Speeding

1. Do you drive?

2. Have you ever been stopped for speeding? Or do you know anyone else who has been? What was the outcome?

3. What is the best way of avoiding a speeding ticket/fine?

4. A police officer pulls you over for speeding (you were doing 33 in a 30mph zone) - what do you say? What good/bad things could you say? How useful are humour, sarcasm, defiance, acquiescence in avoiding a speeding ticket?

Watch video here: Speeding

Read script here: Speeding Script

5. What is your reaction? Is this a realistic response to this situation?

6. I could see this working with some UK policemen/women, but not all. Would the techniques in the video work in your country?

7.Grade the following responses in terms of their usefulness for avoiding a speeding fine after the event:

a) Call the officer at work, and arrange a meeting with him.

b) Write a letter to the officer.

c) Repeat calls/letters to the judge/prosecutor presiding over your case.

d) Follow all court guidelines.

e) Ask for an alternative punishment.

f) Your own solution.

8. Speeding is becoming more and more socially unacceptable in the UK. What's the situation in your country?

9. UK traffic police usually have a good reputation amongst the public. What is the perception of them in your country?

10. They say that justice is blind. What are your feelings about that?

11. How often does the good guy win?

..........

Situation

You've been pulled over for exceeding the speed limit. Using the techniques seen in this lesson, try to avoid being ticketed. Your teacher will play the role of traffic policeman/woman.

..........

Discuss quotes

“Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block traffic.”

― Dan Rather

"You can't talk your way out of problems you behave yourself into."

--- Stephen Covey

“You catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar."

--- Proverb

Student Handout PDF: Speeding

Photo: Kindelmedia