MODULE 1
15
5
Match the underlined words in
the text to their definitions. Use
the words in sentences of your
own.
•
attention drawn away to sth else
•
proficient
•
only
•
moves very
slowly
•
nervous
•
obstructions
•
conscious
•
practice
•
move
between and around things
6
Explain the phrases in bold.
8
What qualities make a good driver? Spend three
minutes writing a short paragraph on the topic. Use ideas
from the text as well as your own and present your text to the
class.
Think!
James Mason is typical of so many drivers whose over-
confidence makes them believe they are better drivers than
everyone else, making them a danger to themselves and
other road users. James thinks that he can steer perfectly
well with just one hand on the wheel. He is often distracted
by things he sees out of the window and
thinks nothing of
taking his eyes off the road, believing it is a skill he alone
has developed. Because drivers like James are certain they
are better than everyone else, they think the
rules do not
apply
to them. They talk on their mobile phones, change
CDs or adjust their satellite navigation systems, ignorant of
the fact that they are not in control of their vehicles when
they do this. There have even been cases where drivers
have been stopped by police for reading a newspaper while
driving. Needless to say, when travelling along a road at
high speed, it’s a good idea to give your full attention to
what you’re doing.
James Mason
Sally Parsons is a good example of the competent driver
we should all try to be. She says, “I obey the rules even
if sometimes
I can’t see the point
of them. I keep my
hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road.” Sally
stays within the speed limit and makes a point of
keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. This does
not mean that Sally is a timid driver. She is simply aware
of the fact that any vehicle can be
a dangerous weapon
if it is not handled properly. Drivers like Sally have
respect for their own lives and the lives of other people
and it shows in the confident, careful way they drive
their vehicles. If everyone drove with the proper care
and attention, road accidents would be almost non-
existent. Sadly, this is not the case.
Sally Parsons
“I always drive slowly and carefully, so I think I am a very
safe driver. I have never had a serious accident, and I have
been driving for over 50 years,” says Mary Smith. You might
think that drivers like Mary would be the safest on the road,
but that is not necessarily so. In fact, she rarely drives her car
and so, although she does not know it, she has not gained
enough experience to be a good, safe driver. It takes up to
500 hours of driving in different conditions to gain the skills
you need to be a safe driver. The problem with people like
Mary, who rarely take their cars out for more than a Sunday
morning drive, is that they are probably driving only about
100 hours a year. Mary may think she is being safe as she
crawls along at the side of the road, but she is a danger for a
number of reasons. For one thing, she is probably very
nervous and lacking in confidence, which can result in
dangerous road behaviour. Also, driving at
a snail’s pace
as
Mary does can cause accidents because impatient drivers
take risks as they try to overtake her.
A
Mary Smith
Peter Willis was recently sent to prison for 6 months for forcing
another car off the road when it wouldn’t get out of his way. This
kind of behaviour is a nightmare for other drivers, as road hogs
like Peter Willis are basically just bullies. They drive so
dangerously that they are far more likely to cause an accident
than any other road user. The list of crimes they commit is long
and depressing. Road hogs seem to believe that the roads, and
possibly the world, were created solely for them.
In their eyes
it is their right to go as fast as they like with no regard for
anyone else on the road. They are very fond of driving right
behind other cars and
flashing their lights repeatedly
in order
to get these ‘obstacles’ to move out of their way. Another
favourite trick is to weave from one lane of traffic to another at
high speed, apparently unaware of the risks to others.
Peter Willis
Most road users think of themselves as skilled drivers who are considerate to
other people on the roads.
Road safety expert Robert Evans comments on four different drivers.
B
C
D
Speaking & Writing
7
Listen to and read the text. Which of these
adjectives best describe each driver? Give reasons.
•
nervous
•
confident
•
impatient
•
careless
•
indifferent
•
arrogant
•
responsible
•
selfish
•
patient
•
irresponsible
