Are you an aggressive driver? Have you experienced road rage more than once in the past few years? If so, you are not alone. American drivers admit that they knowingly drive carelessly or aggressively. [Safedrivingtest.com PDF]
According to studies, differences in personality play a significant role in one’s propensity toward aggressive or dangerous driving. Stressful situations also increase the probability of aggressive driving.
On this episode of Vehicle Vibes Radio, host Marcia Hansen will talk to Dr. Leon James, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Hawaii. Dr. James is the head of the Driving Psychology program at the University of Hawaii (Manoa) since 1982 and was recently appointed to the Oahu Traffic Safety Council. Dr. James also runs a website called DrDriving where he provides instructional materials, tests and advice about safe driving habits. Dr. James will be sharing his top tips to help you avoid aggressive driving and stay safe on the road.
According to a 1999 report by the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, approximately 56 percent of fatal crashes were a result of reported aggressive driving and according to Dr. James; road rage is a culturally acquired habit as a result of our increasingly stressful and busy lives.
In his congressional testimony to the House of Representatives in 1997, Dr. James argued that the defensive driving philosophy advocated by safety officials and taught in driving schools may actually contribute to aggressive driving rather than helping the problem because defensive driving encourages people to expect the worst from everyone.
Instead, Dr. James advocates for a more cooperative and supportive driving philosophy. To learn more about safe driving tips from Dr. James and his unique perspective on reducing aggressive driving, tune in to this episode of Vehicle Vibes Radio.
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