Slow Down for Kids

Question

L. Han

Kids should be able to skateboard and ride their bikes in our neighborhoods without fear of speeding cars. Unfortunately, if your street is like mine, a few times a day, some car roars through at 30 or even 40 miles an hour. The driver is probably trying to avoid traffic on the busy streets or take a shortcut. Whatever the reason, drivers often forget or don’t care about the fact that the speed limit in neighborhoods is 20 or 25 in our city, while it’s 30 or 35 on the main streets.

Studies show that someone hit by a car at 20 miles per hour has a 95% chance of surviving. However, someone struck at 30 MPH has only a 60% chance. This is why it is so important that drivers slow down while driving through neighborhoods.

If you are ever in a car with someone who is driving above the speed limit in a neighborhood, please remind them to slow down. Our children’s lives depend on it!
Question

The author tries to persuade readers that neighborhood speeders are a problem by showing that—
Responses

A Colorful signs helped to slow them down.Colorful signs helped to slow them down.

B The drivers are most likely taking shortcutsThe drivers are most likely taking shortcuts

C Fast cars are more dangerous to pedestrians.Fast cars are more dangerous to pedestrians.

D Drivers sometimes speed through neighborhood streets.

Answer 1

The author tries to persuade readers that neighborhood speeders are a problem by showing that—

C. Fast cars are more dangerous to pedestrians.

This choice reflects the main argument presented in the text regarding the dangers of speeding cars in neighborhoods, particularly for kids who are skateboarding or riding bikes. The author provides statistics that demonstrate the decreased survival rate for pedestrians struck by cars traveling at higher speeds, emphasizing the dangers posed by fast cars in these areas.