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LESSON 1.2
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Introduction
In the last lesson, you learned about what technology is, the types of technology and some
products of technology.
In this lesson, you are going to learn about the safety guidelines on our roads, as it affects
pedestrians, bicycles, motorbikes and automobiles.

OBJECTIVES: At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:

 Define safety guideline

 State who a pedestrian is.
 State at least eight safety guidelines for pedestrians.
 State at least five facilities for pedestrian safety.
 State at least five safety guidelines for cyclists.
 State at least five safety guidelines for motorists.

What are Safety Guidelines? Safety guidelines are the processes of being safe especially on
our roads.
Who is a Pedestrian? A pedestrian is anybody walking on the street or along the road.

Safety Guidelines for Pedestrians

1. Take extra caution when crossing multiple- lane or higher speed roads. Or better still,
make use of the overhead bridge if it is provided.
2. Watch for cars turning or reversing out of driveways.
3. Beware of uneven surfaces and obstructions on the roads and footpaths.
4. Make sure you make eye contact with a driver of a vehicle before and during
crossing.
5. Where there are traffic lights, make sure the lights indicate for pedestrians to cross
and there is enough breaks for roads with up to four lanes.
6. Avoid crossing at roundabouts where traffic approaches frtom all directions. Look
for
a pedestrian crossing to cross.
7. Ensure you do not allow your vision to be blocked by clothing, umbrellas, hats or
items that you are carrying.
8. If available, look for pedestrian push buttons for crossing protection at signalized
intersections.
9. Do not use your cell phone for calls or texting while crossing.
10. Walk on the sidewalk of the roads whenever possible. Where sidewalks are not
available, walk facing the on-coming vehicles.
11. Make use of pavement or suitable footpaths where provided.
12. Walk on the left side of the road facing on-coming traffic, where footpaths are not
provided.
13. While walking in the dark, wear or carry white, bright coloured or reflective
clothing
as you can be easily seen in them.
14. While walking in a group, keep to the extreme right of the road.
15. At night, the person
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Facilities for Pedestrian Safety

1. Crossings Controlled by an Authorized Officer: Do not cross the road unless you
are signaled by a police or a traffic warder (Yellow Fever in Nigeria). E.g.

A traffic warder
2. Emergency Vehicles: Keep off the road whenever you see any emergency vehicles like
ambulance, fire engine or police approaching with flashing blue or red headlights.
E.g.

Emergency ve hicles
3. Ze bra Crossing: These are portions of the road painted in colour of Zebras. When
someone has moved onto this portion of the road, the Highway Code says that
motorists ‘must give way or stop’ especially where speeds are low. E.g.

Zebra crossing

4. Pelican Crossings: In this case, apart from the normal traffic light facing the driver,
there is the red/green man signal facing pedestrians. When vehicles stop for seeing the
red light, pedestrians cross when the green man lights up and vice- versa. E.g.

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Pelican crossing
5. Equestrian Crossings: These are meant for horse riders crossing. When the light
indicates a green horse, the rider can cross. But if it indicates red light, do not cross.
E.g.

Equestrian crossing
6. Railway Level Crossing: Do not cross or pass under the iron barriers when a train
signals approach at a road junction. In some cases only a red light will be indicated.
E.g.

Railway crossing barrier

7. Roads, Footway and Footpath Under Construction: At times these areas of the
road that may be under construction. Follow directives and road signs. E.g.

Di version sign
8. Pedestrians With Disabilities: In most advanced countries, a beeping sound for the
blind, tactile (sense of touch) signal for deaf, are inbuilt at pelican crossings for
safety. E.g.

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Pedestrians with disabilities

9. Use of Reflective Wears at Night: It is encouraged to wear reflective jackets at
night. This will make you visible to motorists. E.g.

Wearing reflective jackets

Definition of a Cyclist
A cyclist is a person who rides either a bicycle, motorcycle or a tricycle on a major road as a
means of transportation.

Safety Guidelines for Cyclists

1. Ensure you do not cycle along the inside of large vehicles.

2. Use light and wear reflective clothing at night and very bad weather.
3. Take care when passing parked cars, leaving enough space for drivers and passengers
to open car doors.
4. Make sure your bike is road worthy.
5. Signal clearly at all times, sometimes with your hand.
6. Make eye contact with other road users. Do not assume.
7. Ensure you wear a helmet.
8. Do not ride on sidewalks or crosswalks unless signs posted indicate otherwise.
9. Ride in a position where you can see and be seen.
10. Use your bell regularly for all pedestrians to see you.

Defining a Motorist
As the name implies, a motorist is a person who drives a vehicle with at least four tyres as a
means of transportation.

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Safety Guidelines for Motorists

1. Seat Belts: A seat belt helps to prevent the driver and passengers from hitting their
heads on the dashboard or passing through the windscreen in the event of a crash. For
maximum safety, those at the back of a vehicle should also wear their seat belts. E.g.

Wear a seat belt

2. Use of Mirrors: In the event of braking, lane change and reversing, check your
mirrors regularly. E.g.

Use of side mirrors

3. Speed Limit: An accident at low speed will likely result in less damage and injury
than one that occurs at high speed. E.g.

Speed Indicator
4. Use of Cell Phone: Never make or text while driving. It causes distractions. If you
must call because of unavoidable emergency, then park the car before making such a
call. E.g.

Use of Cell Phone While Dri ving

5. Car Maintenance: Routine maintenance is a must if you desire the longevity of your
car. Constant oil changes, tyre replacement, wiper checks can help avoid bigger
problems. E.g.

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Car maintenance
6. Signal and Brake Lights: Signaling other road users as to right or left turning will
help prevent accidents. Your brake lights should be effective also. E.g.

Brake lights

REVIEW QUESTIONS

 Define safety guideline

 State who a pedestrian is.
 State at least eight safety guidelines for pedestrians.
 State at least five facilities for pedestrian safety.
 State at least five safety guidelines for cyclists.
 State at least five safety guidelines for motorists.

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