Road Safety

Class 6 | Social Science — Civics | Unit 3

Class 6 Unit 3 Civics

Unit 3 Road Safety

Learning Objectives

To understand 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 accidents 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

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.

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

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

Blue circles give 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 an 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 hands to run or sprint away. Children should cross only at pedestriancrossing.

Do You Know?

Pedestrian Crossing The pedestrian crossing was instituted in Britain in 1934. The roads were marked by 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 while walking on the road.

Pedestrian

Do's

Walk on any side of the road if there are footpaths. On roads without footpaths, walk on your extreme right side facing the oncoming traffic. Use zebra crossing, foot over bridge and 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 the road.

Staying safe on a bicycle

Most children use bicycles 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 another fast moving vehicle.

While commuting in School transportation

Do's

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 or 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 or co-passengers

Always wear a helmet or 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 or colony or near your residence.

Exercise 1. Answer the following:

1. Prepare slogans for road safety.

2. Identify the following signs.

3. Discuss about the statistics of 2017 accidents data.

4. Debate: Is wearing a helmet necessary?

5. Draw posters related to road safety.

I C T CORNER

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.

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

HISTORY – Class 6

List of Authors and Reviewers

Domain Experts

Dr. Manikumar K.A. Professor (Retd.), Department of History, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli District

Reviewer

Dr. S. Ravichandran Associate Professor (Retd.), Raju's College, Rajapalayam.

Academic Coordinators

Sujatha M. Senior Lecturer, DIET, Chennai.

Joy Christy N. B.T. Asst., T. Kallupatti Block, Madurai.

Art and Design Team

Illustration K.T. Gandhirajan, Chennai.

Tamil Virtual Academy.

Layout Arockiyam Felix

Wrapper Kathir Arumugam

QC Jerald Wilson

Arun Kamaraj P

Co-ordination Ramesh Munisamy

Illustration & Image Credits

https://www.reddit.com commons.wikimedia.org/wiki https://i.imgur.com/G30peRx.jpg

Lesson Writers

Gomathi Manickam S. B.T. Asst., GHSS, Old Perungalathur, Chennai.

S. Rajeswari B.T. Asst., GHSS, Nellikkuppam, Kanchipuram.

Content Providers

P. Sadasivam, Asst. Professor, Madras Christian College, Tambaram, Chennai.

Dr. Cinthia Jude, Asst. Professor, Stella Maris Collages, Cathedral Rd, Poes Garden, Chennai.

Dr.K. Suresh B.T. Asst., Kumara Rajah Muthiah HSS, Chennai.

Sanjeevi Gnanasekaran P.G. Asst., NSM VPS HSS Devakottai.

N. Devarajan B.T. Asst., GHSS, Kattur, The Nilgiris.

S. Gnana Dhinakaraj B.T. Asst., GHS, Umayalaparancheri, Kanchipuram.

I C T Coordinator

Nagaraj D. BT Asst., (History), GHSS, Rappoosal, Pudukottai.

EMIS Technology Team

R.M. Satheesh State Coordinator Technical, TN EMIS, Samagra Shiksha.

K.P. Sathya Narayana IT Consultant, TN EMIS, Samagra Shikaha

R. Arun Maruthi Selvan Technical Project Consultant, TN EMIS, Samagra Shiksha.

GEOGRAPHY – Class 6

List of Authors and Reviewers

Domain Experts

Dr. Jegankumar R. Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Bharathidasan University, Trichy District

Mr. Senthilvelan, Asst. Professor, Department of Geography, Govt Arts College (Autonomous) Kumbakonam.

Reviewers

Kumaraswamy. K. UGC BSR Emeritus Professor, Department of Geography, Bharathidasan University, Trichy Dist.

Mr. M.K. Mariapillai, Associate Professor, Departmentof Geography Periyar EVR College, Trichy.

Authors

Dr. Yasodharan Suresh Assistant Professor, Department of Geography Madras Christian College, Tambaram, Chennai.

Anjukam A. B.T. Asst., (Geography) GGHSS, Thuraiyur, Trichy District

Rajabarathi N. BRTE, Block Resource Centre Uthiramerur, Kancheepuram District

Muthu R. B T. Asst., (Geo.) GHSS, Kannigaipair, Thruvallur District

Grena Janet M. B T. Asst., (Geography) R.C. Govt., GHSS, Ondipudur, Coimbatore District

Academic Coordinator

Sujatha M Senior lecturer, DIET, Chennai.

Art and Design Team

Illustration R. Muthukumar

Layout Designers V.S. Johnsmith

Wrapper Design Kathir Arumugam

QC Arun Kamaraj P

Yesu Rathinam

Co-ordination Ramesh Munisamy

Typist M. Kalpana P. Kumutha.

I C T Coordinator

C. Chinnadurai. SGT, PUMS, Sanar palayam, Mulanur Block, Tirupur.

EMIS Technology Team

R.M. Satheesh State Coordinator Technical, TN EMIS, Samagra Shiksha.

K.P. Sathya Narayana IT Consultant, TN EMIS, Samagra Shikaha

R. Arun Maruthi Selvan Technical Project Consultant TN EMIS, Samagra Shiksha

CIVICS – Class 6

List of Authors and Reviewers

Domain Expert

Dr. Kottai Rajan Asst. Professor, Department of Political Science, Periyar Govt. Arts College, Cuddalore.

Reviewer

Appanasamy M. Advisor, TNTB & ESC, DPI Campus, Chennai.

Authors

Shanthi N. S.G.T., Govt. High School, Palavedu, Tiruvallur.

S. Balabarathi, journalist, Writer, Chennai.

Saravanan Parthasarathy Writer/Translator, Okkur, Sivagangai.

Academic Coordinators

Sujatha M. Senior Lecturer,DIET, Chennai.

Radha A. B.T. Asst., GHSS, Mosur, Vellore.

Art and Design Team

Layout Arun Kamaraj P

R. Mathan Raj

A. Adison Raj P. Prasanth

Wrapper Kathir Arumugam

QC Yogesh Gopinath

Co-ordination Ramesh Munisamy

ICT Coordinator

Dr. R.Asir Julius, Asst. Professor, SCERT DPI Campus, Chennai.

EMIS Technology Team

R.M. Satheesh State Coordinator Technical, TN EMIS, Samagra Shiksha.

K.P. Sathya Narayana IT Consultant, TN EMIS, Samagra Shikaha

R. Arun Maruthi Selvan Technical Project Consultant, TN EMIS, Samagra Shiksha

This book has been printed on 80 GSM Elegant Maplitho paper.

Printed by offset at: Siva Sakthi art, Sivakasi 626189

Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers

Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.

Exercise

1. Prepare slogans for road safety.

Answer: Based on the chapter text, a suitable slogan would be: "Caution and care, make accidents rare." This slogan emphasizes the importance of being careful and cautious while on roads to prevent accidents and ensure road safety.

2. Identify the following signs.

Answer: According to the chapter, there are three types of traffic signs: Mandatory road signs (generally circular in shape) give orders about do's and don'ts. Cautionary road signs (generally triangular in shape) warn road users about road situations ahead. Informatory road signs (generally rectangular in shape) give information about directions and destinations. Blue circles give positive instructions about what to do, while red rings or circles give negative instructions about what should not be done.

3. Discuss about the statistics of 2017 accidents data.

Answer: Refer to the chapter text for this answer.

4. Debate: Is wearing a helmet necessary?

Answer: Yes, wearing a helmet is necessary. According to the chapter, as pillion riders or co-passengers, one should always wear a helmet or seatbelt. This is an essential safety measure to protect oneself while traveling on two-wheelers and is part of road safety norms that should be followed strictly.

5. Draw posters related to road safety.

Answer: Road safety posters can include key messages from the chapter such as traffic signal meanings (Red means STOP, Amber means CAUTION, Green means GO), pedestrian safety rules (use zebra crossings, walk on pavements, don't run across roads), bicycle safety (cycle on extreme left, use safety gadgets), and the importance of following traffic signs and rules for the safety of all road users.

📝 Summary

1. Road safety education is crucial for shaping children's attitudes and behavior to become responsible drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.
2. There are three types of traffic signs: Mandatory (circular shape with do's and don'ts), Cautionary (triangular shape warning about road conditions), and Informatory (rectangular shape providing directions and information).
3. Traffic light signals have specific meanings: RED means STOP, AMBER means CAUTION, GREEN means GO, and GREEN ARROW indicates direction of movement allowed.
4. Children should never run across or along roads and must cross only at pedestrian crossings, using zebra crossings, foot over bridges and subways when available.
5. Pedestrians should always use pavements when walking, and on roads without footpaths, walk on the extreme right side facing oncoming traffic.