CHAPTER 3 THE DRIVER

THE BIG IDEA: Concentration is crucial in the driving task. The driver must concentrate on the roadway, other drivers, and the vehicle while being alert to the risk inherent in all driving situations.

I. Emotionsa. Positiveb. Negative

I. Positive Emotions VS. Negative emotions

a. Strong (Positive)- can affect the way you see and think and can distract you from driving.

I. How emotions can become distractions

b. Negative- It can make you feel the need to do something irresponsible and forceful.

Aggressive Driving- Focus all their attention on themselves and their wants.

Driving Errors May Include...

·Braking suddenly to scare a tailgater·Exceeding speed limits by more than 10 mph·Changing lanes without signaling·Cruising in the passing lane·Criticizing other drivers·Tailgating or following to close·Take shortcut through businesses

Containment Techniques

·Don’t respond· Don’t engage· Don’t up the ante· Swallow your pride· Choose the road · “less traveled”·Give greater space·Avoid eye contact·move over when available

Road Rage- Actually attempting to hurt or injure another person or damage the

other person’s property by using their own vehicle as a weapon.

·Carrying a weapon just in case… · Deliberately bumping or ramming· Trying to run a car off the road to punish· Getting out of the car, beating or battering· someone· Trying to run someone down· Shooting at another car· Thoughts of killing someone

Three Types of Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage Battles

·Quiet Road Rage:

·Verbal Road Rage:

·Epic Road Rage:

·complaining, rushing,· competing, resisting

·yelling, · cussing, staring, · honking, insulting

·cutting off, blocking, · chasing, · fighting, shooting

Formula for Road Rage

Cultural Norms of DisrespectCondoning Hostility

+More Cars

Less SpaceMore Driver Interactions

=Aggressive Driving and Road Rage Battles

Do You Drive Aggressively?

Learning how to evaluate your driving space area is crucial.

The “Rush In” Area

·Constant rushing and lane jumping is your style.· Others are just in your way. Get ahead.

·Ignore road signs and regulations. · They’re for other drivers. · Driving with distraction, low alertness, inattention.

Managing Anger

How would you like others to react if you did something dangerous like this?

React the same way you would like them to react to your mistakes.