Road Safety — Exercise Solutions
Use this guide alongside the Samacheer Kalvi textbook. Solve every question on your own first, then check below.
I. Answer the Following
Q1. Prepare slogans for road safety.
1. Chance takers are accident makers. 2. Driving faster can cause disaster. 3. Fast-drive could be your last drive. 4. A little care makes accidents rare. 5. Drive carefully, to live joyfully. 6. Be alert! Accidents hurt. 7. Speed thrills but kills. 8. Leave sooner, drive slower, live longer. 9. Alert today — Alive tomorrow. 10. Safety ever, Accident never.
Q2. Identify the following traffic signs:
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (a) | No U-Turn — Mandatory sign prohibiting a U-turn |
| (b) | No Entry — Mandatory sign prohibiting entry |
| (c) | Crossroad — Cautionary sign warning of an intersection ahead |
| (d) | Hospital — Informatory sign indicating a hospital nearby |
Q3. Discuss the statistics of 2017 road accident data.
Key statistics from the 2017 road accident data:
1. A total of 4,64,910 road accidents were reported in 2017. 2. These accidents claimed 1,47,913 lives and caused injuries to 4,70,975 persons. 3. This means nearly 3 persons died every 10 minutes in road accidents across India. 4. The number of accidents in 2017 was lower by 3.3% compared to 2016. 5. The number of injuries in 2017 was lower by 4.8% compared to 2016. 6. Two-wheelers accounted for the highest share — 33.9% of total accidents and 29.8% of fatalities. 7. Victims of hit-and-run cases would now be compensated up to ₹1 million (₹10 lakh) in case of road accident fatalities.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for road safety awareness and strict enforcement of traffic rules.
Q4. Debate: Is wearing a helmet necessary?
Arguments in favour (Why helmets are necessary):
1. Wearing a helmet can provide an 88% reduction in the risk of head injury. 2. Up to 47% of injured cyclists suffer head injuries — helmets protect the most vulnerable part of the body. 3. Helmets provide higher visibility to other road users. 4. Helmets offer general weather protection — from sun, rain, and wind. 5. Head injuries are the leading cause of death in two-wheeler accidents. 6. Helmets are mandated by law — not wearing one can result in fines and penalties.
Arguments against (common complaints):
1. Helmets can be uncomfortable to wear, especially in hot weather. 2. Some riders feel helmets look uncool. 3. Rear visibility may be slightly reduced.
Conclusion: Despite a few minor disadvantages, wearing a helmet is absolutely necessary. Our life is the most precious thing, and protecting it should be the top priority. The 88% reduction in head injury risk far outweighs any discomfort.
Q5. Draw posters related to road safety.
(This is a creative/drawing exercise. Students should illustrate road safety themes such as:)
- Wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers
- Following traffic signals (Red, Amber, Green)
- Using zebra crossings for crossing the road
- Wearing seat belts in cars
- Not using mobile phones while driving
- Maintaining safe distance between vehicles
- Obeying speed limits
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. Wait until a Green signal appears before proceeding.
2. In road signs, Blue circles give positive instructions.
3. Cautionary signs are generally in triangular shape.
4. Parents and teachers ensure the safety of children at home and school.
5. Traffic rules are the laws that govern how, when, and why you are allowed to drive any vehicle.
III. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQs)
Q1. Circles giving negative instructions are \_\_\_\_\_\_ in colour. (a) Orange (b) Red (c) Green (d) Blue
Mandatory signs that give negative instructions (prohibitions) are in red circles with a red border. Examples: No Entry, No U-Turn, Speed Limit.
Q2. Arrow meaning you can go in that direction is \_\_\_\_\_\_. (a) Green (b) Red (c) Blue (d) Yellow
Green arrows indicate permitted directions — you can proceed in the direction shown by the green arrow.
Q3. Pedestrian crossing was instituted in 1934 in \_\_\_\_\_\_. (a) France (b) Russia (c) Britain (d) India
The zebra crossing (pedestrian crossing with black and white stripes) was first introduced in Britain in 1934.
Q4. Mandatory road signs are generally \_\_\_\_\_\_ in shape. (a) Triangular (b) Rectangular (c) Circular (d) Diamond
Mandatory signs are circular in shape. Cautionary signs are triangular, and informatory signs are rectangular.
IV. Short Answer Questions
Q1. What are the three types of traffic signs?
| Type | Shape | Colour | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | Circular | Red border / Blue | Give orders (do's and don'ts) | Stop, No Entry, No U-Turn, Speed Limit |
| Cautionary | Triangular | Red border, White background | Warn of hazards ahead | Crossroad, Sharp Turn, School Zone |
| Informatory | Rectangular | Blue | Give information/directions | Hospital, Parking, Distance markers |
Q2. What are Mandatory road signs?
Mandatory road signs give orders regarding do's and don'ts that must be followed strictly by all road users. Violating these signs is a punishable offence.
Key features:
- Generally circular in shape
- Red border for prohibitory signs (e.g., No Entry, No Parking)
- Blue circles for positive instructions (e.g., Go Straight, Turn Left)
- Must be obeyed — violation leads to fines and penalties
Q3. What are Cautionary road signs?
Cautionary road signs warn road users about road situations or hazards ahead so they can take necessary precautions.
Key features:
- Generally triangular in shape
- Red border with white background
- Black symbols inside the triangle
- Examples: Crossroad ahead, Sharp curve, School zone, Railway crossing, Narrow bridge
Q4. What are Informatory signs?
Informatory signs give useful information regarding directions, destinations, facilities, and other guidance to road users.
Key features:
- Generally rectangular in shape
- Blue background with white text/symbols
- Examples: Hospital ahead, Parking area, Petrol pump, Distance markers, Restaurant
Q5. What do Red, Amber, and Green signify in traffic signals?
| Signal | Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 🔴 | Stop — All vehicles must stop; do not cross the stop line |
| Amber/Yellow | 🟡 | Caution / Get Ready — Prepare to move; if already in intersection, proceed with caution |
| Green | 🟢 | Go — Vehicles can proceed; still watch for pedestrians and other vehicles |
Q6. What are traffic signs?
Traffic signs are symbols, boards, or signals placed alongside or above roads to regulate traffic, warn road users about hazards, and guide them with information about directions, destinations, and facilities. They are essential for road safety and orderly traffic movement.
Q7. What are the safety measures for pillion riders and co-passengers?
1. Children above 12 years should occupy the back seat. 2. Do not indulge in talking with the driver. 3. Always wear a helmet (on two-wheelers) or seat belt (in cars). 4. Do not put any part of the body outside the vehicle. 5. Hold on to the grab rail firmly when riding as a pillion.
Q8. What are the safety measures while playing?
1. Do not play around parked vehicles near school, colony, or residence. 2. Look for a playground or vacant land to play — not on roads. 3. Do not play on roads, even on quiet streets. 4. Be especially careful near school zones and residential areas. 5. Do not chase balls or toys onto the road.
V. Detailed Answer Questions
Q1. What are the do's and don'ts for a pedestrian?
| Do's ✅ | Don'ts ❌ |
|---|---|
| Wear light-coloured dresses at night for visibility | Don't jump over railings to cross the road |
| Cross the road when vehicles are at a safe distance | Don't try to cross where you are not visible to the driver |
| Children below 8 should cross with elders | Don't cross in front of or between parked vehicles |
| Walk on the extreme right facing oncoming traffic (when there is no footpath) | Don't cross the road hastily by running |
| Walk on any side if footpaths exist | Don't use mobile phones while walking on roads |
| Use zebra crossings whenever available | Don't ignore traffic signals even as a pedestrian |
| Look left, right, then left again before crossing | Don't stand on the road edge while waiting for a bus |
Q2. What are the safety measures while riding a bicycle?
1. Do not ride holding on to other fast-moving vehicles. 2. Do not load the cycle with heavy goods. 3. Do not indulge in any kind of stunts. 4. Give proper hand signals before stopping and turning. 5. Keep a safe distance from fast motorised vehicles. 6. Avoid busy roads — use service roads or cycle lanes if available. 7. Cycle on the extreme left side of the road. 8. The cycle must be fixed with standard gadgets — reflectors, bell, brakes, and lights. 9. Never ride double on a bicycle meant for one person. 10. Follow all traffic rules and signals just like any other vehicle.
Q3. What are the rules while commuting in school transportation?
1. Do not put any part of the body outside the bus. 2. Do not make noise that may distract the driver. 3. Do not stand on the steps of the bus. 4. Do not run or rush to catch the bus — start early from home. 5. If the driver is not following road safety norms, report to school authorities, parents, or traffic helpline. 6. Get down only when the bus has completely stopped. 7. Behave properly inside the bus — no pushing, shouting, or fighting. 8. Board the bus from the designated stop in a queue. 9. Wait for the bus to move away before crossing the road. 10. Keep your school bag on your lap or under the seat, not in the aisle.
Additional Practice Questions
MCQs (Additional)
Q1. The colour of mandatory signs giving positive instructions is \_\_\_\_\_\_. (a) Red (b) Green (c) Blue (d) Yellow
Blue circular signs give positive instructions (e.g., Go Straight, Turn Left). Red circular signs give negative/prohibitory instructions.
Q2. Zebra crossing has \_\_\_\_\_\_ stripes. (a) Yellow and black (b) White and black (c) Red and white (d) Orange and white
Zebra crossings have alternating black and white stripes, resembling a zebra's pattern.
Q3. The first pedestrian crossing was introduced in \_\_\_\_\_\_. (a) 1924 (b) 1934 (c) 1944 (d) 1954
The zebra crossing was introduced in Britain in 1934.
Q4. In 2017, two-wheelers accounted for \_\_\_\_\_\_% of total road accidents. (a) 25.5% (b) 29.8% (c) 33.9% (d) 40.0%
Two-wheelers accounted for 33.9% of total accidents and 29.8% of fatalities.
Fill in the Blanks (Additional)
1. Nearly 3 persons died every 10 minutes in road accidents in India in 2017. 2. The total number of road accidents reported in 2017 was 4,64,910. 3. The number of lives claimed by road accidents in 2017 was 1,47,913. 4. Two-wheelers accounted for 29.8% of fatalities in road accidents. 5. Victims of hit-and-run cases are compensated up to ₹10 lakh (₹1 million). 6. Informatory signs are generally rectangular in shape. 7. The colour Red in traffic signals means Stop. 8. The colour Amber/Yellow in traffic signals means Caution or Get Ready.
True or False (Additional)
Q1. Mandatory road signs can be ignored if there is no traffic police.
Mandatory road signs must be followed at all times, whether or not traffic police are present. Violation is a punishable offence.
Q2. Cautionary signs are rectangular in shape.
Cautionary signs are triangular in shape. Informatory signs are rectangular.
Q3. Green signal means you can go without any caution.
A green signal means you can proceed, but you must still watch for pedestrians, vehicles making turns, and other road users.
Q4. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 88%.
Q5. Children below 8 years can cross the road alone.
Children below 8 years should cross the road only with elders.
Q6. You should walk on the right side of the road facing oncoming traffic when there is no footpath.
Walking on the right side facing traffic allows you to see oncoming vehicles and take evasive action if needed.
Match the Following
| A | B | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory sign | Circular | Circular ✓ |
| Cautionary sign | Triangular | Triangular ✓ |
| Informatory sign | Rectangular | Rectangular ✓ |
| Red signal | Stop | Stop ✓ |
| Green signal | Go | Go ✓ |
| Amber signal | Caution | Caution ✓ |
Common Mistakes
1. Confusing the shapes of traffic signs — Mandatory signs are circular, Cautionary signs are triangular, Informatory signs are rectangular. Do not mix them up.
2. Confusing red and blue mandatory signs — Red circular signs give negative/prohibitory instructions (No Entry, No Parking). Blue circular signs give positive instructions (Go Straight, Turn Left). Both are mandatory.
3. Saying green signal means "go without caution" — Green means proceed, but you must still be alert for pedestrians, turning vehicles, and emergency vehicles.
4. Confusing the colours of traffic lights — Red = Stop, Amber/Yellow = Caution/Get Ready, Green = Go. Never confuse Red and Green.
5. Thinking pedestrians don't need to follow traffic rules — Pedestrians must follow traffic signals, use zebra crossings, and walk on footpaths or the right side of the road facing traffic.
6. Forgetting the 2017 accident statistics — 4,64,910 accidents, 1,47,913 deaths, 4,70,975 injuries, 33.9% involving two-wheelers. Nearly 3 persons died every 10 minutes.
7. Saying helmets are optional — Helmets are mandatory by law for two-wheeler riders and reduce head injury risk by 88%. Not wearing one is both dangerous and illegal.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] Can list the three types of traffic signs (Mandatory, Cautionary, Informatory) with their shapes and colours
- [ ] Can explain the meaning of Red, Amber, and Green traffic signals
- [ ] Can write at least 5 road safety slogans
- [ ] Can identify common traffic signs (No U-Turn, No Entry, Crossroad, Hospital)
- [ ] Can list the do's and don'ts for pedestrians
- [ ] Can list the safety measures while riding a bicycle
- [ ] Can list the rules for commuting in school transportation
- [ ] Can state the 2017 road accident statistics (accidents, deaths, injuries, two-wheeler share)
- [ ] Can explain why wearing a helmet is necessary (88% reduction in head injury risk)
- [ ] Can list safety measures for pillion riders and co-passengers
- [ ] Can list safety measures while playing (avoiding roads, using playgrounds)
- [ ] Know the shapes: Mandatory = Circular, Cautionary = Triangular, Informatory = Rectangular
- [ ] Know the colour codes: Red = prohibitory, Blue = positive instructions, Green = proceed