rage. During an
online search, I came across several references to the book you wrote with Diane Nahl.
I'm writing to ask if you would be willing to let me interview you for my article. Since
we are so far away from each other, I thought that perhaps the best method for the
interview would be via e-mail. I would prepare some questions, send them to you, and after
answering them you could simply send your responses back to me. Any help you could give me
would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter.
Sincerely,
A.A.
OK, let's keep it to no more than 5 questions by email. However, if I've
already answered the question and it is online I'll find it for you and
paste it. You can then edit or select as you see fit.
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001 05:27:25 ?1000
Subject: red lights
What is the only vehicle not liable when proceeding threw a red light?
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001 09:54:08 ?1000
Subject: Re: red lights (fwd)
J.......
My friend Dr. Driving forwarded your question to me. Usually, the car with the green
would have no liability....but there are A few circumstances where they could SHARE
blame....but generally......green has the right of way.
Mr. Traffic
mrtraffic.com
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001 03:20:44 ?1000
Subject: Request for Info
Dr. Driving
Hello, my name is Sgt. P. I work for the Houston (Texas) Police Dept. We have recently
received a Federal Grant for a Seat Belt/Red Light Traffic Enforcement Program.
I am looking for any information as to why people choose to run red lights or not wear
their seat belts. Perhaps you know of a study or research that was done that addressed
this issue. This behavior is obviously voluntary so I am looking for arguments to get
people to change their behavior. I will be speaking to groups, organizations and maybe the
press prior to the start of our program's initiative. Of
course we would like as much voluntary compliance as possible but I know as a police
department we will be criticized for not catching "real criminals" instead.
My mailing address is Sgt. C. E. P.
Houston Police Dept
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
E.P.
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001 10:28:18 -1000
Subject: red light running psychology
Sgt. P.,
On my site there are several relevant things--Give a Find Command (Edit
Menu) on red light running to get to the exact paragraph:
http://DrDriving.org/surveys/survey2/interpretations.html
http://DrDriving.org/police/teecards.html
http://DrDriving.org/infohiway.html
http://DrDriving.org/police.html
http://DrDriving.orgopics.html
http://DrDriving.orgopics.html
http://DrDriving.org/distracted.htm
http://DrDriving.org/articles/book_toc.htm
On the Web you can find these articles crammed with information on red
light running statistics and psychology:
http://www.tf.org/tf/lib&data/redlight.shtml
http://srd.yahoo.com/drst/27449653/*http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/stoprlr/
http://www.general.monash.edu.au/muarc/rptsum/es73.htm
http://www.hwysafety.org/news_releases/1998/pr052098.htm
http://www.dot.gov/affairs/1998/fhwa1698.htm
Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me again. With respect to your presentations, the
psychology of red light running is a big part of the aggressive driving syndrome, and we
have the RoadRagous Video Course that deals with this overall topic. It is available in
one video or in 10 modules each on a separate videotape (about 14 mins. each). This way
you can choose the one that fits your topic best for that day. The modules are described
on this page:
http://DrDriving.org/video
If you are interested, I'll have of AIPS contact you. This video was also
used in a workshops with the San Antonio Police Department last year and several other
places in Texas, Florida, in traffic courts, and some federal government agencies. I know
it will be relevant to you.
Finally, our road rage book devotes several sections to a discussion on the psychology
and legislation relating to red light running (see below).
Aloha, Leon James
DrDriving
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001 00:26:14 -1000
Subject: Problem Girlfriend Driver
Dear Dr. Driving,
I myself don’t drive. I have had driving lessons in both a car and on a motorbike
and the experience tells me that I am not suited to that means of transport and will stick
to bus and taxi as my concentration is not sufficient enough to drive.
But my girlfriend does drive, and calls other drivers, wonders why she can't get out in
heavy traffic no matter than its 6pm, constantly calls pedestrians, and even speeds up so
she can get past them before they cross the road. - Basically its scary sitting in the
passenger seat ? she turns into some sort of animal. I tried to give the other motorists
and pedestrians there side of the argument and come up for reasons for why they are doing
what they are doing - but I feel more of an antagonist to her sat there and that’s
not really what I want. How can I help her, any suggestion directly that she’s
driving too fast comes back that she’s driving under the speed limit (rather at it
all the time), and she knows what she’s doing.
S.D.B.
Hi S.D.B.,
Please buy our book and read together with her. this would be a quick and effective way
of altering her driving philosophy and habits. Please write back after awhile and let me
know how it's working. I may have more suggestions then.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001 06:28:30 ?1000
Subject: school busses
Dear Dr. Driving,
I know you must stop when you are behind a school bus and the red lights go on even if
there are several lanes on your side, but I am very confused as to when you are required
to stop if you are in the lane FACING the school bus. I was driving on a road that had a
long middle divider with the left and right turn arrows in it. A school bus was
approaching. the lights went on and I thought I had to stop too. I did and was madly
hooked at. Don't you have to stop if there is a middle divider? I know you would if it
were a 2 lane road. Also are you required to stop if you are on the opposite side if it is
a 4 lane road ..?
J.H.
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001 19:40:55 -1000
Subject: Inquiry for an article on Air Rage
Dear Dr. Driving,
Good day to you. My name is Jeffrey Daroy and I am a writer for NexC, the Global
Hospitality Network. One of our services is NexChange, an online news magazine on the
global hospitality, with a worldwide and industry-wide coverage and readership. I am
currently working on an article about 'Air Rage', and I came across DrDriving during my
research . I would like to get some input from you on this subject based on your knowledge
and experience. My particular focus is on passenger concerns regarding this issue. In my
research, I have noticed that most coverage on air rage tends to center on airline
policies, and actions of airline industry groups to address the problem, both in terms of
prevention and prosecution of belligerent passengers. I would like to give passengers some
practical tips on what to do during an incident of air rage on their flight, as I imagine
it can be a difficult experience for them too. Also, I'd like to know if there is a
particular type of people who are more likely to behave in a belligerent manner during a
flight, or if everyone is potentially capable of it, and what passengers themselves can do
to avoid "suffering" from air rage. Please let me know if you can help me on
this matter, and if so, when are you available for a telephone interview. Or, if you would
prefer an email interview, please let me know so I can send you a list of questions. You
may view the current issue of our news magazine by visiting http://www.nexc.com and
following the link to NexChage. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
J.D.
Hi J.D.,
Yes, email me your questions. If you like to talk to me instead (or in addition), you
can call me Mo-Fr 8:30 to 10:00 AM Hawaii time (we are 18 hours behind Hong Kong time and
12 hours behind Vienna time). 808-261-2382
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001 22:53:59 -1000
Subject: RE: Inquiry for an article on Air Rage
Mr. James:
Thank you very much for your reply. I have below a list of questions. I already have a
wealth of information from your website, and I'd like to ask for your permission to use
some of them for my article.
Best regards,
J. D.
QUESTIONS
1. What do you think is at the root of all these new
manifestations of rage - Air Rage,
Road Rage, Parking Rage, Boat Rage, Supermarket Rage and all those "rages" you
discuss in your web site?
2. To what extent are "Air Rage" and "Road Rage" similar? Just what
sort of behavior constitutes air rage?
3. Is everyone capable of exhibiting disruptive behavior on an airplane, or are there
specific types who are more susceptible to air rage? Are there any steps a person should
take in order to avoid exhibiting disruptive behavior during flight?
4. What should passengers do in case of an "air-rage" incident in their
flight-how should they deal with it?
5. In your opinion, is the issue on air rage being properly addressed by concerned
parties? What are the most important points to be considered?
6. Has any airline applied your "Compassionate Crowd Management Techniques"?
Hi, J.D.,
Yes, you have my permission to quote any part of it. Let me comment on the questions as
well:
> 1. What do you think is at the root of all these new manifestations ofrage - Air
Rage, Road Rage, Parking Rage, Boat Rage, Supermarket Rage and all those "rages"
you discuss in your web site?
Air rage, road rage, and other forms of rage expressed in public places have the same
origin: our culture or society. We are socialized into an age of rage where expressing
anger and vengeance is condoned as a value or norm. It is seen as a right when we feel
betrayed or taken advantage of.
> 2. To what extent are "Air Rage" and "Road Rage" similar? Just
what sort of behavior constitutes air rage?
Air rage and road rage refer to our emotions and thoughts when under the influence of
anger and felt betrayal. Most of the time we do not express these overtly because we don't
want to be punished for our violence. But the emotion and desire for violence is there.
Sometimes it explodes despite our inhibitions, and then people are hurt physically.
> 3. Is everyone capable of exhibiting disruptive behavior on an airplane, or are
there specific types who are more susceptible to air rage? Are there any steps a person
should take in order to avoid exhibiting disruptive behavior during flight?
The extremely violent segment of our population is likely to express physical violence
while the vast majority rely on their inhibitions. But inhibitions break down
unpredictably, which is why we hear people who ordinarily are not violent, suddenly loose
it and engage in explosive behavior. The best way to avoid disruptive behavior is to keep
strengthening your inhibitions against expressing violence. So when you feel the emotion
of rage building in you, be sure to counteract it by lecturing yourself on why not to do
it.
> 4. What should passengers do in case of an "air-rage" incident in their
flight-how should they deal with it?
Flight attendants should be handling it and are expected to handle passenger behavior.
However, befriending your neighbors and acting friendly towards all on the plane, is a
good deterrent.
> 5. In your opinion, is the issue on air rage being properly addressed by concerned
parties? What are the most important points to be considered?
The most important point to consider with the current increase in air rage behavior is
to see it as a breakdown of inner control on the part of many
travelers. So we need to
provide for people travel emotions education.
> 6. Has any airline applied your "Compassionate Crowd Management
Techniques"?
No, as far as I know, though some airlines I'm told are much better than others in
terms of good customer service relations. Airlines need to switch attitudes and come to
recognize that they cannot continue to survive as a business if they fail to provide an
appropriate psychological atmosphere as part of the service.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001 06:28:30 -1000
Subject: school busses
Dear Dr. Driving,
I know you must stop when you are behind a school bus and the red lights go on even if
there are several lanes on your side, but I am very confused as to when you are required
to stop if you are in the lane FACING the school bus. I was driving on a road that had a
long middle divider with the left and right turn arrows in it.a school bus was
approaching. the lights went on and I thought I had to stop too. I did and was madly
hooked at. Don't you have to stop if there is a middle divider? I know you would if it
were a 2 lane road. Also are you required to stop if you are on the opposite side if it is
a 4 lane road ..?
J.H.
My good friend Dr. Driving forwarded your question to me. You do NOT have to stop oncoming
if there is a DIVIDED HIGHWAY....that
simple.
Mr. Traffic
mrtraffic.com
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001 04:29:50 -1000
Subject: "Thanks"
Dear Dr. James,
I got your references. I appreciate your help. If you ever need any Information from
HPD let me know.
Sgt. P.
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001 11:50:29 -1000
Subject: road rage paper
Dear Dr.Driving,
My son is doing a paper on road rage for school. If you have any great articles that
would be good for a report please either e-mail or send to: Michael Province 1312 North
Street, Oswego, KS 67356.
Hi P.W.,
I recommend these two articles you can print off the Web:
http://DrDriving.org/youth
http://DrDriving.org/articles/testimony.htm
Leon James
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 17:32:25 -1000
Subject: Road Rage Study
Dear Dr. Driving,
I need to complete an independent research project for my Psychology 332 class at the
University of Maryland at Baltimore County. I have decided on the fairly new topic of Road
Rage. I believe that it is an important topic to address and I would also like to gain new
insights and facts on Road Rage. If there is any advice you could send my way, I would
appreciate it greatly.
Thank you for your time,
J
Yes, J.S., it is an important new topic. My best recommendation for you is to look at
our new book--it gives you the background you need: psychology, media, law enforcement,
citizen activism, youth and children, driver's ed. Please get hold of it at the library or
order it at the bookstore (or online at amazon.com and elsewhere). Then write back if you
have more specific issues to deal with.
Aloha,
Leon James
Dr. Driving
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 02:26:32 -1000
Subject: Road Rageous course
Greetings,
I would like to view your video course. I do not know of anyone near me that delivers
your course (Moorhead, MN). How much does it cost to purchase the videos?
Thanks,
S
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 05:29:39 -1000
Subject: Re: Air Rage
Hi Leon James,
With a little background information on one of the times I experienced rage I think I
can answer all of your questions. I had tickets for a small airline out of Fort
Lauderdale. I had made my reservations for me and a friend three months in advance. It was
the first flight of the morning and we were at the counter before any passengers or
employees from the airline had showed up. It was an international flight to the Bahamas so
we were there 1/12 hours before flight time. The agent finally arrived 30 minutes before
the flight took off. She looked at our tickets and told us "You can't fly out because
you didn't confirm your flight at least 24 hours ahead of time." We purchased our
tickets through a travel agent and this was not something we were notified of. As far as I
was concerned we bought our tickets, we had them in hand and we were first in line. I
didn't see where this would be a problem, but it was! She kept on telling us that we were
not flying out. At this point I asked her to call her manager. She refused.
This is about
the time the rage started. Basically I was in her face, flat out telling her we would be
on that flight. I intimidated her so much that she threatened to call the police. I wanted
her to but she didn't. Bottom line to the whole episode was the plane wasn't full, we were
able to fly out and we started are vacation angry and stressed! So, to answer your
questions, did I think it would help by giving the employee a rough time, Yes! I certainly
blame the individual. She had enough authority to either address the problem or try to
help out. She did neither. Was it civilized? It depends on your definition. I didn't raise
a hand to her, which I think is very uncivilized, but I did show her a behavior that I
don't like people doing to me. As far as dwelling on what happened, I did feel a little
badly for my behavior but I felt it was justified based on the circumstances.
So these
thoughts do crop up after the expression of rage but not during it. I hope this helps with
what ever you are working on. As a side note, I have a friend who is a pilot for American
Airlines and he has an entirely different take on the whole issue. The ironic part is
because of the way that he has to fly to get to his job he has experienced air rage as
well. His big complaint is not with the airlines but with the FAA and the lack of
communication that they have. He was able to answer many of my questions such as "Why
do you sit on a runway for 3 hours?" or "Why do we hear that the plane is late
due to weather and then hear it was late because of mechanical difficulty?" He was
able to answer these questions and many others. It will help me in the future to keep calm
knowing what some of the problems are.
M.J.B.
Hi M. B.,
Thanks for your explanation on air rage. I find it very informative to see the
passenger's focus. I'm wondering about the details in your mind when acting out rage due
to dissatisfaction, anxiety, tiredness, feeling treated unfairly, unjustly, callously. For
instance, after giving an employee a rough time, and during it. Do you think it's going to
help? Do you blame that individual? Does it matter? Is it civilized? Etc. Do any of these
issues crop up in your mind during or after the expression of rageful behavior?
Thanks and Aloha!
Leon James
DrDriving
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001 13:52:44 -1000
Subject: Re: Air Rage
Thanks for your air rage description, M.B. Yes it does help us to understand the
problem better. Perhaps what you went through might be called "zeal" rather than
"rage."
thanks for your kindness, and
Aloha!
Leon James
DrDriving
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 13:28:45 ?1000
Subject: Crossing 3 lanes... Reckless driving?
Dear Dr. Driving,
I was sited recently for crossing 3 lanes at once when I had to take an exit off the
freeway. The violation was Reckless driving. This happened in Phoenix, AZ, if that helps,
statute # 28-693.A provided for your reference.
28-693. Reckless driving; classification; license; surrender
A. A person who drives a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or
property is guilty of reckless driving.
B. A person convicted of reckless driving is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.
C. In addition, the judge may require the surrender to a police officer of any driver
license of the convicted person, shall report the conviction to the department and may
order the driving privileges of the person to be suspended for a period of not more than
ninety days. On receipt of the abstract of conviction and order, the department shall
suspend the driving privilege of the person for the period of time ordered by the judge.
The officer also noted that I was going 70+ in a 65, observed visually (not by radar).
I am in the process of getting the officer's report, but any idea on how to beat this
ticket? Your help is much appreciated.
Regards,
AL
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 09:44:27 ?1000
Subject: Road Rage
Hello Dr. James.
My name is Eric Robinson and I work for the Senate Research Office in Atlanta, Georgia.
A Senator has asked if any states have road rage commissions, departments, or the like.
Your name and Dr. Diane Nahl's name appeared on several internet searches on the topic of
"Road Rage." I also found several police department initiatives and
organizations like Youth Against Road Rage. Could you please call me @ (404) 656-0015 or
contact me by email regarding this topic. My initial research showa that there is no
"state" road rage agency but rather private organizations like YARR and local
police department initiatives. Thank you for you assistance.
E.R.
Hi E. R.,
Yes you are right as far as I know. I'm pretty sure I would have heard about it if
there were any state agencies on road rage. NHTSA has special articles on their site on
road rage initiatives and what the federal government recommends, even grants supporting
local police departments for initiatives. With respect to legislation, I have information
on this in these files:
http://DrDriving.org/legislation
http://DrDriving.org/police/teecards.html
http://DrDriving.org/police.html
You might like to know that our book on road rage (see below) discusses the legislative
issues, especially the language that needs to be used for specifying what is road rage.
Please email me again if you have more questions or if you think the senator might like to
consult me on creating a state agency or planning for legislation.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2001 22:45:33 -1000
Subject: Online Driver Assessment
Dear Leon
I have provided a link to the DRAFT online Post Employment Driver Assessment we have
designed. This is confidential. I have taken a few questions from your book (hope you
don't mind?). I have also attached a Word document outlining the assessment details. The
information is put in a database, so I will send you from time to time, the analysis of
the assessment. I thought it would be a good comparison to compare Australia Vs United
States in Driver attitude. I would be very please if you can look at the assessment to see
what you thought and if you would suggest more appropriate questions? Both the assessment
username and password is test www.moderndriver.com.au/PODA Jenni and I have been very busy
doing the driver training for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). It
finishes at the end of this month. Jenni has written all the training manuals (and
security measures) so we haven't had the time to have a good look at the RoadRageous
online yet.
Thank you, Regards,
G.B.
Thanks for showing me the test. In general they are the right focus--my only issue with
it is that you need to find out the relation between the answers and how a person actually
drives, since knowing the answer doesn't mean behaving in that way. But this is a
difficult proposition to demonstrate, I know.
Aloha,
Leon James
DrDriving
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