Chaotic Driving
30 August 13:00H POSTED BY
JAMES OGLE, MSW, LCSW
I have lived in the Chicagoland area most of my life and have found that driving has become a dangerous activity. I find it fascinating to watch so many of my fellow Chicagoans take precautions regarding the coronavirus and yet drive recklessly on the road. When I recall drivers education in high school, I remember discussing that The Rules of the Road provided a common language for drivers so that each person abided by and followed the same laws and regulations. In the present day, I find myself in situations where other drivers break common traffic laws and I have had to respond quickly to ensure I am not involved in a car accident. I typically receive a look of frustration from the other driver as though I should have been able to predict what they were going to do. It amazes me how many times I have had other cars swerve in my lane because that driver was on their cell phone. Additionally, it astounds me when people tell me that they drove to work and cannot recall how they got there. I find it concerning how many people drive on auto pilot which means they are not aware of their surroundings, increasing the chance of a traffic accident.
Moving forward I am going to challenge myself to make some changes in my driving behaviors. If you are reading this post, I challenge you to make the same changes as well. First, I am going to work hard at not being on autopilot when driving. I will make attempts to not get distracted by my thoughts or phone calls and to be present when driving. Second, I am going to keep space between myself and other drivers and expect that other drivers may act in a chaotic manner at any moment. Third, I will follow the rules of the road. Finally, if another driver does act in a chaotic manner and I have to drive defensively, I will not look back at the driver to avoid a potential conflict. I will also practice coping skills to remain calm and not react angrily. If all drivers engage in these practices, then hopefully we can all get to where we are going safely.
James Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College. Having grown up in the North Shore area, Jim brings a familiarity of the community to the practice. He has been with Attention to Wellness for over a year and has over 16 years’ experience working with both adolescents and adults.
Jim has provided treatment in a variety of clinical settings to adolescents, adults, and families experiencing depression, anxiety, conduct issues, and other mood disorders. He brings six years’ experience working in court systems with youth on probation who were at risk of being removed from their home, and their families. Jim also brings experience providing anger management and drug counseling groups within multiple schools. Currently, Jim also works at a high school providing social work services to students who have an Individualized Education Program.
Jim’s approach with both adolescents and adults incorporates techniques from strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT/DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy to help clients identify and eliminate barriers that inhibit them from achieving their goals.
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