By: Rashad Prendergast 6th Hour Speech 1 10/31/16 Should Drivers Be Required To Retake Their Basic Skills Test Every Three To Five Years? By: Rashad Prendergast 6th Hour Speech 1 10/31/16

Introduction Attention Getter: Would you rather be around a driver that knows what they are doing, or would you like to be around a driver that thinks they know what they are doing. Background Information: Facts, figures and rules of the road can be forgotten through the passage of time and new laws can be introduced which people who already have a driving license do not fully understand. Therefore, perhaps it is now time to consider teaching and testing drivers on a regular basis with periodic theory tests so that their knowledge remains up to date.

Introduction Continued... Opinion Statement: “Today I am here to convince you that licensed drivers should be retested every three to five years due to the possibility of forgetting old and new traffic law, and instilling a retesting system is the most effective way to do business."

Reason #1: Driver Indicates Wrong or No Turn Signals Scenario: Imagine traveling behind a vehicle that indicates that it is about to turn left, but suddenly turns right, or simply turns with no notice to others. Evidence: According to a study conducted by the Huffington Post, over 23% of drivers may use the wrong turn signal because they are simply too lazy and or distracted to pay attention to their actions. Also, the Huffington Post has stated that some drivers do not use turn signals because they do not have enough time. Example - Missed highway exit or Particular turn on a street.

Reason #2: Distracted Drivers Scenario: Imagine driving being someone that is texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, retrieving something that fell, putting on makeup or even reading a map. Evidence: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Ten percent of fatal crashes, 18 percent of injury crashes, and 16 percent of all motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.

Reason #3: Scenario: Everyone knows that alcohol and driving don’t mix. We’re told again and again how dangerous it is to drink and drive, but we seldom come face to face with the statistics behind it. Evidence: According to AutoInsurance.org, almost 11,000 people die every year in accidents related to drunk driving. Of those, more than 3 youths die every day. The average for a drinking and driving-related death is 1 person every 50 minutes. That means that when you leave your house for your standard 8-hour work day, by the time you drive home, 9 people are dead from accidents connected to drinking and driving. These deaths make up about one third of all traffic deaths.

Refutation Counter Argument: Some people may argue that retesting drivers should not be enforced because it is not fair to all drivers and put them all in the same boat, it can be very expense for the average everyday driver, and can simply just be inconvenient. Objection to Counter Argument: Even though retesting drivers on their basic skills every three to five years can be strenuous in various ways, it is essential in the pursuit to keep all drivers on the road knowledgeable and safe.

Conclusion Restated Opinion / Final Thoughts: I believe that drivers should be retested on their basic road skills every three to five years due to increases in distracted driving, lack of knowledge in turn signals, and various other reasons. Personal Recommendation: I personally recommend you in the audience to think about the various positive attributes that come along with drivers being refreshed with knowledge of traffic rules and laws every three to five years.

Source Slide https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812012 http://www.boltburdonkemp.co.uk/news-blogs/accident-claims-blog/drivers- lack-road-safety-knowledge-causing-crashes/ 3. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/andrew-tai-/turn-signals_b_6211352.html 4. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2014/dl20.cfm 5. http://www.autoinsurance.org/driving-hazards/ 6. http://www.teendriversource.org/stats/support_teens/detail/57

The End!