IELTS ESSAY 1
ESSAY 1:
'road safety' essay
Some people think that strict punishments for
driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents. Others, however,
believe that other measures would be more effective in improving road safety.
Discuss both these views and give your own
opinion.
People have differing views with regard to the question of how to
make our roads safer. In my view, both punishments and a range of other
measures can be used together to promote better driving habits.
On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to
encourage people to drive more safely. Penalties for dangerous drivers can act
as a deterrent, meaning that people avoid repeating the same offence. There are
various types of driving penalty, such as small fines, licence suspension,
driver awareness courses, and even prison sentences. The aim of these
punishments is to show dangerous drivers that their actions have negative
consequences. As a result, we would hope that drivers become more disciplined
and alert, and that they follow the rules more carefully.
On the other hand, I believe that safe driving can be promoted in
several different ways that do not punish drivers. Firstly, it is vitally important
to educate people properly before they start to drive, and this could be done
in schools or even as part of an extended or more difficult driving test.
Secondly, more attention could be paid to safe road design. For example, signs
can be used to warn people, speed bumps and road bends can be added to calm
traffic, and speed cameras can help to deter people from driving too quickly.
Finally, governments or local councils could reduce road accidents by investing
in better public transport, which would mean that fewer people would need to
travel by car.
In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving,
I believe that other road safety measures should also be introduced.
(269 words, band 9)
