Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify key road safety rules for pedestrians.
• Understand common traffic signals like traffic lights.
• Describe safe ways to travel in a car.
• Recognise potential dangers on the road.

Lesson summary

Road safety is incredibly important in South Africa. Sadly, our roads have a high rate of accidents, and many involve children. Learning about road safety helps you, your friends, and your family stay safe when walking, cycling, or travelling in a car. It teaches you how to make smart decisions near roads, understand traffic signals, and protect yourself from accidents. Being road safety conscious can save lives! This topic also aligns with the Life Skills curriculum's focus on personal safety and well-being within the community.

Lesson notes

What is Road Safety? Road safety means following rules and being careful to prevent accidents on the road.

It involves everyone: drivers, passengers, pedestrians (people walking), and cyclists.

Key Road Safety Rules for Pedestrians: Look Left, Look Right, Look Left Again: Before crossing any road, even a quiet one, always check for traffic coming from both directions. This is the most important rule! Imagine you're trying to cross a street in Soweto to get to your friend's house. Always stop at the curb, look left, then right, then left again to make sure no cars are coming. Use Pedestrian Crossings (Zebra Crossings): These are specially marked areas on the road where it is safer for pedestrians to cross. Look for the black and white stripes. Cars are supposed to stop at pedestrian crossings to let you cross safely. Always look both ways, even on a zebra crossing. Think of a zebra crossing outside your school; it's there to protect you!

Walk on the Pavement (Sidewalk): Always walk on the pavement if there is one. This keeps you away from the traffic. If there's no pavement, walk on the side of the road facing the traffic, so you can see the cars coming. If you are walking home from school in a rural area with no pavements, walk on the right-hand side of the road facing the traffic.

Be Visible: Wear bright clothing, especially when it’s dark or foggy. This helps drivers see you easily. For example, if you're walking home after school in the late afternoon during winter, wearing a bright jacket can help drivers see you better.

Never Play in the Road: Roads are for cars, not for playing. Playing in the road is very dangerous. Go to a park or playground instead. Imagine trying to play soccer in the street in Hillbrow; it's incredibly dangerous because of all the traffic.

Traffic Signals: Traffic Lights: Traffic lights use colours to tell drivers and pedestrians when to stop and go.

Red: Stop. Do not cross the road.

Amber/Yellow: Prepare to stop. If you are already crossing, continue quickly but carefully.

Green: Go. It is safe to cross if you are a pedestrian, but still look both ways.

Pedestrian Crossing Signals: These lights have pictures of people walking.

Red Man: Do not cross.

Green Man: You may cross, but still look both ways. Sometimes these signals also make a beeping sound to help people who can’t see well.

Safe Car Travel: Always Wear a Seatbelt: Seatbelts save lives! They keep you safe in case of an accident. Make sure your seatbelt is fastened correctly before the car starts moving. Explain to your parents that seatbelts are a law in South Africa.

Sit Properly in the Car: Do not stand up or move around while the car is moving. This is very dangerous.

Child Car Seats: Babies and young children should be in special car seats appropriate for their age and size. These seats are designed to protect them in a crash. Many hospitals and clinics offer advice on car seat safety.

Do Not Distract the Driver: Avoid making loud noises or distracting the driver. They need to concentrate on the road.

Potential Hazards on the Road: Cars speeding: Be extra careful around cars that are going too fast.

Poor Visibility: Rain, fog, or darkness can make it harder for drivers to see. Wear bright clothing and be extra cautious.

Distracted Drivers: Drivers using their phones or not paying attention can be dangerous.

Animals on the Road: Watch out for dogs, cats, or other animals that might run into the road. This is especially important in rural areas.

Potholes: These can cause drivers to swerve suddenly. Why is Road Safety Important? Road accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. By following road safety rules, we can protect ourselves and others. Road safety is about being responsible and making safe choices. Road accidents also put a strain on our healthcare system, so preventing accidents benefits everyone. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Sipho wants to cross the road to buy an ice cream at the shop. He sees cars coming from both directions. What should Sipho do?

Solution: Sipho should stop at the curb (the edge of the pavement). He should look left, then right, then left again to make sure no cars are coming. If it's safe, he can cross quickly and carefully. If not, he should wait until the road is clear.

Commentary: This question emphasizes the core principle of "Look Left, Look Right, Look Left Again." Question 2: Thandi is walking home from school. There is a pavement next to the road. Where should Thandi walk?

Solution: Thandi should walk on the pavement. Walking on the pavement keeps her away from the traffic and is much safer than walking on the road itself.

Commentary: This reinforces the importance of using available safety infrastructure.

Question 3: Musa is travelling in a car with his mom. He wants to take his seatbelt off to look at something in the back seat. Is this a good idea? Why or why not?

Solution: No, this is not a good idea.