How do we reduce the number of road accidents?

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Read the following story by Suthivas Tanphaibul from the Bangkok Post’s Guru Magazine. Then, answer the questions that follow.

Despite all of the comforts of living in Bangkok, we all wish for safer pavements and roads for pedestrians and motorists.

A number of recent tragic accidents on Thai zebra crossings shocked us all. Guru asked a few Bangkokians to share their experiences on the road and asked how our roads can be safer.

Tanalap "Au" Anantasin, interior design studio owner, 55

Four years ago, I was hit by a truck while riding a bicycle. Back then, the government encouraged Bangkokians to ride bicycles to solve pollution and traffic problems. However, I was crushed by a truck. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's garbage truck ran over me and left me with permanent damage to both my legs. Even worse, I was told by the police that I was to blame as I was riding a non-motorised vehicle on the road, disturbing other motorists. I was speechless.

Napan "Narn" Jeeradist, training officer, 24

The construction of Thailand's roads, especially in Bangkok, is horrible. No matter how good a rider you are, all those bumpy roads can drag you to the ground. Not long ago, I was one step closer to death as the motorbike rider in front of me was hit by a car whose driver made a sudden turn. I've been riding slower and more cautiously since then.

Tanatip "Arm" Judyai, self-employed, 24

I'm sorry for all of the accidents that occurred as a result of careless drivers and riders. When I got into an accident, I understood that accidents could happen anywhere and at any time, no matter how careful you are. I've watched a lot of accident videos on Facebook while always taking them as a lesson learned and trying to prevent it from happening again.

Thanicha " Eve" Worapanyanan, public relation & partnership, 24

'Here we go again', is my first thought when I see the news about traffic accidents in Thailand. I think all the drivers know what is right and wrong. Yet, they ignore the fact that their reckless moves could cost someone their life while thinking that they can get away with it. Have you ever crossed the Rama IX Intersection? As I recall, it's the longest crosswalk in Bangkok, yet it's known as the most dangerous.

Pakchira "Pak" Bunphol, community manager, 28

Road accidents occur so often that it seems to be unavoidable for city dwellers. Although accidents seem to be unpredictable, we can reduce their chance by following traffic laws and watching our driving habits.


Section 1: Write the correct answer in the space provided.
1. Who did the police blame for Au’s accident? …………….
2. Who has been watching accident videos? …………….
3. Which intersection does someone describe as the most dangerous? …………….
4. Who blames the roads for accidents? …………….
5. How many of the five people said they’d had an accident?…………..
6. Who thinks road accidents cannot be avoided? …………….

Section 2: Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given.
The pedestrian crossing where Dr Waraluck Supawatjariyakul was killed …7… improved with a red highlight. Signs in the shape of a rabbit …8… a doctor's costume can be …9… by pedestrians to show that they're …10… .
7. __A. were             __B. is                    __C. has been
8. __A. wear                 __B. wearing              __C. worn
9. __A. hold            __B. had              __C. used
10. __A. cross                __B. crossed                __C. crossing
       
Section 3: Find words that match the following definitions.
11. lasting for a long time or forever ……………
12. to say that someone did something wrong or is responsible for something bad happening ……………
13. happening or done quickly or unexpectedly ……………
14. showing a lack of care about risks or danger …………

Answers: 1. Au. 2. Arm. 3. Rama IX. 4. Narn. 5. two. 6. Pak. 7. c. 8. b. 9. c. 10. c. 11. permanent. 12. blame. 13. sudden. 14. reckless.