B2 – Upper Intermediate
China has decided to ban hidden door handles after several deadly accidents. In some crashes, passengers and rescuers had difficulty opening car doors. These handles are common in modern electric cars because of their sleek design and aerodynamic benefits. The decision highlights growing concerns about balancing modern design with passenger safety and may influence safety standards in other countries.
Watch the video to learn more and be able to answer the questions below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the word “deem” mean? They simply deem these concealed door handles to be too unsafe. Use the word in a sentence.
- What does ” high-profile” mean? There are a number of high-profile cases where an electric vehicle crashed in which the doors weren’t able to open because of these concealed doors. Make one sentence using the word.
- What does the idiom ” drive one’s nuts” mean? Trying to figure out how to open the hidden door handles in a Tesla for the first time can really drive someone nuts. Use the idiom in your sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think banning hidden car door handles is the right decision to improve passenger safety? Why or why not?
- In your opinion, should car design focus more on safety than appearance and modern features?
- How can car manufacturers balance innovative design with safety requirements?
- Do you think other countries should follow China’s decision to ban hidden car door handles? Why or why not?