Dangerous Driving

Warm Up

1. Do you know how to drive?

2. What vehicles have you driven?

3. What’s your go-to music when you drive?

Reading

A recent survey conducted in Britain has highlighted concerning behavior among drivers regarding risky overtaking. The road safety charity Brake surveyed 1,000 motorists and found that one in seven drivers admitted to having to take evasive action due to their own risky overtaking. This dangerous practice is a widespread concern, with 80 percent of drivers reporting that they have felt threatened by others overtaking them. Moreover, an alarming 94 percent of drivers have witnessed dangerous overtaking on the roads.

The survey particularly pointed out that young men aged 17-24 are the biggest culprits of dangerous overtaking. In stark contrast, women drivers were found to be far safer. While 39 percent of young male drivers admitted to overtaking without being sure the road ahead was clear, only 15 percent of young female drivers engaged in such risky behavior.

The findings also highlighted the dangers of overtaking on single-lane country roads, which were identified as the most perilous locations for such maneuvers. The data revealed that drivers are twice as likely to die on rural roads compared to urban areas. Many of these fatalities are preventable with safer driving practices.

A spokeswoman from Brake emphasized the need for caution, urging drivers to avoid overtaking on country roads unless it is absolutely essential and completely safe. She stressed the severe consequences of risky overtaking, stating, "Why risk it and rush? You could cause a devastating, high-speed, head-on crash that ends lives and ruins others." Despite these warnings, a significant minority of drivers continue to take such risks, prioritizing their impatience over safety. The spokeswoman advised that responsible drivers should remain calm and patient, avoiding aggressive and selfish maneuvers that endanger everyone on the road.

This survey underscores the critical need for greater awareness and adherence to safe driving practices to prevent unnecessary accidents and fatalities.

Reading Comprehension

1. How many motorists were surveyed by the road safety charity Brake?

2. What proportion of drivers admitted to taking evasive action because of their own risky overtaking?

3. How does the risky overtaking behavior of young female drivers compare to that of young male drivers?

Discussion Questions

1. What are your thoughts on the survey results about risky overtaking in Britain?

2. Why do you think the road safety charity Brake conducted this survey?

3. How do you feel about the finding that one in seven drivers had to take evasive action due to their own risky overtaking?

4. Why do you think 80 percent of drivers feel threatened by others overtaking them?

5. Why do young men aged 17-24 are the biggest culprits of dangerous overtaking?

6. What measures can be taken to prevent fatalities on rural roads?

7. What are the potential consequences of risky overtaking for both the driver and other road users?

8. How can greater awareness of safe driving practices be promoted among drivers?

9. What can be done to encourage drivers to avoid aggressive and selfish maneuvers on the road?

10. What steps can you take to improve your own driving safety and that of others around you?