READING TEXT

Building a Culture of Road Safety: A Collective Responsibility

Road accidents and fatalities remain a significant global concern, affecting

millions of lives each year. The fact is that a substantial number of these incidents are
preventable, and implementing comprehensive road safety measures can significantly
reduce the toll on human lives. Effective road safety practices are not only crucial for
saving lives but also for promoting sustainable and thriving communities.

Governments should prioritize the development and enforcement of robust road

safety policies. This includes investing in well-maintained infrastructure, implementing
strict traffic regulations, and enhancing public awareness campaigns. Policymakers must
allocate resources for the training of law enforcement officers and emergency
responders, ensuring a swift and effective response to road incidents. Additionally,
policies should encourage the integration of innovative technologies, such as smart
traffic management systems and vehicle safety features, to further enhance road safety
measures.

Advocating for road safety transcends policy; it reflects a commitment to the core
values of life, community, and responsibility. A society that values road safety recognizes
the intrinsic worth of every individual and prioritizes their safety on the streets. By
embracing these values, communities can foster a collective sense of responsibility,
where individuals, government agencies, and businesses work together to create an
environment where every road user can travel safely. Ultimately, prioritizing road safety
aligns with the shared value of preserving human life and promoting the well-being of
communities.

Distracted driving, often fueled by the use of mobile devices, poses a significant
threat to road safety. The fact is that the increasing prevalence of distracted driving
incidents contributes to a rising number of accidents and fatalities. Acknowledging and
addressing this issue is paramount for creating safer roads for everyone.

Governments should enact and enforce strict laws against distracted driving.
Policymakers must invest in public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of
using mobile devices while driving and implement harsh penalties for offenders.
Educational programs should be integrated into school curricula, emphasizing
responsible behavior on the road. Additionally, policies should encourage the
development of technology solutions, such as hands-free devices and driver assistance
systems, to mitigate the risks associated with distracted driving.

Governments should enact and enforce strict laws against distracted driving.
Policymakers must invest in public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of
using mobile devices while driving and implement harsh penalties for offenders.
Educational programs should be integrated into school curricula, emphasizing
responsible behavior on the road. Additionally, policies should encourage the
development of technology solutions, such as hands-free devices and driver assistance
systems, to mitigate the risks associated with distracted driving.
KICK STARTER: LET’S DEFINE
Claim of Fact: a statement that asserts something to be true or false and is subject to verification through
evidence and observation. It is a statement about the way things are or were, and its accuracy can often be
determined through empirical evidence and factual analysis.
Example:
(1) The Earth revolves around the Sun." This is a claim of fact because it asserts a truth about the relationship
between the Earth and the Sun.
***This statement can be verified through scientific evidence and observation.
Claim of Policy: a proposed or adopted set of principles, guidelines, or courses of action that are designed to
address a particular issue, solve a problem, or achieve a specific goal. Policies are often developed by
governments, organizations, or institutions to guide decision-making and actions in pursuit of desired outcomes.
Example:
(1) The government will implement mandatory recycling programs in all municipalities.
*** This is a policy statement as it outlines a proposed course of action (mandatory recycling programs) to
address a specific issue (environmental sustainability).
Value: often reflects what is considered morally or ethically significant and can vary between individuals and
cultures. Values are fundamental to shaping personal and societal norms. It involves judgments, appraisals, and
evaluations by comparing and contrasting problems.
Example:
(1) Freedom of speech is valued more highly than restrictions on expression in our democratic society.
***This statement compares the value of freedom of speech to the value of limiting expression and
suggests a prioritization within a particular cultural context.

Question 1: Which of the following statements is a claim of fact related to building a culture of road
safety as a collective responsibility?

A) Enforcing stricter traffic laws will reduce road accidents.

B) The majority of road accidents are caused by human error.
C) Building more highways is the key to improving road safety.
D) The government should invest in public transportation for safer roads.

Question 2: What type of claim is expressed in the following statement regarding building a culture of
road safety?

A) Educational programs should focus on teaching defensive driving skills.

B) Road safety is a personal responsibility and should not involve the community.
C) Increasing speed limits will make roads safer for everyone.
D) The government should allocate funds for beautifying roadside landscapes.

Question 3: Which of the following statements represents a claim of value regarding building a culture
of road safety as a collective responsibility?

A) Efficiency in traffic flow is more important than individual responsibility.

B) Prioritizing pedestrian safety reflects a society's commitment to human life.
C) Road safety initiatives should focus solely on punitive measures.
D) The speed at which vehicles travel is not a significant factor in road safety.

Question 4: What is an example of a claim of fact in the context of road safety as a collective
responsibility?

A) Investing in advanced vehicle technologies will eliminate all road accidents.

B) Driver distraction is not a significant factor in road accidents.
C) The use of seat belts has no impact on reducing injuries in car crashes.
D) Public awareness campaigns have no effect on promoting road safety.

Question 5: Which statement represents a claim of policy concerning road safety as a collective
responsibility?

A) Individuals should be solely responsible for their own safety on the roads.
B) Governments should implement regular vehicle inspections to ensure roadworthiness.
C) Pedestrians should always yield the right of way to vehicles."
D) Road safety initiatives should focus on assigning blame rather than prevention.

Question 6: Which statement reflects a claim of value related to road safety as a collective
responsibility?

A) Economic considerations should take precedence over road safety measures.

B) Inclusive road design, accommodating all users, enhances community well-being.
C) Traffic rules should be relaxed to encourage faster commute times.
D) The importance of road safety is overstated in modern society.