If you
haven’t heard or seen anything about Road Rage in the last few months, you’ve
probably been avoiding the media. There have been countless stories about this
new and scary phenomenon, considered a type of aggressive driving. You have
most likely encountered aggressive driving or Road Rage recently if you drive
at all.
While drunk driving remains a critical problem, the facts about aggressive
driving are surely as disturbing. For instance, according to the National
Highway Transportation Safety Association, 41,907 people died on the highway
last year. Of those deaths, the agency estimates that about two-thirds were
caused at least in part by aggressive driving behavior.
Why is this phenomenon occurring more than ever now, and why is it something
that seemed almost nonexistent a few short years ago? Experts have several
theories, and all are probably partially correct. One suggestion is sheer
overcrowding. In the last decade, the number of cars on the roads has increased
by more than 11 percent, and the number of miles driven has increased by 35
percent. However, the number of new road miles has only increased by 1 percent.
That means more cars in the same amount of space; and the problem is magnified(增强) in urban areas. Also,
people have less time and more things to do. With people working and trying to
fit extra chores and activities into the day, stress levels have never been
higher. Stress creates anxiety, which leads to short tempers. These factors,
when combined in certain situations, can spell Road Rage.
You may think you are the last person who would drive aggressively, but you
might be surprised. For instance, have you ever yelled out loud at a slower
driver, sounded the horn long and hard at another car, or sped up to keep
another driver from passing? If you recognize yourself in any of these
situations, watch out!
Whether you are getting angry at other drivers, or another driver is visibly
upset with you, there are things you can do to avoid any major conflict. If you
are easily influenced by Road Rage, the key is to discharge your emotion in a
healthy way. If you are the target of another driver’s rage, do everything
possible to get away from the other driver safely, including avoiding eye
contact and getting out of their way.
1.The first sentence in Para. 1 implies that ______.
A. one may be angered by media reports and wants to avoid them
B. the media invented the term “Road Rage” only a few months ago
C. Road Rage has received much media coverage in the last few months
D. people not interested in the media know little about recent happenings
2.The underlined word “spell” in Para. 3 means
________.
A. relieve
B. cause
C. spread
D. prevent
3.Which of the following characterizes aggressive driving?
A.
Talking while
driving.
B. Driving at high speed.
C.
Sounding the horn when passing. D. Shouting at
another driver.
4.The last paragraph is intended to _________.
A. tell people how to deal with Road Rage
B. inform people how aggressive drivers could be
C. show people how to control themselves when angry
D. warn people against eye contact with another driver