Researchers have warned that people with nomophobia—the fear of being without your smartphone—are far more likely to use their phones while driving. Scholars behind a new study went as far as to say their findings prove nomophobia is “a risk to road safety”. Out of 2,773 participants, those who scored highly for nomophobia were 85% more likely to pick up their phones while behind the wheel.
The study, carried out by researchers at Monash University and published on Science Direct, also found that men were 20% more likely to use their phones than women. Meanwhile, participants aged 60 or over were 92% less likely to use their phones while driving than 18-25 year olds.
More than 2,000 Australians took part in the study, with their levels of nomophobia assessed by questionnaire(问卷). Researchers concluded: “This study found that nomophobia severity predicted the likelihood of illegal smartphone use while driving. The fear of being without a smartphone is a risk to road safety.” On using devices while driving, the UK government’s website states: “It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. “This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse(浏览) the web.” The new laws came into effect on 25 March, and mean motorists can get six points on their licence or be fined £200 for touching their devices while driving.
Speaking last year, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “While our roads remain among the safest in the world, we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer, including through our award-winning THINK! campaign, which challenges social norms(规范) among high-risk drivers.”
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1.What might happen if people suffer from nomophobia?
A They would like to drive carefully.
B They desire to play on the phones.
C They’re able to get high scores.
D They focus on road safety.
解析:选B。B细节理解题。根据第一段第一句“the fear of being without your smartphone—are far more likely to use their phones while driving”可知nomophobia是无手机恐惧症,因此如果患上这种症状,人们会一直想要玩手机。故选B。
2.Who are most likely to use their phones while driving?
A Women over 60.
B Men over 60.
C Men in their twenties.
D Women in their fifties.
解析:选C。C推理判断题。根据第二段“men were 20% more likely to use their phones than women”和“participants aged 60 or over were 92% less likely to use their phones while driving than 18-25 year olds”可知男性比女性更可能开车玩手机,60岁及60岁以上的人比18-25岁的人更不可能玩手机,即20来岁的男性最容易开车玩手机。故选C。
3.What will drivers in the UK get if they use smartphones while driving?
A They will be offered tablets.
B They will receive some data.
C They will be given eight points.
D They will be punished by the law.
解析:选D。D细节理解题。根据第三段最后一句“The new laws came into effect on 25 March, and mean motorists can get six points on their licence or be fined £200 for touching their devices while driving.”可知根据新法,驾驶人员如果在驾驶时触摸电子设备,将被扣6分或被罚款200英镑。即他们将受到法律的处罚。故选D。
4.What Grant Shapps said in the last paragraph means _________.
A drivers are safe
B people can surf online
C they will strengthen the rule
D new laws will be passed soo
解析:选B。B推理判断题。根据最后一段“we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer”可知他们会继续加强道路交通安全,即他们会加强这项新规的执行。故选B。