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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 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 an
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 coined 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
A
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