Rude drivers lack emotional control

Star: Rude and inconsiderate drivers only show their low levels of emotional intelligence, according to a psychologist.
And drivers who cause fatal accidents due to their confrontational attitude are using the “primitive” side of their brain, which disallows them to use reason and logic, said Malaysian Psychology Centre principal consultant psychologist Dr Edward Chan.
“Those who exhibit rude behaviour when driving demonstrate poor emotional management and impulse control.
“Probably they suffer from stress at home or work and take it out on the road,” he said when commenting on The Star's report on the ugly side of the Malaysian driver.
The behaviour could also be the result of watching the bad behaviour of parents behind the wheel and using the behaviour as a model.
“A good model, whether at home or at school, can expose a person to control their emotions and be aware of other people's feelings.
“That is why we have a lot of impatient drivers and those who do not practice courtesy on the road,” he said.
Low emotional intelligence also leads to drivers respecting only their own needs and obeying traffic rules only when they see enforcement officers, cameras and speed traps.
“So when there is no enforcement (officer) around they are quite happy to be rude, break the law and cause inconvenience to others rather then think of society,” Dr Chan said.
On the use of the primitive brain, he said: “In the old days, cavemen have to respond quickly when they were in apparent danger and the primitive part of the brain helped them react quickly.
“They (drivers) have very poor impulse control because the primitive part of the brain regulates the behaviour. For example, when you feel angry this part of the brain triggers an immediate response.”
Dr Chan said good road behaviour could be taught through attending classes on anger management, impulse control and stress tolerance.
It would be ideal to incorporate these in schools and in driving schools, he added.
The centre will hold a forum on emotional intelligence on Saturday and Sunday. For details call 03- 79824424 or email at info@psychology.com.my or visit www.psychology.com.my