阅读理解
Many Chinese have been greatly shocked by the traffic accident caused by the drunk driver Sun
Weiming, who has killed five and injured some others in Chengdu, Sichuan. However, such a case is
not rare.
Today, traffic accidents may have been regarded as a social problem. The car has killed and
disabled more people in its brief history than any bomb or weapon ever invented. Much of the blood
on the street flows actually from rude behavior of drivers who refuse to respect the legal and moral
rights of others. In fact, the enemies of society on wheels are rather harmless but just ordinary people
acting carelessly, you might say. But it is a principle both of law and common morality that carelessness
is no excuse when one's actions could bring death or damage to others. A minority of the killers go
even far beyond carelessness that can be imagined.
Researchers have estimated that as many as 80 percent of all automobile accidents can be attributed
to the psychological condition of the driver. Emotional upsets can change drivers' reactions, slow their
judgment, and make them blind to the dangers that might otherwise be evident. The experts warn that
it is vital for every driver to make a conscious effort to keep his/her emotions under control.
Yet the irresponsibility that accounts for much of the problem isn't only put upon drivers. Street
walkers regularly ignore or break traffic regulations. They are blamed in most vehiclewalker accidents,
and many cyclists even believe that they are not subject to the basic rules of the road.
Significant legal advances have been made towards safer driving in the past few years. Safety
standards for vehicles have been raised both at the point of manufacture and through regular road
inspections. In addition, speed limits have been lowered. Due to these measures, the accident rate
has decreased. But the accident experts still worry because there has been little or no improvement
in the way drivers behave. The only real and lasting solution, say the experts, is to make people believe
that driving is a skilled task requiring constant care and concentration. Those who fail to do all these
things present a threat to those with whom they share the road.
1. Traffic accidents may be regarded as a social problem because ________.
A. auto driving has become dangerous and harmful in today's society
B. people usually pay no attention to law and morality when driving
C. they have caused serious psychological problems among drivers
D. the car has killed and disabled more people than any weapon in history
2. Who are NOT mentioned to be responsible for the road accidents in the passage?
A. Careless bicycleriders.
B. Careless people walking in the street.
C. Irresponsible auto drivers.
D. Irresponsible auto manufacturers.
3. By discussing solutions to traffic accidents, the author seems to be ________.
A. doubtful and hopeless
B. angry and disappointed
C. objective and concerned
D. anxious and annoyed
4. The author writes this passage to ________.
A. show his worries about drunk driving
B. help protect street walkers from car accidents
C. discuss traffic problems and possible solutions
D. warn auto drivers to refuse drunk driving