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 fatalities, 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 to overcrowding. In the last decade, the number of cars on the roads has increased by more than 11 percents, and the number of miles driven has increased by 35 percent. However, the number of new road miles has only increase 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 (琐事) 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, ounded the horn long and hard at another car, or sped up to keep another driver from assign? 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 confrontation. If you are sceptible to 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 safety, including avoiding eye contact and getting out of their way.

49. The first sentence in Paragraph 1 implies that _____.

A people not interested in the media know little about recent happenings

B Road Rage has received much media coverage in the last few months

C one may be raged by media reports and wants to avoid them

D the media coined the term “Road Rage” only a few months ago

50. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Association, last year _____.

A drunk driving remained the No.1 killer on the highway

B more people were killed by aggressive driving than by drunk driving

C two thirds of drivers were killed by aggressive driving

D 41,907 people fell victim to aggressive driving

51. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of aggressive driving?

A Increasing number of cars

B Drivers’ stress and anxiety

C Overcrowded roads

D Rush hour traffic

52. The word “spell” in Paragraph 3 means”_____”.

A speak

B cause

C describe

D spare

53. Which of the following characterizes aggressive driving?