Road Signs, Traffic Lights and Safe Road Crossing for Primary 1

Road Signs and Symbols

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. recognise road signs and their meaning;
2. search video clips on identification of road signs and symbols from google;
3. recognise traffic light colours and their meaning.

Understanding Road Safety

Roads are important paths for vehicles like cars, buses, and motorcycles. People also walk along or cross roads. To keep everyone safe, there are special signs and lights that tell drivers and walkers what to do. These are called road signs and traffic lights.

Learning about road signs and traffic lights helps children to be safe when they are near roads, whether walking to school, playing, or going on trips.

Road Signs and Their Meanings

Road signs are pictures or symbols placed on poles beside the road. They give important messages to people using the road. These messages help to prevent accidents and guide everyone safely.

Zebra Crossing

A zebra crossing is a special place on the road where people can cross safely. It has black and white stripes painted across the road, just like a zebra’s skin. Drivers must stop their vehicles when people want to cross at a zebra crossing.

When people want to cross the road at a zebra crossing, they should wait at the edge, look carefully, and make sure cars have stopped before walking across.

Walkway

A walkway is a path specially made for people to walk on, usually beside a road. It keeps people safe by separating them from moving vehicles. Walkways are also called pavements or sidewalks.

It is important to always walk on the walkway and not on the main road where cars drive. This helps to avoid accidents.

Traffic Lights and Their Meanings

Traffic lights are special lights that control the movement of vehicles and people at road junctions or busy crossings. They have three colours, and each colour tells people what to do.

The traffic light colours and their meanings are:

1. Red Light: This means STOP. When the red light is on, vehicles must stop, and people should not cross the road.
2. Orange Light: This means GET READY. When the orange light is on, vehicles are preparing to stop or to move. People should wait and be alert.
3. Green Light: This means GO. When the green light is on, vehicles can move, and people can cross the road if the path is clear and safe.

How to Cross the Road Safely

Crossing the road can be dangerous if it is not done carefully. It is important to follow safety rules every time you need to cross. Always try to cross at a zebra crossing or where there are traffic lights.

The procedure for crossing the road safely involves the following steps:

1. Find a Safe Place: Look for a zebra crossing or a place with traffic lights to cross the road. These are the safest places.
2. Stop at the Edge: Stand on the pavement or walkway at the very edge of the road. Do not step onto the road yet.
3. Look and Listen: Look to your left, then to your right, and then to your left again. Listen for the sound of approaching vehicles.
4. Wait for Safety:
   1. At a zebra crossing, wait until all vehicles have stopped completely.
   2. At traffic lights, wait for the green light for pedestrians (if available) or for the green light for vehicles to turn red, indicating it is safe for you to cross.
5. Walk Straight Across: When it is safe, walk quickly and straight across the road. Do not run. Do not stop in the middle of the road.
6. Hold an Adult’s Hand: Children should always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road.

Remember, safety on the road is everyone’s responsibility. By knowing and following road signs and traffic light rules, everyone can help to keep themselves and others safe.