Road Safety
Class 7 | Social Science — Civics | Unit 3
Class 7 Unit 3 Civics
Road Safety
Learning Objectives
Understand the need for road safety
Analyze the causes for road accidents
List out the safety measures
Recognize the roles and responsibilities of government and individuals
Know about safety week and traffic signals
Safe driving, Saves lives, Drive fine, Avoid fine
Introduction
The revolutionary invention of the wheel has given rise to modern technologies from transport to machinery. It is one of the most fundamental inventions we use in our daily life. Invention of wheel may be a mystery but the history of vehicles prove the intelligence of man. Can you imagine a world without two wheelers, three wheelers and four wheelers?
Road safety
We have to travel via roads almost every day to go to school, college, office, shops, visit relatives and friends. We need to be safe on the roads. Road safety refers to the methods and measures used to prevent road users from being killed or seriously injured.
Need for safety on Roads
It is a saddening fact that India is the world's largest contributor to road accidents. India accounts for about 10 percent of road accident fatalities at worldwide. Road crashes have a threatening impact on Indian lives, growth and economy.
Causes for Road Accidents
Distracted driving
This is a larger threat and the leading cause for road accidents. It is the distraction of the driver, engaging in any other activity while driving. It may be talking over the mobile phone or texting message or engaging in any activities with attention diverted from driving.
Reckless driving
It is a major traffic violation of rules. It is defined as the mental state in which the driver purposely disregard the rules of the road.
Night driving
An extra alertness is needed while driving at night. The uncontrolled sleep, tiredness due to long drive, poor lighting on the road can cause fatal accidents.
Tailgating
Tailgating refers to a condition where a driver drives behind another vehicle without leaving sufficient distance between them. In this condition, if the vehicle in front of him, stops suddenly, his own vehicle will crash with it.
Heavy Traffic
Increase of vehicles on the road create heavy traffic jam and cause more pollution.
Road conditions
Road expansion is very slow when compared to the expansion of vehicles.
Avoidance of safety gears
Avoiding the use of helmets for two wheelers and seat belts for four wheelers lead to unwanted happenings.
Impatience of Pedestrians
Impatience of Pedestrians and violation of traffic rules result in accidents.
Other causes
Drunken driving, jumping red light over speeding and unmanned railway crossings cause great damage to valuable lives. Due to this, many families lose their breadwinners.
Road Safety Rules
Every country has its own road safety rules and regulations for the best interests of its citizens. India also has designed road safety rules for protecting the road users from meeting with accidents and injury. As per the Indian law, one should be eligible to get a driving license at the age of 18. While driving use of mobile phone is prohibited. Sound horn is prohibited near a hospital or a school zone.
10 GOLDEN RULES FOR ROAD SAFETY
1. BUCKLE UP
So that your family and you are safe in the car (Section 138(3)). Seat Belts reduce chances of death of a car occupant in accident by over 60 percent.
2. OBEY TRAFFIC RULES AND SIGNS
To prevent road accidents (Section 119(3)).
3. OBEY SPEED LIMITS
For your own safety and that others (Section 112(3)). In residential area and market places, the ideal speed is 20 kilometer per hour and the limit is 30 kilometer per hour.
4. KEEP VEHICLE FIT
To prevent frequent breakdowns and difficulty in controlling vehicle which may lead to accidents on road (Section 190).
5. NEVER USE MOBILE WHILE DRIVING
To avoid distraction that lead to accidents (Section 184(3)).
6. WEAR HELMET
To protect your head while riding a two wheeler (Section 129(2)). A good quality helmet reduces the chances of severe head injury by over 70 percent.
7. NEVER DRIVE DANGEROUSLY
To ensure your own safety and that of other road user (Section 184(3)).
8. BE COURTEOUS
Share the road with all and be considerate. Never rage on the road. It is dangerous for you and other road users.
9. NEVER MIX DRINKING AND DRIVING
Be Responsible. Don't drink and Drive (Section 185).
10. STOP OR SLOW DOWN
Allow Pedestrians to cross first at uncontrolled zebra crossing. They have the Right of Way (Rule 11).
1. Rules of Road Regulations 1989
2. The Central Motor Vehicle Rules. 1989
3. The Motor Vehicle Act 1968
Use standard helmets while driving two-wheeler vehicle and strap it before mounting the vehicle. Fasten the seat belts while driving a car for both the driver and co-passenger. Avoid carrying heavy load while riding a two-wheeler. Two-wheeler can carry one adult pillion rider and not the whole family. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of yours. Slow down on bends and turns, especially in hill stations. The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 passed by the Parliament came into force in 1989 and it is applicable to across the country.
Preventive Measures
Government
Through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India has taken earnest steps for reducing the number of road accidents.
1) Taking steps for the rectification of accident black spots and improvement of road engineering.
2) Ensuring the good functioning of the traffic signals and road signs at busy crossing roads.
3) Constructing proper roads both in urban and rural areas.
4) Installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras to record high speed offences which can detect the offenders.
5) Prohibiting the act of digging or hoarding soil from roads.
6) Remove encroachments and maintain proper pedestrian ways for ensuring road safety.
If the public are violating the traffic rules, it is the duty of government to correct the public and maintain order. Stringent actions are to be taken for the violation of any road safety rules.
Individuals
One who drives a vehicle should have undergone the training and tests to obtain a driving license. It is compulsory to have the following documents driving license, registration certificate of the vehicle, Insurance certificate, Taxation certificate, fitness certificate and permit. Brake failure can result in crucial collisions. So the vehicle should be in good condition and serviced at regular intervals. To avoid accidents because of potholes and road humps, users can opt to use the Raksha safe drive device. It is attached with velcro to the car and alerts the driver about road humps, bad roads and on crossing the speed limits.
Do You Know?
Carpooling is the sharing of car journeys so that more than one person travels in car, and prevents the need for more cars to the same location.
Do You Know?
Raksha safe drive. It is a device capable of automatic crash detection, two way call connectivity, Global Positioning System tracking, engine health monitoring and smart panic button.
Carpooling will reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Many people use one vehicle and so fuel, money and time are saved. It will pave way for a cordial relationship and better understanding among the fellowmen.
Parents and Teachers
Parents and Teachers play a vital role in imparting road safety Education to young ones. If a child's parent violates the traffic rules, the child too will initiate the same in future. So the elders have to set an example for them in adhering to the safety rules and regulations. Video and computer games that simulate driving should be banned by the government or discouraged by parents as it will develop racing habit in children. Help your children learn about the traffic signals and rules. Instruct them to wait for the right signal and to use the zebra crossing while crossing the road. Warn them not to run across or along the road. Teach them to use the footpath, while walking on the road. Provide Road Safety education since childhood. It has to be made a part of school curriculum, syllabus, text book and included in competition on road safety. Activities like writing of slogans, essays and paintings on this theme should be conducted for reinforcement.
Media
Media like radio, Television films and advertisement could take up this responsibility of creating awareness of road safety. On Sachin Tendulkar's forty-fifth birthday, Mumbai police has released his video to create awareness among the motorists. "The little master set great records wearing a helmet! How about simply following his footsteps".
Traffic Signs
Traffic signs act as silent conductors of the traffic on the road. Some traffic signs are mandatory like stop, speed limit, turn right, no left turn etcetera. Some signs are cautionary, which warn the driver about the danger ahead like steep ascent or descent, narrow bend. Some signs are informatory providing information about hospital, petrol pump, resting place, parking or no parking area.
Road Safety Week
This is a national event which aims at promoting public awareness about traffic rules and to reduce causalities due to road accidents. It is observed annually. It is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. A variety of programmes related to road safety is conducted. Educational banners, safety posters, leaflets, and pocket guides related to road safety are distributed to the public. The Government of India observes 'Road Safety Week' awareness during January, every year.
Suggestions
Walking is a good alternative and cycling is a good exercise for a distance of 1 to 2 kilometers. Use eco-friendly vehicles. Implement the idea of installing bollards near unmanned railway crossings. A separate unhindered passage for cyclists would yield many benefits and also reducing road crashes. Cycling is a healthy habit and reduces pollution. Motorcycle manufacturers should be asked to design two wheelers with a designed maximum speed of 50 kilometer per hour. An awareness programme can be used by narrating live examples and also projecting videos.
Recap
Road safety refers to the methods and measures used to prevent road users and vehicle users from fatal accidents and injuries. Violation of road rules and regulations cause road crashes and a threatening impact on a country's growth and economy. Traffic signs act as silent conductors of the traffic on the road. Mandatory signs, Cautionary signs and informatory signs are the three types of traffic signs. Every country celebrates road safety week. We should strictly follow the rules and regulations road safety and save our nation.
Glossary
Pedestrians persons walking on the road Fatalities deaths due to accident Breadwinner one who earns money to support the family Stringent Severe Collision Crash Rectification Correction Potholes holes in a road surface Mandatory Compulsory Bollards short concrete posts used to prevent vehicles on the road Pillion seat behind in a two wheeler
Evaluation
Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer
1. Road safety is meant for
a) Passersby b) drivers c) public d) all who use roads
2. Road accidents affect a country's
a) improvement b) life c) finance d) all the above
3. Permit refers to
a) permission for driving b) permission for carrying goods c) certificate for drivers d) registration of vehicles
4. Raksha safe drive is a device useful for
a) pedestrians b) motorists c) car drivers d) passengers
5. Road safety week celebration was first imitated in India in the year
a) 1947 b) 1989 c) 1990 d) 2019 Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks
1. The most useful invention of man for transport is .
2. Using is inevitable in our journey of life.
3. Too many vehicles on the road cause and pollution.
4. is the monetary supporter of a family.
5. In case of emergency for medical assistance call for help.
Exercise 3. Match the following
| 1. Informatory sign | |
| 2. Zebra crossing | |
| 3. Mandatory sign | |
| 4. Cautionary sign | |
| 5. Right to drive a vehicle | |
Options: Traffic lights, Narrow bend sign, Petrol pump sign, License, Walkers
Exercise 4. Consider the following statements
1. Tick the appropriate answer:
Assertion: Car pooling is the use of vehicles by turns.
Result: It saves fuel, time and money and also
a) A is correct and R is not correct b) A is correct and R is also correct c) A is wrong and R is correct d) Both are wrong
2. Find the odd one
a) car b) trucks c) tempos d) aero planes
3. Find the following statements are true or false
a) Road safety education in the school curriculum is an additional burden for the students. b) An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. c) Hoarding on roads has to be banned. d) Following road safety rules from childhood will become a habit in future. Exercise 5. Answer in one or two sentences
1. What are the distracters while driving?
2. Mention the 2 safety gears for safe driving.
3. Why is not safe to drive in nights?
4. When can a person obtain the right to drive a vehicle?
5. How can media promote road safety among the public?
Exercise 6. Answer the following in detail
1. List out the documents necessary for an Indian while driving.
2. What is the need for including road safety education in the school curriculum?
3. How can parents teach their children road safety rules?
Exercise 7. Higher Order Thinking
1. Knowing the road safety rules, how will you influence your parents and relatives?
2. If wheel had not been invented, what might have been our mode of transport?
Activity
1. Prepare an album of all traffic signals.
2. Organise a procession promoting road safety with catchy slogans for public awareness.
3. Conduct competitions on road safety.
ICT CORNER
ROAD SAFETY
To know and learn about the safety rules through this activity.
PROCEDURE:
Step 1: Open the Browser and type the Uniform Resource Locator or Scan the Quick Response Code.
Step 2: Game page will appear on the screen.
Step 3: Click on PLAY button on the screen and Choose the Characters.
Step 4: Select the area URBAN or RURAL. Read the instructions by clicking next then start the game.
Step 5: Choose the correct path A or B to reach the goal safely
Web URL: https://www.think.gov.uk/games/take_the_lead/take_the_lead.html
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
1. Choose the correct answer:
1. Road safety is meant for
a) Passersby b) drivers c) public d) all who use roads
Answer: d) all who use roads
Explanation: Road safety refers to the methods and measures used to prevent road users from being killed or seriously injured.
2. Road accidents affect a country's
a) improvement b) life c) finance d) all the above
Answer: d) all the above
Explanation: Road crashes have a threatening impact on Indian lives, growth and economy.
3. Permit refers to
a) permission for driving b) permission for carrying goods c) certificate for drivers d) registration of vehicles
Answer: a) permission for driving
Explanation: It is compulsory to have permit as one of the necessary documents for driving.
4. Raksha safe drive is a device useful for
a) pedestrians b) motorists c) car drivers d) passengers
Answer: c) car drivers
Explanation: Raksha safe drive device is attached with velcro to the car and alerts the driver about road humps, bad roads and on crossing the speed limits.
5. Road safety week celebration was first imitated in India in the year
a) 1947 b) 1989 c) 1990 d) 2019
Answer: b) 1989
Explanation: The Government of India observes 'Road Safety Week' awareness during January, every year.
2. Fill in the blanks:
1. The most useful invention of man for transport is ______.
Answer: wheel
2. Using ______ is inevitable in our journey of life.
Answer: vehicle
3. Too many vehicles on the road cause ______ and ______ pollution.
Answer: traffic jam, air
4. ______ is the monetary supporter of a family.
Answer: Breadwinner
5. In case of emergency for medical assistance call ______ for help.
Answer: 108
3. Match the following:
1. Match the Following
| 1. Informatory sign | Traffic lights |
| 2. Zebra crossing | Narrow bend sign |
| 3. Mandatory sign | Petrol pump sign |
| 4. Cautionary sign | License |
| 5. Right to drive a vehicle | Walkers |
Answers: 1-c, 2-e, 3-a, 4-b, 5-d
4. Consider the following statements:
1. Tick the appropriate answer: Assertion: Car pooling is the use of vehicles by turns. Result: It saves fuel, time and money and also
Answer: b) A is correct and R is also correct
2. Find the odd one
Answer: d) aero planes
3. Find the following statements are true or false
Answer: d) Following road safety rules from childhood will become a habit in future - True
5. Answer in one or two sentences:
1. What are the distracters while driving?
Answer: Distracted driving is the distraction of the driver, engaging in any other activity while driving such as talking over mobile phone or texting message.
2. Mention the 2 safety gears for safe driving.
Answer: Use of helmets for two wheelers and seat belts for four wheelers are the two safety gears for safe driving.
3. Why is not safe to drive in nights?
Answer: Night driving requires extra alertness and uncontrolled sleep, tiredness due to long drive, poor lighting on the road can cause fatal accidents.
4. When can a person obtain the right to drive a vehicle?
Answer: As per the Indian law, one should be eligible to get a driving license at the age of 18.
5. How can media promote road safety among the public?
Answer: Media like radio, television, films and advertisement could take up the responsibility of creating awareness of road safety among public.
6. Answer the following in detail:
1. List out the documents necessary for an Indian while driving.
Answer: It is compulsory to have the following documents: driving license, registration certificate of the vehicle, insurance certificate, taxation certificate, fitness certificate and permit. One who drives a vehicle should have undergone the training and tests to obtain a driving license.
2. What is the need for including road safety education in the school curriculum?
Answer: Road safety education has to be made a part of school curriculum, syllabus, textbook and included in competition on road safety. Activities like writing of slogans, essays and paintings on this theme should be conducted for reinforcement. This helps children learn traffic signals and rules from childhood.
3. How can parents teach their children road safety rules?
Answer: Parents should set an example by adhering to safety rules and regulations. They should help children learn about traffic signals and rules, instruct them to wait for the right signal and use zebra crossing while crossing the road. They should warn children not to run across or along the road and teach them to use footpath while walking on roads.
7. Higher Order Thinking:
1. Knowing the road safety rules, how will you influence your parents and relatives?
Answer: I will set an example by following road safety rules strictly and educate them about the importance of road safety. I will share awareness about traffic signals, use of safety gears like helmets and seat belts, and consequences of violating traffic rules.
2. If wheel had not been invented, what might have been our mode of transport?
Answer: Without the revolutionary invention of wheel, we would have relied on walking, animals like horses, elephants and camels for transportation as the wheel gave rise to modern technologies from transport to machinery.
📝 Summary
- Road safety refers to the methods and measures used to prevent road users from being killed or seriously injured, and is essential as we travel via roads daily for school, work, and other activities.
- India is the world's largest contributor to road accidents, accounting for about 10 percent of road accident fatalities worldwide, with road crashes having a threatening impact on Indian lives, growth and economy.
- Major causes of road accidents include distracted driving (talking on mobile phones, texting), reckless driving, night driving without alertness, tailgating, heavy traffic, poor road conditions, and avoidance of safety gears like helmets and seat belts.
- India has designed road safety rules including minimum age of 18 for driving license, prohibition of mobile phone use while driving, and restrictions on horn use near hospitals and school zones.
- Essential safety measures include buckling up with seat belts (which reduce chances of death by over 60 percent), obeying traffic rules and speed limits (ideal speed of 20 km/hr in residential areas with limit of 30 km/hr), and keeping vehicles in good condition to prevent breakdowns.