Study the potential dangers, risks, and statistics associated with a variety of road safety issues: impaired driving, not wearing seat belts, speeding, distracted driving (eating and using cell phones), and drowsy driving
2.
Develop a public service announcement such as a poster, mock television or radio commercial, Web site, or brochure about a road safety issue
Explain to students that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Americans up to 34 years old. Factors such as alcohol consumption, high-speed driving, and other dangerous behaviors contribute to these crashes. Most accidents could be avoided by following common safety practices. The focus of this lesson is to learn about safe practices and laws designed to prevent accidents.
2.
On a piece of newsprint, draw two columns for the “dos and don’ts” of driving. Ask students to brainstorm about items for both lists. Their answers may include the following:
Do
Don’t
Wear your seat belt
Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Pay attention
Drive above the speed limit
Obey traffic laws
Pass a stopped school bus
Drive at the speed limit
Drive through a stop sign or stop light without stopping
Signal before turning or changing lanes
Pass a car unless there’s plenty of room ahead
Reduce speed at night, in bad weather, and in heavy traffic
Drive if you are sleepy
3.
After discussing the lists, talk about why it’s important to educate the public about safety issues. Explain that in this lesson students will explore one of five safe driving issues and create their own public safety announcement.
4.
Divide students into five groups, and assign one of the following topics to each group:
Impaired driving (DUI/DWI)
Seat belts
Speeding
Distracted driving (such as driving while eating or talking on a cell phone)
Drowsy driving
5.
Have students use the Web sites below to research the safety issues. Encourage them to take notes about dangers, risks, and statistics. Make sure students include examples of trauma that may occur when safety practices are not followed.
Have each group develop a public service announcement such as a poster, mock television or radio commercial, Web site, or brochure for high school students. Encourage them to use statistics and specific state laws from their research and anecdotes or stories from personal experiences. Students should include descriptions about the bodily injuries that can occur as a result of unsafe driving.
7.
After each group has presented its public service announcement, discuss the issues as a class. Which statistics did they find most surprising? How do they think their driving will change after what they’ve learned?
Imagine a friend has had a few beers and is about to drive home from a party. What would you say to persuade him or her not to drive?
2.
Your friend has just bought a new car and wants to take you for a ride. He or she is driving through your neighborhood 20 miles over the speed limit. What would you say?
3.
A defensive driver anticipates danger to avoid accidents. Give examples of defensive driving.
Use the following three-point rubric to evaluate how well students participated in class discussions, worked in their groups, and created presentations about safe driving issues.
Three points: active participation in class discussion; strong research skills; above- average creativity and communication skills in the presentation.
Two points: average participation in class discussion; on-grade research skills; average creativity and communication skills in the presentation.
One point: little participation in class discussion; weak research skills; below-average creativity and communication skills in the presentation.
Traffic Laws in Your State
Have students visit the Web site for your state’s motor vehicle department. (Links for all states are available at Teen Driving Info.) As a class, review important facts such as the following:
What is required to get a driver’s license?
What are your state’s laws regarding seat belts and child restraints?
What are your state’s laws on driving and alcohol, passing school buses, stopping for pedestrians, and emergency vehicles?
Have students explore the site in small groups to find three additional facts, statistics, or laws they did not know. Have students share their findings with the class.
Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Carolyn Simpson and Dwain Simpson. Rosen Publishing, 1997.
For every trauma, there is an aftermath. For some traumas, people suffer what is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and this book describes the kinds of circumstances, such as war, car accidents, or rape, that can result in PTSD. The second part of the book covers the kinds of treatment available for the disorder, ranging from proper support and therapy to hospitalization in severe cases. A short glossary and help list are included.
Emergency!
Joy Masoff. Scholastic, 1999.
Learn about emergency medicine by following the action as a trauma happens—including a call to 911, the activity in an emergency room, surgery, and more. Suggestions for 10 things you can do to “practice” medicine and additional resources round out the presentation. A tremendous amount of information is packed into this well-illustrated book.
blood alcohol concentration (BAC) Definition: A percentage by weight of alcohol in the blood (grams/deciliter, or g/dl). A positive BAC level (0.01 g/dl and higher) indicates that a person consumed alcohol. In most states, a BAC level of 0.10 g/dl or more indicates legal intoxication. Context: All states except Massachusetts and the District of Columbia have laws stating the level at which driving with a specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a crime.
defensive driving Definition: Anticipating danger to avoid accidents. Context: A defensive driver adjusts the car’s speed and position to suit visibility, the road, and traffic conditions.
driving under the influence (DUI) Definition: The criminal action of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, impaired, or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Context: About one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) are repeat offenders.
speed limit Definition: The highest speed allowed by state or local law in a certain area. Context: State laws specify speed limits for different types of roads.
