Road Safety

Unit 3

ROAD SAFETY

Learning Objectives

* To understand about the importance of road safety.

* To know about the road rules and traffic signals.

* To learn about the road safety measures and strategies and ensure the safety of lives.

‘Caution and care, make accident rare’

Traffic rules are the laws that govern how, when and why you are allowed to drive any vehicle. The traffic safety course education plays an important role in shaping the attitude and behaviour of children and young people ensuring to become responsible drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Keeping the children safe at all times can be tricky when you cannot be with them always.

Parents and teachers ensure the safety of the children at home and school. But who keeps them safe on the road? Therefore educating children about road safety is very important. Teaching about road safety to children can be started as soon as they are old enough to step out of the home.

Three types of traffic signs – Mandatory, Cautionary and Informatory

i. Mandatory road signs are the ones that give order regarding do's and don’ts and are to be followed strictly. These are generally circular in shape.

ii. Cautionary road signs are the ones that warn the road user regarding the road situation ahead. Cautionary signs are generally in triangular shape.

iii. Informatory road signs are the ones that give information regarding directions, destination, etc. Informatory signs are generally rectangular in shape.

 Blue circles give a positive instructions, about what is to be done.

 Red rings or circles give negative instructions. What should not be done.

Know your signals

What do the three colours red, amber and green signify?

RED means STOP- Wait behind the stop line.

* If there are no lines, stop before the traffic light at the intersection so that traffic light is clearly visible.

* Wait until a green signal appears before proceeding.

* You may turn left while the signal is red, if it is not prohibited by a sign. But give importance to pedestrians and other traffic.

AMBER means CAUTION-You may move on if the amber appears after you have already crossed the stop line or when you feel that your stopping may cause accident. Anyhow be extra careful.

GREEN means GO – Proceed ahead ensuring that the way is clear.

* You can make a right or left turn if not prohibited by signs, but take special care and give way to pedestrians crossing the road.

* GREEN ARROW means that you can go in the direction shown by the arrow.

Cross roads and pedestrian crossing

Children have a tendency just to sprint across the street, as they like. Educate the children to never run across or along the road. Children can get distracted easily and leave their parent’s hand to run or sprint away.

Children should cross only at pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian Crossing

The pedestriancrossing was instituted in Britain in 1934. The roads were markedby dotted lines. On the pavement there were striped Belisha beacon light poles named after Britain’s Minister of transport L. Horre-Belisha . The Zebra crossing with black and white stripes was developed after the Second World War.

Road signs, markings, traffic signals and other traffic devices are there to guide the road users and hence are the languages of the road. Every road user, whether a pedestrian, two-wheeler rider, driver of four-wheeled vehicle should have knowledge regarding these traffic controlling devices and should be aware of what they signify.

Traffic signs are there to regulate traffic, warn about hazards and to guide the road user.

Always use pavements

Children must use the pavements when walking on the road.

Pedestrian

Do's

* Walk on any side of the road if there are footpaths.

* On roads without footpath walk on your extreme rightside facing the oncoming traffic.

* Use zebra crossing, foot over bridge & subways to cross the roads.

* Where such facilities are not available be extra cautious while crossing the road.

* Children below 8 years of age should cross the road with the help of elders.

* Cross the road when the vehicles are at a safe distance.

* Wear light coloured dresses during night.

Don’ts

* Don’t cross the road hastily by running.

* Don’t cross the road in front of or in between parked vehicles.

* Don’t try to cross the road from blind corners, turnings where you are not visible to the vehicle drivers.

* Don’t jump over the railings to cross road.

Staying safe on a bicycle

Most children use bicycle to go to schools. So they should be aware of the road rules and road safety. Moreover they should maintain their bicycles in good condition.

Do's

* Cycle must be fitted with standard gadgets – bell, brakes, rearview mirror, both front and back mudguard painted white, reflective tapes affixed at the front and back.

* Cycle on the extreme left side of the road or use service road, if available

* Avoid busy roads.

* Keep a safe distance from fast motorized vehicles.

* Give proper indications before stopping or turning.

Don’ts

* Don’t indulge in any kinds of stunts

* Don’t load the cycle with another person or heavy goods.

* Don’t ride holding onto other fast moving vehicle.

While commuting in School transportation

Dos

* Get up early and start early from home.

* Board the bus from the designated bus stop in a queue.

* Once inside the bus, behave properly.

* Hold on to the railings of the bus.

* Alight only at the designated bus stop.

* Get down only when the bus has stopped completely.

* If the driver is not following the road safety norms, bring it to the notice of school authorities/parents or traffic helpline.

Don’ts

* Do not rush or run to catch your bus.

* Do not stand on the steps of the bus.

* Do not make noise that may distract the driver.

* Do not put any part of the body outside the bus.

* Do not get in or get down from a moving bus.

As pillion rider/co-passengers

* Always wear helmet/seatbelt.

* Do not indulge in talking with the driver.

* Children above 12 years of age should occupy the back seat.

Play at safe places

* Do not play on roads.

* Look for a playground or vacant land to play

* Do not play around a vehicle parked inside your school premises/colony or near your residence.

ICT CORNER

Civics - Road Safety.

Through this activity you will know abut safety rules and Road safety.

Steps:

Step 1: Use the URL or scan the QR code to open the activity page.

Step 2: Click the “Start” icon to enter the game page.

Step 3: Choose and Click any game you can start the game.

Step 4: Play and Finish the Game Step by Step.

*Pictures are indicatives only.

Browse in the link

Web: https://www.sdera.wa.edu.au/programs/smart-steps/izzy-games/