Risky Behaviour and Prevention

Introduction/Minds On
(10 minutes)

Note: Choose the questions and methods of travel that are relevant to your students.

• Conduct an informal class discussion on risky behaviours students have seen on the roadways.
• Direct students to complete Appendix 1: Road Safety Questionnaire truthfully to help engage in conversation (you may choose the questions most relevant to your students).
• Divide students into groups of two or three.
• Instruct students to identify all the methods of transportation a teenager might use to get to school. Direct the students to recognize the possible dangers associated with each method of transportation. For example, weather conditions; technology use such as texting or talking on a phone; drowsy driving; drugs and/or drinking and driving; speeding; aggressive driving; grooming activities; eating or drinking; conversing with passengers; tending to children or pets; or adjusting controls in the vehicle or setting up a GPS.
• Share students’ responses with the other groups and list them on the chalkboard.
• Ask students to share possible methods to eliminate these behaviours and discuss the best method for minimizing these risks.
• Once the students have completed the discussion, instruct students on why each behaviour identified is risky.

Development/Action
(55 minutes)

• Have students review Appendix 2: Road Signs in the Province of Ontario.
• Explain to students the basic road sign regulations created by the Ministry of Transportation. For example, the signs are usually rectangular or square with a white or black background and black, white or coloured letters. A sign with a green circle means you may or must do the activity shown inside the ring. A red circle with a line through it means the activity shown is not allowed.
• Have students look at each road sign and guess what it means.
• Encourage students to discuss why these road signs exist.
• Ask students to consider if the current road signs do enough to deter them from risky behaviours.
• Distribute the class assignment (Appendix 3: Designing New Road Signs) detailing the need to identify a risky behaviour and for students to become social advocates for changing these behaviours.

Consolidation/Debrief
(10 minutes)

• Display the assignments and explanations in the classroom.
• Have students walk around the classroom and view each other’s work.
• Lead a class discussion on whether any risky behaviours are missing.

Teacher Assessment

Use Appendix 4: Rubric to assess students.