- car
- road
- traffic
- driver
- license
- accident
- to get in / behind the wheel
- to buckle up
- to speed up / slow down
- dangerous driving
- pedestrian crossing
- traffic lights
- dead-end street
- hit the brakes
- backseat driver
- shortcut
- distract
- signal
- attention
- respect
Vocabulary lesson plan & materials
Driving and Road Safety
B1–B2 materials on driving, traffic and road safety with active vocabulary, reading, discussion, role-play and writing.
Active Vocabulary
Driving a Car
Text 1
Driving a Car
B1–B2Driving a car can be very exciting, but it's important to remember that it can also be dangerous. Before you get in the car and behind the wheel, you need to make sure you have a valid driver's license. It's also important to buckle up and respect the rules of the road.
When you're driving, you need to pay attention to the road and the traffic around you. You should always signal when you want to turn or change lanes. And remember to slow down when you see a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights. If you need to stop suddenly, hit the brakes as quickly as possible.
It's also important to avoid dangerous driving, like speeding or taking shortcuts on a dead-end street. And don't let anyone or anything distract you while you're driving, like texting messages or making video calls.
In case of an accident, stay calm and call for help.
Always remember to show respect to other drivers and pedestrians on the road. By following these rules and paying attention, you can enjoy driving safely and responsibly.
Task 1 — Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the words from the original text.
Driving a _____(1) can be very exciting, but it's important to remember that it can also be _____(2). Before you get in the car and behind the _____(3), you need to make sure you have a _____(4) driver's _____(5). It's also important _____(6) and _____(7) the rules of the _____(8).
When you're driving, you need to pay _____(9) to the _____(10) and the _____(11) around you. You should always _____(12) when you want to turn or change _____(13). And remember to slow _____(14) when you see a _____(15) or _____(16). If you need to _____(17) suddenly, _____(18) as quickly as possible.
It's also important to avoid _____(19), like _____(20) or taking shortcuts on a _____(21). And don't let anyone _____(22) you while you're driving like _____(23) messages or making video calls.
In case of an _____(24), stay _____(25) and call for help.
Always remember to show _____(26) to other drivers and pedestrians on the _____(27). By following these rules and paying _____(28), you can enjoy driving _____(29) and responsibly.
Answers
1 car · 2 dangerous · 3 wheel · 4 valid · 5 license · 6 to buckle up · 7 respect · 8 road · 9 attention · 10 road · 11 traffic · 12 signal · 13 lanes · 14 down · 15 pedestrian crossing · 16 traffic lights · 17 stop · 18 hit the brakes · 19 dangerous driving · 20 speeding · 21 dead-end street · 22 distract · 23 texting · 24 accident · 25 calm · 26 respect · 27 road · 28 attention · 29 safely
Task 2 — Choose the Correct Answer
- What should you do before driving a car?
- What should you do when you want to turn or change lanes?
- When should you slow down while driving?
- What should you do if you need to stop suddenly?
- What should you avoid while driving?
- What should you avoid letting distract you while driving?
- What should you do in case of an accident?
- What should you always remember to show on the road?
- How can you enjoy driving safely and responsibly?
- What is the main idea of the text?
Answers
1 d · 2 a · 3 a · 4 a · 5 c · 6 a · 7 b · 8 a · 9 a · 10 b
Task 2 — True or False
1. Driving a car is always safe.
TrueFalse
2. You don't need a driver's license to drive a car.
TrueFalse
3. You should always buckle up when driving.
TrueFalse
4. You don't need to signal when you want to turn or change lanes.
TrueFalse
5. You should speed up when you see a pedestrian crossing.
TrueFalse
6. You should hit the brakes as quickly as possible if you need to stop suddenly.
TrueFalse
7. It's okay to take shortcuts on a dead-end street.
TrueFalse
8. You should let someone distract you while you're driving.
TrueFalse
9. In case of an accident, you should panic.
TrueFalse
10. You should show respect to other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
TrueFalse
Answers
- False (Driving can be dangerous.)
- False (You need a valid driver's license.)
- True
- False (You should always signal.)
- False (You should slow down.)
- True
- False (It's important to avoid dangerous driving.)
- False (You shouldn't let anyone distract you.)
- False (You should stay calm and call for help.)
- True
Tom’s Experience
Text 2
Tom’s Experience
B1–B2Tom is a driver. He has a car and a license. He knows that driving is serious and he needs to be careful on the road. He always buckles up before getting behind the wheel.
One day, Tom was in a hurry to get to work. He started speeding up and didn't respect the traffic rules. In addition to it, his friend video-called him that minute. While Tom was answering the call he didn't stop at the red light and almost hit a pedestrian crossing the road. At the very last moment, he realized he was making a mistake and hit the brakes. Luckily, there was no accident.
After that experience, Tom learned his lesson. He promised himself to never speed up again and to always respect the traffic rules. He also decided to pay more attention to the road and not let anything distract him while driving.
Now, when Tom sees the traffic lights, he slows down and waits for the signal to change. He also drives carefully near schools and parks where children often play. He knows that dangerous driving can cause accidents and hurt people.
Tom also learned to ignore video calls that can easily distract him from driving. He always takes the safest route, even if it means taking a longer way. He never takes shortcuts through a dead-end street.
Tom's new attitude towards driving made him a better driver and he is proud of himself for respecting the road and the other drivers.
Task 1 — Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the words from the original text.
Tom is a _____(1). He has a _____(2) and a _____(3). He knows that driving is serious and he needs to be careful on the _____(4). He always buckles up before getting behind the wheel.
One day, Tom was in a hurry to get to work. He started speeding up and didn't _____(5) the _____(6) rules. In addition to it, his friend video-called him that minute. While Tom was answering the call he didn't stop at the red light and almost hit a _____(7) the _____(8). At the very last moment, he realized he was making a mistake and _____(9). Luckily, there was no _____(10).
After that experience, Tom learned his lesson. He promised himself to never speed up again and to always _____(11) the _____(12) rules. He also decided to pay more _____(13) to the _____(14) and not let anything _____(15) him while driving.
Now, when Tom sees the _____(16), he slows down and waits for the _____(17) to change. He also drives _____(18) near schools and parks where children might be playing. He knows that _____(19) can cause _____(20) and _____(21) people.
Tom also learned to _____(22) video calls that can _____(23) him from driving. He always takes the safest route, even if it means taking a longer way. He never takes _____(24) through a _____(25).
Tom's new attitude towards driving made him a better _____(26) and he is proud of himself for respecting the _____(27) and the other drivers.
Answers
1 driver · 2 car · 3 license · 4 road · 5 respect · 6 traffic · 7 pedestrian crossing · 8 road · 9 hit the brakes · 10 accident · 11 respect · 12 traffic · 13 attention · 14 road · 15 distract · 16 traffic lights · 17 signal · 18 carefully · 19 dangerous driving · 20 accidents · 21 hurt · 22 ignore · 23 distract · 24 shortcuts · 25 dead-end street · 26 driver · 27 road
Task 2 — Choose the Correct Answer
- What is Tom's profession?
- What does Tom do before getting behind the wheel?
- What did Tom do wrong while he was driving one day?
- What was the consequence of Tom's mistake?
- What did Tom promise himself after the incident?
- What does Tom do when he sees traffic lights?
- Where does Tom drive carefully?
- What does Tom do when somebody distracts him?
- What kind of route does Tom take when driving?
- How does Tom feel about his new attitude towards driving?
Answers
1 b · 2 a · 3 c · 4 d · 5 c · 6 b · 7 a · 8 b · 9 b · 10 c
Task 3 — True or False
1. Tom is a driver who has a car and a license.
TrueFalse
2. Tom doesn't think driving is serious.
TrueFalse
3. Tom always buckles up before getting behind the wheel.
TrueFalse
4. Tom never speeds up and always respects the traffic rules.
TrueFalse
5. Tom almost hit a pedestrian because he didn't stop at the red light.
TrueFalse
6. Tom learned his lesson after almost hitting a pedestrian.
TrueFalse
7. Tom pays more attention to the road and doesn't let anything distract him while driving.
TrueFalse
8. Tom takes shortcuts through dead-end streets.
TrueFalse
9. Tom always takes the safest route, even if it means taking a longer way.
TrueFalse
10. Tom's new attitude towards driving made him a worse driver.
TrueFalse
Answers
- True
- False (He knows that driving is serious.)
- True
- False (He used to speed up and not respect the traffic rules.)
- True
- True
- True
- False (He never takes shortcuts through a dead-end street.)
- True
- False (It made him a better driver.)
Four Opinions
Text 3
Samantha
“I am against drinking and driving because it not only endangers the driver but also innocent people on the road. My cousin lost her life in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, and it had a devastating impact on our family.”
Mark
“I completely support the idea of enforcing stricter traffic laws to ensure road safety. In my city, it's common to see people jumping the traffic signals, and it makes driving a nightmare. I think governments should impose harsher penalties on traffic violators to deter them from breaking the rules.”
Emma
“I am not sure if more rules and regulations will make a significant difference. I mean, we already have so many laws in place, yet accidents continue to happen. Sometimes, it's just carelessness on the part of the driver that leads to accidents.”
John
“It breaks my heart every time I read about someone losing their life in a car crash. My best friend passed away in a car accident a few years ago, and it still feels like yesterday. Driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs/alcohol is never worth risking your life or someone else's.”
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Driving can help you get to places quickly.
- You can travel long distances easily and comfortably.
- It is a good skill to have for work or emergencies.
- Allows for independence and freedom of movement.
- Can be enjoyable, especially when used for leisure activities.
Disadvantages
- Driving is dangerous if not done safely.
- Risk of causing harm to yourself or others on the road.
- Requires constant attention and focus while driving.
- Costs money for the car and the ownership.
- Driving contributes to pollution and environmental damage.
Facts
1
Distracted drivers cause 25% of all car accidents in the U.S.
2
Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death in a car accident by 45%.
3
Texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving.
4
The leading cause of car accidents is not paying attention to the road.
5
In winter, snow and ice make the roads slippery, which can cause skidding and accidents.
6
Drinking alcohol and then driving can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
7
Group discussions and simulations help young drivers understand how dangerous driving can be.
8
Headlight maintenance is essential for visibility in low-light conditions and bad weather.
9
Slow down and keep a safe distance from the car ahead to reduce the chance of rear-end collisions.
10
Keeping focused, alert, and awake during long road trips helps prevent accidents.
Discussion Questions
- Do you have a driver's license?
- How old do you need to be to get a driver's license in your country?
- What are some common road signs that you see while driving?
- Have you ever been in a car accident? If so, what happened?
- What is the speed limit on highways where you live?
- What should you do if you see an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on?
- What are some distractions that can affect your driving?
- What is the penalty for drunk driving in your country?
- What should you do if you feel tired while driving?
- What are some safety features that modern cars have?
More Advanced
- What are some common causes of car accidents and how can they be prevented?
- How do you ensure that you are driving safely in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow?
- What are the most important things to keep in mind when driving on a busy highway or freeway?
- Have you ever been involved in a car accident? If so, what did you learn from the experience?
- What are some common distractions while driving and how can they be avoided?
- Do you think it's important for drivers to take regular breaks during long journeys? Why or why not?
- How do you react if another driver is behaving recklessly or aggressively on the road?
- What steps should you take if you witness an accident or come across someone who has been injured in a road incident?
- In your opinion, what role does technology play in improving road safety?
- Are there any specific laws or regulations related to driving and road safety in your country that you find particularly useful or effective?
Role-Play Games
Road Safety Awareness
Instructions
- Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
- Assign each group a scenario or situation related to driving and road safety.
- Provide a list of vocabulary and phrases related to driving and road safety for reference.
- Each group should discuss and act out their assigned scenario, considering the vocabulary and phrases provided.
- Encourage students to engage in conversations, express opinions, and find solutions to the given situations.
- After a set amount of time, have groups switch scenarios and repeat the role-play activity.
Scenario 1 — Pedestrian
A driver encounters a pedestrian crossing the road without using the crosswalk. The driver needs to communicate with the pedestrian and ensure their safety.
Vocabulary / phrases: crosswalk, pedestrian, stop, yield, look both ways, be cautious.
Scenario 2 — Four-Way Intersection
Two drivers arrive at a four-way intersection at the same time. They need to negotiate who has the right of way and proceed safely.
Vocabulary / phrases: intersection, right of way, yield, turn signal, communicate, cautious driving.
Scenario 3 — Traffic Jam
A driver is stuck in a traffic jam and needs to navigate through the congested road while being mindful of other drivers and road rules.
Vocabulary / phrases: traffic jam, congestion, lane, merge, patience, follow road signs, defensive driving.
Scenario 4 — Long-Distance Road Trip
A driver is planning a long-distance road trip and needs to ensure they are well-prepared for safe and comfortable travel.
Vocabulary / phrases: road trip, rest stops, fatigue, speed limit, GPS navigation, emergency supplies, seat belts.
Note: Adjust the complexity of the scenarios and vocabulary/phrases based on the language level and needs of your students.
Creative Writing
Personal Essay Topics
- My first time in a car and how I felt.
- How I learned to cross the road safely.
- My favourite road trip and what I saw along the way.
- The importance of wearing a seatbelt while driving.
- My experience riding a bicycle and how I stay safe on the road.
General Essay Topics
- It is important to wear a seatbelt while driving. Do you agree?
- Some people believe that young children should not ride bicycles. What do you think?
- Texting while driving is dangerous. Do you agree?
- Road safety rules are important for everyone to follow. Do you agree?
- Some people believe that it is safer to walk than to drive. What do you think?
More Advanced — Personal Essay Topics
- My experience learning to drive and how it has given me a sense of independence.
- The importance of defensive driving and how it has helped me avoid accidents on the road.
- How I overcame my fear of driving on highways and long-distance trips.
- My experience volunteering with organizations that promote road safety and awareness.
- The impact of distracted driving on my life and how I have made changes to ensure safer driving.
More Advanced — General Essay Topics
- Some people believe that strict punishments for driving offenses are the key to reducing traffic accidents. Others, however, think that education and awareness campaigns are more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- In many countries, young drivers are responsible for a disproportionate number of road accidents. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
- Many people argue that technology, such as self-driving cars, will make roads safer in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
- Some people think that the minimum age for driving should be increased to ensure road safety. Do you agree or disagree with this proposal?
- The use of mobile phones while driving is a major cause of accidents. Some people believe that using hands-free devices while driving is a safe alternative. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?