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ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION
Meaning of Road Safety

Road safety refers to the measures and rules put in place to prevent accidents and protect the lives of people who use the road. It is concerned with the safe movement of vehicles, people, and goods from one place to another. Road safety helps to reduce injuries, damage, and loss of lives on the road.

Meaning of Road Safety Education

Road safety education is the process of teaching and learning about safe practices on the road. It involves learning the rules, regulations, signs, and behaviours that ensure the safety of all road users. It equips people with knowledge on how to avoid accidents and handle emergencies when using the road.

Aims and Importance of Road Safety Education
  1. To reduce the number of road accidents.

  2. To protect the lives of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and passengers.

  3. To create awareness about traffic rules and regulations.

  4. To encourage good road behaviour and discipline.

  5. To promote the proper use of road signs and signals.

  6. To teach people how to handle emergency situations on the road.



Types of Road Users

Road users are the different people who make use of the road. They include:

  1. Pedestrians – People who walk along or across the road.

  2. Cyclists – People who ride bicycles.

  3. Motorcyclists – People who ride motorbikes or scooters.

  4. Motorists/Drivers – People who drive cars, buses, lorries, and other vehicles.

  5. Passengers – People who travel in a vehicle but are not driving.

  6. Animals and Animal Handlers – Animals such as cattle, goats, or horses that are led along or across the road.



Traffic Rules and Regulations for Road Users
Traffic Rules and Regulations For Pedestrians
  1. Always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming vehicles.

  2. Use pedestrian crossings (zebra crossing) when available.

  3. Avoid walking on the road when there is a walkway or pavement.

  4. Look left, right, and left again before crossing the road.

  5. Do not run suddenly into the road.

Traffic Rules and Regulations For Cyclists
  1. Always ride on the right side of the road.

  2. Obey all traffic lights and road signs.

  3. Use hand signals before turning or stopping.

  4. Wear protective helmets and bright clothing for visibility.

  5. Avoid carrying more than one passenger on the bicycle.

Traffic Rules and Regulations For Motorcyclists
  1. Always wear a crash helmet.

  2. Do not carry more than one passenger.

  3. Obey speed limits and traffic rules.

  4. Ensure the motorcycle is in good working condition.

  5. Avoid riding on pavements or pedestrian walkways.

Traffic Rules and Regulations For Motorists/Drivers
  1. Obey speed limits and traffic lights.

  2. Do not drink alcohol before or while driving.

  3. Give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings.

  4. Avoid overloading the vehicle.

  5. Always use seat belts and ensure passengers do the same.

  6. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Traffic Rules and Regulations For Passengers
  1. Enter and exit vehicles only when they have stopped completely.

  2. Do not disturb or distract the driver.

  3. Do not throw objects out of moving vehicles.

  4. Sit properly and hold on firmly when necessary.




Road Signs

Road signs are symbols placed along roads to give information, instructions, or warnings to road users. They help control and manage traffic to ensure safety.




Types of Road Signs
  1. Regulatory Signs – These are rules that must be obeyed (e.g., Stop, No Parking, Speed Limit).

  2. Warning Signs – These warn about dangers ahead (e.g., Sharp Bend, Slippery Road, Pedestrian Crossing).

  3. Informative/Guide Signs – These give useful information (e.g., Hospital Ahead, Fuel Station, Direction signs).



Causes of Road Accidents
  1. Over-speeding.

  2. Drunk driving.

  3. Careless or reckless driving.

  4. Ignoring traffic signs and signals.

  5. Poor condition of roads.

  6. Bad weather conditions (rain, fog).

  7. Mechanical faults in vehicles.

  8. Use of mobile phones while driving.




Safety Measures for Road Users
  1. Obey all traffic rules and regulations.

  2. Keep vehicles and bicycles in good working condition.

  3. Avoid distractions while using the road.

  4. Wear protective gear like helmets and seat belts.

  5. Respect other road users.

  6. Drive or ride at a safe speed.

  7. Be alert and careful at all times.




Rules When Crossing the Road
  1. Stop at the edge of the road.

  2. Look left, right, and then left again before crossing.

  3. Cross only when the road is clear.

  4. Walk briskly across; do not run.

  5. Use pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings) where available.

  6. Never cross between parked vehicles.

  7. Avoid using your phone or listening to music while crossing.




Role of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

The FRSC is a government agency responsible for ensuring safety on Nigerian roads. Their functions include:

  1. Enforcing traffic rules and regulations.

  2. Controlling and managing traffic.

  3. Educating the public on road safety.

  4. Issuing driver’s licences.

  5. Rescuing accident victims.

  6. Inspecting vehicles to ensure roadworthiness.






revision questions

  1. What is the main aim of Road Safety Education?

  2. Mention four common types of road users.

  3. List three traffic rules every cyclist should obey.

  4. State five rules pedestrians should follow when crossing the road.

  5. Why is it important for passengers to obey safety instructions?

  6. Mention two ways the Road Safety Club promotes safety on our roads.




CHECK OTHER RELATED TOPICS HERE


  1. UNDERSTANDING ACCIDENTS & SAFETY

  2. ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION




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