Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify five key road safety rules for pedestrians.
• Demonstrate how to cross a road safely.
• Explain why being visible to drivers is important.
• Describe the dangers of distracted walking.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to be safe pedestrians on South African roads. Road accidents are a serious concern, particularly for children. By learning and practicing road safety rules, learners can protect themselves and others. This topic is particularly important in South Africa due to the high volume of traffic in urban areas, the presence of informal settlements with limited road infrastructure, and a generally high rate of pedestrian fatalities compared to other developed countries. This knowledge will empower learners to make informed decisions and stay safe while navigating roads in their daily lives.

Lesson notes

What is a Pedestrian? A pedestrian is anyone walking, running, or using a wheelchair on or near a road. This means you are a pedestrian almost every day! Why Road Safety Matters Roads can be dangerous places, especially for pedestrians. Cars, trucks, buses, and even bicycles can cause serious injuries if we aren't careful. In South Africa, many accidents involve pedestrians, especially children. Knowing the rules and practicing safe behavior is essential to avoid accidents and stay safe.

Key Road Safety Rules for Pedestrians: Always Use Sidewalks/Pavements: When available, always walk on the sidewalk or pavement. This keeps you separated from the traffic. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic. This allows you to see oncoming vehicles and react accordingly. Look Left, Right, and Left Again Before Crossing: This is the most important rule! Before stepping onto the road, look left, then right, and then left again. Make sure no cars are coming. Even if you see a car far away, wait until it has passed or stopped completely before crossing. Never assume a car will stop for you. Use Pedestrian Crossings (Zebra Crossings): Where available, always use pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings). These crossings are marked with white stripes and often have traffic lights specifically for pedestrians. Wait for the green walking signal before crossing. Even on a zebra crossing, always look left, right, and left again before crossing.

Cross at Designated Areas: If there are no pedestrian crossings, look for designated crossing areas. These are often found near intersections or where there is high pedestrian traffic.

Be Visible: Make sure you are easily seen by drivers, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Wear bright-colored clothing or reflective gear. Carry a flashlight or torch when walking in the dark.

Never Run Across the Road: Always walk across the road. Running can be dangerous because you might not see oncoming cars, and drivers might not see you in time.

Avoid Distractions: Pay attention to your surroundings when walking near roads. Don't use cell phones, listen to music with headphones that block out sounds, or engage in other activities that could distract you from the traffic. Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving.

Follow Traffic Signals: Learn to recognize and understand traffic signals. Red means stop, green means go (if safe to cross), and yellow means caution. Never cross when the light is red.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to what is happening around you. Be aware of cars turning, buses stopping, and other potential hazards.

Walking with Others: If walking with others, stick together and ensure everyone understands and follows the road safety rules.

Worked example

Example 1: Crossing a Busy Road: Imagine you need to cross a busy road with no zebra crossing. First, find a place where you have a clear view of the traffic in both directions. Stop at the edge of the road. Look left, right, and left again. Wait until there is a safe gap in the traffic. Walk quickly but carefully across the road, continuing to look for oncoming vehicles.

Example 2: Walking at Night: It's getting dark, and you're walking home from a friend's house. You know the road is busy even at night. What should you do? First, wear bright clothing, preferably with reflective strips. If you don't have reflective clothing, carry a torch or flashlight to make yourself more visible to drivers. Walk on the sidewalk if there is one. If not, walk facing the traffic.

Example 3: Using a Cell Phone While Walking: You're walking to school and want to listen to music on your phone. Is it safe? No! Using a cell phone can distract you from the traffic. You might not hear cars approaching or see potential hazards. It's best to put your phone away until you reach your destination.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: You are walking home from school, and there is a sidewalk. Should you walk on the sidewalk or the road? Explain why.

Solution: You should always walk on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are designed to keep pedestrians safe and separated from traffic. Walking on the road is dangerous because you could be hit by a car.

Question 2: You are about to cross the road at a zebra crossing. The traffic light for pedestrians is red. Should you cross the road? Explain why.