Answers:

? A feeling that everyone is out to get me or hold me up.

? Judgments about other driver's actions 'everyone else is a lousy driver' that leads to frustration.

? Angry feelings that may have no connection with driving until you are behind the wheel like a fight with the boss, spouse, kids or co-worker.

? A need to be right or 'WIN' in a situation.

? Can you think of more?

These things are called personal factors and they influence our driving behavior if we let them.

Attitudes are a combination of what we are thinking and feeling. These are things that we have control over at least to some degree. Someone, when regularly cultivates strong negative feelings and thinking including anger and blame, will often have what is called a 'bad attitude' but this is just a reflection of their emotional state.

What kind of driving behavior can result from negative attitudes?

Answers:

? Aggressive driving like speeding or cutting others off.

? Retaliation and road rage

? Vehicle abuse

? What others?

Taking personal responsibility for our thinking, feelings and attitudes is key to safe vehicle operation. When you are behind the wheel, it's your responsibility to drive defensively regardless of the pressures that may invite you towards negative thinking and emotion.

Tailgate Tips:

? If you believe yourself to be a good driver, realize that most others are not as skilled as you and give them a break! Don't expect perfection; in fact, expect poor driving from others and take the high road by not reacting negatively.

? Remind yourself about everything that you have to be grateful for in life. It sounds simplistic but if we forget that we have so much to be grateful for, and start focusing on the negatives, we can easily get caught up in an attitude slide.

? Give the other guy a break regularly and make sure that if someone gives you a break to return a friendly wave.

? Remind yourself regularly that you are in control of your own emotional weather and that it's your thinking that most determines if you have a sunny disposition or a stormy one!