Traffic Regulations

Traffic regulations are the various laws, regulations and signs guiding the road users on the proper and effective use of roads. The road users include motorist, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and passengers.

RULES ON THE USE OF ROADS

PEDESTRIANS: The pedestrians refer to persons on foot who have need to either walk beside the road, cross the road or engage with other road users.

DUTIES OF PEDESTRIANS

1. Always walk on the side of the road.
2. Ensure you are walking to face oncoming traffic.
3. If you are walking in the dark, wear bright or reflective colour of clothes such as white, green so that you will be easily seen by motorists.
4. Look left and right of the road and left again before crossing the road.
5. Use pedestrian bridge and zebra crossing where they are available.
6. Observe road signs.
7. Respect the rights of other road users.

CYCLISTS: Cyclists refers to road users who engage in the use of road by riding either in motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, etc.

DUTIES OF CYCLISTS

1. If you are riding a cycle, ensure it is in good condition; check the brakes, tyres, lamps and rear reflectors.
2. Take a quick look behind you before starting off and if you wish to turn, hold out your arm sideways, showing the direction you wish to turn to.
3. Do not ride too close to moving vehicles.
4. Do not wear flowing garments to ride a motorcycle or a bicycle.
5. Ensure you put on a helmet.
6. Do not carry more than one passenger on your motorcycle.
7. Do not carry loads that are too heavy in order to ensure balance.
8. Respect road signs.
9. Do not drink and ride.
10. Respect the right of other road users.
11. Obey traffic warders.

MOTORISTS: This comprises of vehicle users (drivers). It includes car drivers, bus drivers, trailer drivers, truck drivers, etc.

DUTIES OF MOTORISTS

1. Obtain a valid drivers’ licence before you drive any vehicle.
2. Every morning before driving your car out, check the condition of the car and ensure it is in good state.
3. Obey speed limits and traffic lights.
4. Do not drink and drive.
5. Do not overload your vehicle.
6. Do not drive a vehicle with a damaged windscreen.
7. Always use your seat belt while driving.
8. Do not engage in distractive activity while driving.
9. Obey traffic rules and regulations as well as road signals.
10. Respect the rights of other road users.

EVALUATION

1.         What is traffic regulation?

2.         State some of the rules on the uses of roads by cyclists.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1.         What is political apathy?

2.         What are the reasons for political apathy?

3.         What is political party?

4.         Mention four ways leaders emerge in the society.

5.         What is primary election?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Traffic Regulation: Fundamentals of civic education for SS Book 2, Sola Akinyemi, Pages 89-99

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

SECTION A

Instruction: From the options lettered A-D, choose the letter that is most appropriate for the following questions. Answer all the questions.

1.         When you are walking on the road, you …. the oncoming vehicles. A. face B. back C. run to meet D. jump

2.         If you must walk at night, you are advised to wear A. dark clothes B. bright clothes C. brown clothes

D. green clothes

3.         One of the causes of road accidents is A. well serviced car B. overload buses C. traffic light D. good cars

4.         When the traffic light turns green this is saying  A. stop moving  B. start moving C. ready to move D. turn green light on

5.         Seat belts are meant to be fastened A. when you see a LASTMA official B. when you get to the expressway            C. immediately you start driving D. when you sense an accident.

SECTION B

1. What are road signs? Explain the types of road signs.
2. Outline five ways road accidents can be reduced if not totally eradicated.