Motoring Techonlogy
　　1.2 million road deaths worldwide occur each year,plus a further 50 million injuries.To reduce car crash rate,much research now is focused on safety and new fuels-though some electric vehicle and biofuel¹ research aims at going faster.　　 

Travelling at speed has always been risky. One cutting edge area² of research in motoring safety is the use of digital in-car assistants³. They can ensure you don’t miss crucial road signs or fall asleep. The use of artificial intelligence software allows these assistants to monitor your driving and makes sure your phone or radio doesn’t distract you at a vital moment. Most crashes result from human and not mechanical faults.
　　Some safety developments aim to improve your vision.Radar can spot⁴ obstacles in fog,while other technology“sees through”high-sided⁵ vehicles blocking your view⁶.
　　And improvements to seat belts,pedal controls and tyres are making driving smoother and safer.The colour of a car has been found to be linked with safety,as have,less surprisingly,size and shape⁷.

And alternatives to fossil-fuel⁸ based petrol, such as plant oils, are a hot area of research. Fuel cells⁹ based on hydrogen bum cleanly, and are the subject of a serious research effort.
　　But whatever is in the fuel tank, you don’t want a thief in the driving seat and there have been many innovations, some using satellite tracking and remote communications¹⁰, to fight against car theft. These communication systems can also come into play¹¹ if you crash, automatically calling for help.
　　Accidents cause many traffic jams,but there are more subtle interplays between vehicles that can cause jams even on a clear but busy road.Such jams can be analyzed using statistical tools.Robotic drivers could be programmed to make traffic flow smoothly and will perhaps one day be everyons’s personal chauffeur(司机),but their latest efforts suggest that won’t be soon.

词汇: 

distract / dɪˈstrækt /v.使……分心，使……分散注意力

hydrogen / ˈhaɪdrədʒən /n.氢

radar / "reɪdɑ:(r) /n.雷达 

innovation / ˌɪnə(ʊ)ˈveʃən /n. 革新，创新

pedal / "pedl /n.制动踏板  

interplay / ˈɪntəpleɪ /n.相互影响；相互作用 fossil-fuel n.矿物燃料  

chauffeur / ˈʃofɚ(r), ʃoˈfɚ(r) /n.（受雇于私人的）汽车司机 

注释： 

1. biofuel:生物燃料。bio(-)用于名词或形容词前，表示“使命”或“生物”。

2. cutting edge area: 最先进的领域。edge: an advantage（优势）

3. in-car assistants:车内辅助设施 4. spot:在此作动词用，意思是:看见。 

5. high-sided:高大的；其反义词为low-sided:矮小的。

6. blocking your view:挡住你的视线 

7. The colour of a car has been found to be linked with safety, as have, less surprisingly, size and shape:人们发现车的颜色与安全有关，令人不会感到惊讶的是，车的大小和形状也与安全有关。as have, less surprisingly, size and shape可以理解为as, less surprisingly, size and shape have been linked with safety。

8. fossil fuel:指煤、石油、天然气等矿物燃料。

9. fuel cell:燃料电池 

10.satellite tracking and remote communications:卫星跟踪和远程通讯

11. come into play:起作用

What is true of robotic drivers?

A:It will take some time before robotic drivers can be put to practical use. B:Robotic drivers are not allowed to drive on busy roads. C:Robotic drivers can never replace human drivers. D:Robotic drivers are too expensive to use.

You might guess that experienced drivers have fewer accidents, but research from insurer AXA has revealed that they are more law-abiding and honest, too. A poll of 2 000 drivers in the UK found that those who have been behind the wheel for eight years or more had not only caused half as many accidents in the last year as less experienced drivers, but were also less likely to have broken the law or lied to their insurer.
Experienced drivers were half as likely to have been caught using a mobile phone while driving within the last year; and a third as likely to have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to have been convicted of dangerous driving. They were also a fifth as likely to have been convicted of driving without a seatbelt.
Dishonest behavior appears to be much more common among newer drivers. The UK’s experienced drivers have always been an attractive group for insurers, but the much lower risk they present is rarely fully reflected in their premiums. This is why AXA has entered the direct car insurance market with a product that rewards them with a no-claims discount of up to 90 percent--far higher than anything else on the market. Only those drivers who have been claim-free for eight years or more will be eligible, which could offer large savings for around a third of motorists.
AXA’s research has enabled it to tailor not only the pricing to these expert drivers, but the service, too. AXA Car Insurance will offer a courtesy ear whenever yours is out of action due to accident, fire or theft, not just while it’s being repaired. The survey found they wanted higher service levels too, so customers will be able to change their policy details online or track a claim at any hour of the day or night, every day of the year.
Many drivers wrongly assumed they were insured if they were injured in accidents that are their faults. To plug the gap, AXA has introduced Driver Injury Cover,which pays up to ￡1 million for medical treatment and loss of earnings for an additional annual premium of ￡34.99--less than ￡3 a month.
Cocky newer drivers do appear to be somewhat overconfident. A third of those who’d been on the road for between only one and two years claimed they were already experienced drivers, and that rose to a half among those who’d been driving for just one more year. But, as AXA’s survey demonstrates, they have still got a lot to learn., they will need to be driving for at least five more years before they can take advantage of that 90 per cent no-claims discount.
According to the first paragraph, we can learn that "those who have been behind the wheel" are______.

A:managers B:researchers C:guides D:drivers

You might guess that experienced drivers have fewer accidents, but research from insurer AXA has revealed that they are more law-abiding and honest, too. A poll of 2 000 drivers in the UK found that those who have been behind the wheel for eight years or more had not only caused half as many accidents in the last year as less experienced drivers, but were also less likely to have broken the law or lied to their insurer.
Experienced drivers were half as likely to have been caught using a mobile phone while driving within the last year; and a third as likely to have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to have been convicted of dangerous driving. They were also a fifth as likely to have been convicted of driving without a seatbelt.
Dishonest behavior appears to be much more common among newer drivers. The UK’s experienced drivers have always been an attractive group for insurers, but the much lower risk they present is rarely fully reflected in their premiums. This is why AXA has entered the direct car insurance market with a product that rewards them with a no-claims discount of up to 90 percent--far higher than anything else on the market. Only those drivers who have been claim-free for eight years or more will be eligible, which could offer large savings for around a third of motorists.
AXA’s research has enabled it to tailor not only the pricing to these expert drivers, but the service, too. AXA Car Insurance will offer a courtesy ear whenever yours is out of action due to accident, fire or theft, not just while it’s being repaired. The survey found they wanted higher service levels too, so customers will be able to change their policy details online or track a claim at any hour of the day or night, every day of the year.
Many drivers wrongly assumed they were insured if they were injured in accidents that are their faults. To plug the gap, AXA has introduced Driver Injury Cover,which pays up to ￡1 million for medical treatment and loss of earnings for an additional annual premium of ￡34.99--less than ￡3 a month.
Cocky newer drivers do appear to be somewhat overconfident. A third of those who’d been on the road for between only one and two years claimed they were already experienced drivers, and that rose to a half among those who’d been driving for just one more year. But, as AXA’s survey demonstrates, they have still got a lot to learn., they will need to be driving for at least five more years before they can take advantage of that 90 per cent no-claims discount.
Why does AXA reward experienced drivers

A:Because AXA wants to warn new drivers. B:Because experienced drivers seldom apply for premiums. C:Because expert drivers have been an attractive group for insurers. D:Because new drivers doesn’t need the reward.

You might guess that experienced drivers have fewer accidents, but research from insurer AXA has revealed that they are more law-abiding and honest, too. A poll of 2 000 drivers in the UK found that those who have been behind the wheel for eight years or more had not only caused half as many accidents in the last year as less experienced drivers, but were also less likely to have broken the law or lied to their insurer.
Experienced drivers were half as likely to have been caught using a mobile phone while driving within the last year; and a third as likely to have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to have been convicted of dangerous driving. They were also a fifth as likely to have been convicted of driving without a seatbelt.
Dishonest behavior appears to be much more common among newer drivers. The UK’s experienced drivers have always been an attractive group for insurers, but the much lower risk they present is rarely fully reflected in their premiums. This is why AXA has entered the direct car insurance market with a product that rewards them with a no-claims discount of up to 90 percent--far higher than anything else on the market. Only those drivers who have been claim-free for eight years or more will be eligible, which could offer large savings for around a third of motorists.
AXA’s research has enabled it to tailor not only the pricing to these expert drivers, but the service, too. AXA Car Insurance will offer a courtesy ear whenever yours is out of action due to accident, fire or theft, not just while it’s being repaired. The survey found they wanted higher service levels too, so customers will be able to change their policy details online or track a claim at any hour of the day or night, every day of the year.
Many drivers wrongly assumed they were insured if they were injured in accidents that are their faults. To plug the gap, AXA has introduced Driver Injury Cover,which pays up to ￡1 million for medical treatment and loss of earnings for an additional annual premium of ￡34.99--less than ￡3 a month.
Cocky newer drivers do appear to be somewhat overconfident. A third of those who’d been on the road for between only one and two years claimed they were already experienced drivers, and that rose to a half among those who’d been driving for just one more year. But, as AXA’s survey demonstrates, they have still got a lot to learn., they will need to be driving for at least five more years before they can take advantage of that 90 per cent no-claims discount.
What can be inferred from the last paragraph

A:New drivers think they are experienced. B:All new drivers are overconfident. C:New drivers need to get more rewards. D:Old drivers can get 90 percent no-claim discount.

You might guess that experienced drivers have fewer accidents, but research from insurer AXA has revealed that they are more law-abiding and honest, too. A poll of 2 000 drivers in the UK found that those who have been behind the wheel for eight years or more had not only caused half as many accidents in the last year as less experienced drivers, but were also less likely to have broken the law or lied to their insurer.
Experienced drivers were half as likely to have been caught using a mobile phone while driving within the last year; and a third as likely to have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to have been convicted of dangerous driving. They were also a fifth as likely to have been convicted of driving without a seatbelt.
Dishonest behavior appears to be much more common among newer drivers. The UK’s experienced drivers have always been an attractive group for insurers, but the much lower risk they present is rarely fully reflected in their premiums. This is why AXA has entered the direct car insurance market with a product that rewards them with a no-claims discount of up to 90 percent--far higher than anything else on the market. Only those drivers who have been claim-free for eight years or more will be eligible, which could offer large savings for around a third of motorists.
AXA’s research has enabled it to tailor not only the pricing to these expert drivers, but the service, too. AXA Car Insurance will offer a courtesy ear whenever yours is out of action due to accident, fire or theft, not just while it’s being repaired. The survey found they wanted higher service levels too, so customers will be able to change their policy details online or track a claim at any hour of the day or night, every day of the year.
Many drivers wrongly assumed they were insured if they were injured in accidents that are their faults. To plug the gap, AXA has introduced Driver Injury Cover,which pays up to ￡1 million for medical treatment and loss of earnings for an additional annual premium of ￡34.99--less than ￡3 a month.
Cocky newer drivers do appear to be somewhat overconfident. A third of those who’d been on the road for between only one and two years claimed they were already experienced drivers, and that rose to a half among those who’d been driving for just one more year. But, as AXA’s survey demonstrates, they have still got a lot to learn., they will need to be driving for at least five more years before they can take advantage of that 90 per cent no-claims discount.
What can be inferred from the last paragraph

A:New drivers think they are experienced. B:All new drivers are overconfident. C:New drivers need to get more rewards. D:Old drivers can get 90 percent no-claim discount.

You might guess that experienced drivers have fewer accidents, but research from insurer AXA has revealed that they are more law-abiding and honest, too. A poll of 2 000 drivers in the UK found that those who have been behind the wheel for eight years or more had not only caused half as many accidents in the last year as less experienced drivers, but were also less likely to have broken the law or lied to their insurer.
Experienced drivers were half as likely to have been caught using a mobile phone while driving within the last year; and a third as likely to have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to have been convicted of dangerous driving. They were also a fifth as likely to have been convicted of driving without a seatbelt.
Dishonest behavior appears to be much more common among newer drivers. The UK’s experienced drivers have always been an attractive group for insurers, but the much lower risk they present is rarely fully reflected in their premiums. This is why AXA has entered the direct car insurance market with a product that rewards them with a no-claims discount of up to 90 percent--far higher than anything else on the market. Only those drivers who have been claim-free for eight years or more will be eligible, which could offer large savings for around a third of motorists.
AXA’s research has enabled it to tailor not only the pricing to these expert drivers, but the service, too. AXA Car Insurance will offer a courtesy ear whenever yours is out of action due to accident, fire or theft, not just while it’s being repaired. The survey found they wanted higher service levels too, so customers will be able to change their policy details online or track a claim at any hour of the day or night, every day of the year.
Many drivers wrongly assumed they were insured if they were injured in accidents that are their faults. To plug the gap, AXA has introduced Driver Injury Cover,which pays up to ￡1 million for medical treatment and loss of earnings for an additional annual premium of ￡34.99--less than ￡3 a month.
Cocky newer drivers do appear to be somewhat overconfident. A third of those who’d been on the road for between only one and two years claimed they were already experienced drivers, and that rose to a half among those who’d been driving for just one more year. But, as AXA’s survey demonstrates, they have still got a lot to learn., they will need to be driving for at least five more years before they can take advantage of that 90 per cent no-claims discount.

A:managers B:researchers C:guides D:drivers

You might guess that experienced drivers have fewer accidents, but research from insurer AXA has revealed that they are more law-abiding and honest, too. A poll of 2 000 drivers in the UK found that those who have been behind the wheel for eight years or more had not only caused half as many accidents in the last year as less experienced drivers, but were also less likely to have broken the law or lied to their insurer.
Experienced drivers were half as likely to have been caught using a mobile phone while driving within the last year; and a third as likely to have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to have been convicted of dangerous driving. They were also a fifth as likely to have been convicted of driving without a seatbelt.
Dishonest behavior appears to be much more common among newer drivers. The UK’s experienced drivers have always been an attractive group for insurers, but the much lower risk they present is rarely fully reflected in their premiums. This is why AXA has entered the direct car insurance market with a product that rewards them with a no-claims discount of up to 90 percent--far higher than anything else on the market. Only those drivers who have been claim-free for eight years or more will be eligible, which could offer large savings for around a third of motorists.
AXA’s research has enabled it to tailor not only the pricing to these expert drivers, but the service, too. AXA Car Insurance will offer a courtesy ear whenever yours is out of action due to accident, fire or theft, not just while it’s being repaired. The survey found they wanted higher service levels too, so customers will be able to change their policy details online or track a claim at any hour of the day or night, every day of the year.
Many drivers wrongly assumed they were insured if they were injured in accidents that are their faults. To plug the gap, AXA has introduced Driver Injury Cover,which pays up to ￡1 million for medical treatment and loss of earnings for an additional annual premium of ￡34.99--less than ￡3 a month.
Cocky newer drivers do appear to be somewhat overconfident. A third of those who’d been on the road for between only one and two years claimed they were already experienced drivers, and that rose to a half among those who’d been driving for just one more year. But, as AXA’s survey demonstrates, they have still got a lot to learn., they will need to be driving for at least five more years before they can take advantage of that 90 per cent no-claims discount.

A:Because AXA wants to warn new drivers B:Because experienced drivers seldom apply for premiums C:Because expert drivers have been an attractive group for insurers D:Because new drivers doesn’t need the reward