Research Topic Starters

The increasing use of cellular phones has served as a catalyst for growing interest in driver distraction in recent years. While the use of cellular phones poses a significant and increasing risk to roadway safety, studies show that it represents a relatively small proportion of a bigger distraction program. This book examines current knowledge on driver distraction to help state and local governments formulate effective policies, regulations and laws relating to this challenging issue.

Garase examines aggressive driving and road rage among college students. Her approach is based in Agnew's General Strain Theory (GST) (1992). She uses GST theory to include the three sources of strain, situational and trait anger, and coping mechanisms (peer relationships and self-control). Strain has a direct, positive, significant relationship with road rage, and also an indirect effect through the coping mechanism of peer behavior. Garase concludes that strain as well as trait anger play significant roles in determining who is likely to participate in acts of aggressive driving and road rage.

"This book addresses three questions: (1) why are there so many antisocial drivers who are inconsiderate, selfish, rude, and frequently drive in an offensive manner that disregards the rights of other drivers to be treated courteously and safely; (2) how can antisocial drivers be persuaded to become prosocial drivers who drive carefully with due consideration for the well-being of others; and (3) how can novice drivers be prevented from acquiring antisocial driving habits?" "Each body of research points to the same factors. Rehabilitation programs for antisocial individuals have achieved success by applying techniques which foster the development of the same cognitive skills, emotional skills, social skills, problem-solving skills, and values that are associated with antisocial driving. Effective programs include techniques that improve antisocial individuals' impulse control, develop their problem-solving skills, lead them to consider the consequences of their behavior, increase their ability to comprehend other people's thoughts and feelings, enable them to acquire emotional control, and lead them to understand and appreciate social rules and obligations. The authors describe a 35-year research project that led to the development of a program that teaches cognitive/emotional skills and values that are required for prosocial competence and are antagonistic to antisocial behavior. The program has successfully taught such skills and values in fourteen countries to more than forty thousand of the most antisocial individuals. This book will be an excellent resource for lawmakers, driving instructors, probation officers, judges, enforcement officers in the field of traffic control, academics, and the general motoring public."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved