In recent times, Navi Mumbai has witnessed incidents of rash driving, aggressive and violent road behaviour, flouting of traffic norms etc. However, this behaviour which seems like a part and parcel of our daily lives has deep psychological roots.
Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Vijay Patil said, “The number of road rage and rash driving cases in Navi Mumbai has increased. Many times for minor incidents people tend to fight, use verbal and physical abuses, but finally resolve it and get away before traffic officials intervene”.
He believes that speeding and aggressive driving behaviour becomes a natural psychological tendency on the Palm Beach Road. “Palm Beach Road is mostly empty. So it becomes a natural tendency for the driver to accelerate. However, people must it under their control to avert accidents or mishaps,” he added.
Psychologists, on the other hand, assert the fact that such behaviour is the result of the fast paced lifestyle adopted by people. Such lifestyles, coupled with heavy doses of strain and hassles, often result in unwarranted behaviour on the road. “Aggressive behaviour on the road mostly stems out from stress. Also, when one sees other people flouting traffic norms or cutting lanes, it is psychologically obvious that one is also tempted to do so in order to gain extra minutes on the clock. Moreover, on account of absence of authorities such tendencies gain impetus. Hence, this is basically a learned form of behaviour,” Psychologist Dr Poonam Yadav said.
This kind of behaviour also depends on the level of education. Education lessens the possibility of aggressive behaviour on the roads however, it is highly subjective. Dr Kurien Thomas, clinical psychologist and counsellor, opines that one must always keep in mind the time and possible traffic. “Calmness is important. A person who is not calm over reacts to situations, thus inviting trouble. A sleep deprived person is also susceptible to irresponsible road behaviour. One must also refrain from unpleasant gestures, constant flashing of lights etc,” he said.
Most importantly, people must ensure that they drive safely. “One can take anger management which will help to ingrain the value of tolerance. One can also keep the photographs of loved ones. They will realise that they have certain obligations towards others and drive will rationally”, said Dr. Yadav.
Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Vijay Patil said, “The number of road rage and rash driving cases in Navi Mumbai has increased. Many times for minor incidents people tend to fight, use verbal and physical abuses, but finally resolve it and get away before traffic officials intervene”.
He believes that speeding and aggressive driving behaviour becomes a natural psychological tendency on the Palm Beach Road. “Palm Beach Road is mostly empty. So it becomes a natural tendency for the driver to accelerate. However, people must it under their control to avert accidents or mishaps,” he added.
Psychologists, on the other hand, assert the fact that such behaviour is the result of the fast paced lifestyle adopted by people. Such lifestyles, coupled with heavy doses of strain and hassles, often result in unwarranted behaviour on the road. “Aggressive behaviour on the road mostly stems out from stress. Also, when one sees other people flouting traffic norms or cutting lanes, it is psychologically obvious that one is also tempted to do so in order to gain extra minutes on the clock. Moreover, on account of absence of authorities such tendencies gain impetus. Hence, this is basically a learned form of behaviour,” Psychologist Dr Poonam Yadav said.
This kind of behaviour also depends on the level of education. Education lessens the possibility of aggressive behaviour on the roads however, it is highly subjective. Dr Kurien Thomas, clinical psychologist and counsellor, opines that one must always keep in mind the time and possible traffic. “Calmness is important. A person who is not calm over reacts to situations, thus inviting trouble. A sleep deprived person is also susceptible to irresponsible road behaviour. One must also refrain from unpleasant gestures, constant flashing of lights etc,” he said.
Most importantly, people must ensure that they drive safely. “One can take anger management which will help to ingrain the value of tolerance. One can also keep the photographs of loved ones. They will realise that they have certain obligations towards others and drive will rationally”, said Dr. Yadav.
