Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• This week, we're diving into the vital topic of road safety, specifically focusing on how to be a safe pedestrian. As Grade 4 learners in South Africa, many of you walk to school, play outside near roads, or accompany family members when walking to shops or other destinations. Sadly, South Africa has a high rate of road accidents, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable. Understanding and practicing road safety rules can significantly reduce your risk of injury and keep you safe. This isn't just about following rules; it's about developing a mindset of awareness and responsibility when near roads. Learning to make safe choices as a pedestrian is a crucial life skill that will protect you for years to come.
• Learning Objectives (CAPS Aligned):
• By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
• Identify and describe at least five specific dangers that pedestrians face on South African roads (CAPS: Personal and Social Well-being: Safety Guidelines).
• Explain and demonstrate the correct procedure for crossing a road safely, including identifying appropriate crossing points (CAPS: Personal and Social Well-being: Safety Guidelines).

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving into the vital topic of road safety, specifically focusing on how to be a safe pedestrian. As Grade 4 learners in South Africa, many of you walk to school, play outside near roads, or accompany family members when walking to shops or other destinations. Sadly, South Africa has a high rate of road accidents, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable. Understanding and practicing road safety rules can significantly reduce your risk of injury and keep you safe. This isn't just about following rules; it's about developing a mindset of awareness and responsibility when near roads.

Lesson notes

What is a Pedestrian? A pedestrian is anyone who is traveling on foot. This includes people walking, running, jogging, or even using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. As pedestrians, we are more vulnerable than people in cars because we have no metal protection around us.

Dangers Pedestrians Face: Cars and other vehicles: The most obvious danger. Drivers may not see pedestrians, might be speeding, or might be distracted.

Buses and Taxis: These large vehicles can be difficult to see around, and they often stop suddenly to pick up or drop off passengers, creating a hazard.

Motorbikes: Motorbikes can move quickly and unexpectedly through traffic, making them difficult to spot.

Reckless Driving: Some drivers disobey traffic rules, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or drive aggressively.

Poor Visibility: Rain, fog, darkness, and even bright sunlight can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.

Distractions: Using cell phones, listening to music with headphones, playing games, or talking to friends can distract pedestrians and make them less aware of their surroundings.

Road Conditions: Potholes, broken sidewalks, and uneven surfaces can cause pedestrians to trip and fall into the road.

How to Cross the Road Safely: The "Look, Listen, Think, Cross" Method This method is a step-by-step guide to safe road crossing: Look: Before you even step off the sidewalk, look left, then right, and then left again. Make sure no cars are coming.

Listen: Listen for the sounds of approaching vehicles. Even if you don't see a car, you might hear one.

Think: Think about whether it is safe to cross. Consider the speed of any approaching vehicles, the distance between you and the vehicles, and the width of the road. If in doubt, wait.

Cross: If it is safe, walk briskly (but don't run!) across the road, continuing to look and listen for traffic. Keep an eye out for any cars that might be turning.

Where to Cross: Use Pedestrian Crossings (Zebra Crossings): These are marked with white stripes and are designed to give pedestrians the right of way. Look for traffic lights for pedestrians at these crossings.

Use Traffic Lights: Always wait for the green pedestrian signal before crossing. Don't start crossing if the light is flashing or about to turn red.

Use Bridges and Underpasses: If available, use pedestrian bridges or underpasses to cross busy roads safely. If There Are No Designated Crossing Points: Choose a spot where you can see clearly in both directions, and where drivers can see you. Avoid crossing near corners or between parked cars.

Increasing Your Visibility: Wear Bright Clothing: Wear bright colors, especially during dawn, dusk, and at night. Light-colored clothing makes you more visible to drivers.

Wear Reflective Gear: Wear reflective clothing or accessories, such as vests, armbands, or stickers. Reflective materials bounce light back to drivers, making you much easier to see in low-light conditions.

Carry a Flashlight: If you are walking at night, carry a flashlight to help drivers see you.

Make Eye Contact with Drivers: Before you cross, try to make eye contact with the drivers of approaching vehicles to make sure they see you.

Distractions are Dangerous: Cell Phones: Avoid using your cell phone while walking near roads. Talking, texting, or playing games can distract you and make you less aware of your surroundings.

Headphones: Listening to music with headphones can block out the sounds of traffic, making it difficult to hear approaching vehicles.

Playing: Avoid playing games or running around near roads. Focus on being aware of your surroundings.

Road Signs Relevant to Pedestrians: Pedestrian Crossing Sign: A blue sign with a white figure walking across stripes. This indicates a designated pedestrian crossing.

Traffic Lights: Red, yellow and green lights that tell pedestrians when it is safe to cross. "No Pedestrians" Sign: A red circle with a figure walking inside, and a diagonal line through it. This indicates that pedestrians are not allowed in that area.

Example 1: Sipho is walking home from school. He wants to cross a busy road. There is a pedestrian crossing (zebra crossing) with traffic lights about 50 meters down the road. Should he cross the road immediately, or walk to the pedestrian crossing?

Answer: Sipho should walk to the pedestrian crossing. Using designated crossing points is always the safest option.

Example 2: Thandi is walking with her friend, Aisha. Aisha wants to show Thandi a funny video on her phone while they are walking next to a busy street. What should Thandi do?

Answer: Thandi should tell Aisha that it is not safe to use her phone while walking near the road. Using phones can distract pedestrians and make them unaware of dangers. They can watch the video later in a safe place. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: You are walking to the shops with your grandmother. There is no pedestrian crossing nearby, but there is a gap in the traffic.