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Back in 2003 an 86-year-old man drove his Buick through a crowded farmers’ market. Nine people were killed. More than fifty-four people were hurt, fourteen with serious injuries. When he finally stopped, the 86-year-old man got out his car and screamed at people to get out of the way. No alcohol or drugs were found in his system. Apparently, he was just old and confused.
This is a frightening accident, and it is not a rare one. There are many examples of elderly drivers driving into swimming pools, houses, storefronts, or worse.
In our teenage years, we all heard “driving is not a right; it’s a privilege.” That is still true, and there comes an age when driving is no longer aprivilege that can be allowed. After a certain age, eyesight anddementia(痴呆) are very serious concerns. Undoubtedly,these age-related problems affect some older adults’ driving ability. By the time a person is between eighty-five and ninety years old, his or her driving privilege should be examined.
Licensing laws vary greatly from state to state, and it’s time for a national law on the maximum age limit for driving. The motivation for this law is safety. Another option is to start with laws that ban anyone over the age of eighty-five from driving after sundown, because driving conditions are not as safe as daylight hours. Still another option that may allow elderly drivers to continue driving could be new technology like a voice warning system that cautions drivers on busy streets or at traffic lights. Finally, since there are laws against driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, shouldn’t some prescription drugs also be included? The average age of 85-year-old is undoubtedly taking at least one prescription drug daily.
The thought of an 86-year-old driver with failing eyesight running down the road in a two-ton piece of metal is unsettling to us all. Driving at an advanced age is not only challenging for the elderly drivers, but also it’s dangerous for the rest of us.
1. The first paragraph is written in order to show_________.
A. the harm of driving at an old age B. the importance of traffic safety
C. traffic accidents are on the rise D. many elderly drivers are careless
2. The author suggests that there should be new laws against driving __________.
A. over eighty-five B. between sunset and dawn
C. with the help of voice warning systems D. under the influence of prescription drugs
3. The underlined word “unsettling” in the last paragraph is closest in meaning to “________”.
A. disappointing B. worrying C. touching D. interesting
4. Which of the following would be the best title for the text?
A. How to keep old people safe on the road?
B. Are drivers well protected by licensing laws?
C. Should there be an age limit for elderly drivers?
D. Is driving a right or a privilege for an old person?
