1 Identify and explain ten important road signs.

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1 ROAD SAFETY ADVENTURER AWARD BOOK By Lyn Webb 1 Identify and explain ten important road signs. What does a SPEED LIMITED AREA sign mean? These signs are used to indicate an area where a lower speed limit applies. A speed limited area is usually a network of local roads with signs positioned at every entrance and exit to and from the area. The speed limit applies to all roads in the area, even if there are no repeater signs on individual roads. What does a STOP SIGN mean? A driver in any vehicle must stop completely on a stop sign. What does NO OVERTAKING OR PASSING sign mean? Overtaking or passing is prohibited along a stretch of road from a NO OVERTAKING OR PASSING sign to: the end of the bridge, if the sign applies to a bridge for a distance past the sign that is indicated on or with the sign. 'Passing' means driving past vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

2 What does an ANIMAL ON A SIGN mean? These show that there is the possibility that there could be whatever animal picture is one the sign roaming on the road. What do RAILWAY LEVEL CROSSING SIGNS mean? Railway level crossing flashing signal ahead Used to give early warning that a railway level crossing controlled by flashing signals is being approached if the signals are not readily visible to approaching drivers and riders. Railway line crossing road at an angle look for trains (Example 2) Used to give early warning that a railway crosses the road ahead from the left side at an angle to the road at a level crossing controlled by a Give way sign. The sign indicates the directions in which motorists should look for an approaching What do PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNS mean? Pedestrians Used to give early warning to drivers and riders that pedestrians may be crossing the road ahead other than on a pedestrian crossing.

3 Pedestrian crossing ahead school Used to give early warning to drivers and riders that are approaching a pedestrian crossing on the road ahead. The School sign indicates the pedestrian crossing may be used by children to cross the road near a school. What does a BICYCLE CROSSING SIGN mean? Bicycles Used to give early warning to drivers and riders that the road ahead is also being used by bicycle riders. What does a SLIPPERY WHEN WET SIGN mean? Drive slowly, water on the road and maybe slippery.

4 2 Tell when and where to cross road safely. Pedestrians and traffic Pedestrian fatalities account for a significant proportion of the road toll. In 2001, 15 per cent of all road fatalities were pedestrians. Fatalities and injuries can be reduced if both drivers and pedestrians take care and respect each other's presence on the road. Here are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind when sharing the road. Cross roads at marked crossings (pedestrian crossings, traffic signals or pedestrian refuges) wherever possible. Be sure the driver has seen you before you cross the road and make eye contact if possible never assume a driver has seen you. If there is no crossing, avoid crossing where you cannot see approaching traffic such as near the crest of a hill or at a bend in the road. Cross where you know it is safe. At railway level crossings, wait for the boom to rise and bells to stop before you cross a second train may be approaching. 3 Give road safety rules for: 3a Walking along the road. Always walk on footpaths or nature strips where possible. If there is no footpath or nature strip, walk so that you are facing oncoming traffic. Walk along streets with less traffic. Less noise and fumes creates a more pleasant walking environment as well as being safer. Make yourself as visible as possible. Wear bright clothing during the day and white or reflective clothing at night. Walking with someone else will increase your visibility. Learn and obey the road rules. Pay extra attention on the road, as you have no protection if you're involved in a crash. 3b Rules for riding your bicycle on the road. In Queensland, cyclists may ride on both roads and footpaths, unless signs say it is prohibited. Cyclists have the right to use the road and have the same obligations as

5 other vehicles. However, the smaller size and slower speeds often make cyclists less visible in traffic. As a cyclist you should ride with caution and be aware of the intentions of other road users around you. When riding on the road: Always obey the road rules and wear a correctly fitted helmet, even when riding on paths. Be aware and watch what the other traffic is doing. Scan the traffic behind regularly and look out for vehicles entering the road from driveways and side streets. Ride with caution and remember that drivers may not see you. Be seen and use lights and reflectors. Bright clothing during the day and white at night will make you more visible. Be predictable and ride in a straight line at least one metre from the kerb to ensure you maintain your safety. Use clear hand signals and let others know where you are going. Avoid weaving in and out of traffic or around parked cars. Be especially careful at intersections and never assume drivers can see you. Beware of opening car doors when riding beside parked cars. 3c Riding a horse. If riding on the road (horses have right of way) can wear a fluro jacket and need to give hand signals when turning! Never gallop on a public road, walk and sit trot only. If riding with a group, keep in single file on side of road, with one horse length in between. If a horse spooks, you should dismount immediately, and walk/lead it until it is calm. Do not hit it, yell, scream or panic. Speak quietly to your horse and remount when it is safe to do so. If you stay calm at all times, you will have a most enjoyable ride. Horse-riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate a magnificent animal - the horse. 3d Walking with a group. If there is no pavements keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light keep close to the side of the road It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend. Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry something light-colored, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. At night, the look-out in front should

6 show a white light and the one at the back a red light. People on the outside of large groups should also carry lights and wear reflective clothing. 4 Correct use of seat belt. Both three-point and lap-and-sash belts help spread out the energy of the moving body in a collision over the chest, pelvis, and shoulders. Show short video on why you need to wear a seat belt. 5 Listen to a traffic educator or other safety person talk about safety for children, if possible. 6 Play a safety game. Divide into two groups. Let one group act out 5 roads rules they have learnt (with the help of leader). The other group has to guess what road rules they are (give reward such as sticker). Swap over and repeat. These were the current road rules in Queensland when this paper was formatted in March 2010