GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 190
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
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.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Opinions differ about ameliorating road safety and preventing fatalities due to accidents. Many people contend that severe punishments for violating traffic and safety rules are at the heart of decreasing accidents, whilst others argue more effective ways are there to enhance road safety. This essay will discuss both points of view, but I believe that more effective measures are needed to ensure road safety.
Draconian penalties for driving offence can indeed bring down traffic accidents, thus improving road safety. The reason is that harsh punishment plays a vital role in deterring drivers from reckless driving. Besides, the advocates of serious punishments argue that road rage seems to increase due to lenient punishment. They say that mild punishments encourage drivers to care the least for other vehicles and commuters on the road, thereby causing horrific accidents. Road safety rules are there but not prove effective owing to lax punishment and lengthy legal process. Which is why, proponents of strict laws think that harsh and speedy punishment can inculcate a sense of responsibility in drivers, which in turn would improve safety.
Others, however, think that alternative approaches would be more effective in improving road safety. For instance, governments can implement calm zones restricting traffic speed to 25km per hour. The features of calm zones should be delineated, including traffic signs, speed humps, and related laws. Apart from this, governments ought to mount a traffic speed reduction campaign so as to raise awareness of safety threats caused by reckless driving and of road safety problems in urban areas. Activities should be aimed at promoting the significance of safe driving, motivating drivers to drive slowly, and on prevention of road accidents. Most importantly, the campaign ought to be supported through online platforms, newspaper, local radio, and local TV channels. Nothing works more effectively when people spontaneously follow rules to ensure safety.
In conclusion, harsh punishments can indeed driving offenders can bring some results but I think alternative approaches like creating calm zones or campaigns for public awareness can be more effective to curb this issue.