Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Identify key road safety rules for pedestrians.
• Explain the importance of traffic signals and road markings.
• Demonstrate safe pedestrian behaviour.
• Recognize and avoid common road hazards.
• Advocate for road safety in your community.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving into a critical topic: Road Safety and Pedestrian Safety. In South Africa, road accidents are a serious problem, and too many children are injured or killed while walking or cycling. Understanding road safety rules and developing safe habits as pedestrians is essential for protecting ourselves and others. This knowledge empowers us to make responsible decisions near roads and contribute to safer communities. Imagine the impact if every Grade 5 learner knew how to cross a street safely and could teach younger siblings or friends. This lesson aims to provide the knowledge and skills to do just that.

Lesson notes

What is Road Safety? Road safety refers to the measures taken to prevent road accidents and minimize the harm caused by them. It involves everyone who uses the road – drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Being road-safe means being aware of your surroundings, following traffic rules, and being considerate of other road users.

Pedestrian Safety: Focusing on YOU Pedestrian safety is specifically about keeping people safe when they are walking or running near roads. As pedestrians, we are vulnerable because we don't have the protection of a vehicle around us.

Therefore, it's crucial to be extra careful and follow specific rules.

Key Road Safety Rules for Pedestrians: Always use sidewalks or pavements: If there is a sidewalk available, ALWAYS walk on it. 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 if necessary. This is VERY important in areas where sidewalks are not available. Imagine walking with your back to traffic; you wouldn't see a car coming up behind you! Cross the road at designated crossing points: Look for pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings), traffic lights with pedestrian signals, or use pedestrian bridges or underpasses if available. Look left, right, and left again before crossing: Even if you are at a designated crossing, ALWAYS look both ways to make sure it's safe to cross. Don't assume that drivers will stop just because you have the right of way.

Obey traffic signals: If there's a pedestrian signal, wait for the green light (or the walking person symbol) before crossing. Do not cross when the light is red or flashing red.

Make eye contact with drivers: Before crossing, try to make eye contact with drivers of approaching vehicles. This confirms that they see you and are aware of your intention to cross.

Be visible: Wear bright clothing, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Consider carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective gear. This is especially important if you're walking or cycling early in the morning or late in the evening.

Pay attention: Avoid distractions like using your cell phone or listening to loud music while walking near roads. These can impair your awareness of your surroundings. Focus on the traffic and your surroundings.

Never run across the road: Walking allows you to better assess the traffic conditions and react safely.

Don't play near roads: Roads are for vehicles, not for playing. Find a safe place away from traffic to play games and have fun.

Traffic Signals and Road Markings: Traffic Lights: Red means STOP. Yellow means CAUTION (prepare to stop if it's safe). Green means GO (but still look for other traffic). Pedestrian lights show when it is safe for pedestrians to cross.

Zebra Crossings: These are black and white striped markings on the road indicating a pedestrian crossing. Drivers are required to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross at a zebra crossing.

Stop Signs: Drivers must stop completely at stop signs and give way to other traffic before proceeding.

Yield Signs: Drivers must give way to other traffic before proceeding.

Road Hazards: Heavy traffic: Areas with a lot of cars can be dangerous, especially during rush hour.

Speeding vehicles: Vehicles travelling at high speeds are more likely to cause accidents.

Poor visibility: Fog, rain, or darkness can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.

Parked cars: Parked cars can block your view of the road and make it difficult for drivers to see you.

Distracted drivers: Drivers who are using their cell phones or are not paying attention can be a hazard.

Construction zones: These areas can be confusing and dangerous due to road closures and construction equipment.

Worked example

Scenario: You are walking home from school and need to cross a busy road. There is a zebra crossing 50 meters ahead. What should you do?

Solution: Walk along the sidewalk to the zebra crossing. Stop at the edge of the road, look left, right, and left again to make sure it is safe to cross. Make eye contact with any approaching drivers. If it is safe, cross the road quickly but without running, staying within the zebra crossing markings.

Commentary: This example emphasizes the importance of using designated crossing points and always looking both ways, even at a zebra crossing.

Scenario: You are walking with a friend and there is no sidewalk available. How should you walk?

Solution: Walk on the side of the road facing the oncoming traffic. This allows you to see vehicles approaching and move out of the way if necessary. Walk in a single file line, especially if the road is narrow.

Commentary: This example highlights the importance of walking facing traffic when there is no sidewalk. Walking single file is also safer.

Scenario: You are waiting at a traffic light to cross the road. The pedestrian signal is red. What should you do?

Solution: Wait patiently for the pedestrian signal to turn green (or show the walking person symbol). Do not cross the road until the signal indicates it is safe to do so.

Commentary: This illustrates the need to obey traffic signals, even if there are no cars approaching. The signal is there for your safety.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question: You are walking home from a friend's house, and it is getting dark. You realize that your clothing is dark as well. What should you do to ensure your safety?

Solution: If possible, find a light-colored item to wear or carry, such as a white t-shirt, scarf, or even a plastic bag. If you have a flashlight, use it to make yourself visible to drivers. Walk on the sidewalk if there is one, and if not, walk facing the traffic.

Commentary: This question addresses visibility at night, a common risk factor for pedestrians.

Question: You are at a zebra crossing, and a car is approaching very fast. The driver doesn't seem to be slowing down. What should you do?

Solution: Do not step onto the zebra crossing. Wait for the car to pass or slow down significantly before attempting to cross. Your safety is more important than your right of way.

Commentary: This reinforces the idea that even when you have the right of way, it's important to prioritize safety.

Question: You are walking with your younger sibling near a road. How can you ensure their safety?

Solution: Hold their hand tightly and keep them on the side furthest from the traffic. Teach them about road safety rules and constantly remind them to look left, right, and left again before crossing the road. Set a good example by following road safety rules yourself.

Commentary: This emphasizes the importance of looking out for younger children and teaching them about road safety.

Independent Practice (Questions Only)

Why is it important to walk on the sidewalk instead of the road?

What does it mean to "look left, right, and left again" before crossing the road, and why is it important?

Describe a situation where you should NOT cross the road, even if the pedestrian signal is green.

How can you make yourself more visible to drivers at night?

Why is it dangerous to play near roads?

What should you do if you see a friend running across a busy road?

You are walking with your family, and there is no designated crossing point. How do you decide where to cross the road safely?

What are some distractions that can make you less safe as a pedestrian?

You see a road sign that you don't understand. What should you do?

Design a poster to promote road safety among your peers at school.