Traffic Rules on the Street
FoundationCross at zebra crossings, footbridges or subways, obey the traffic lights, look right then left, and walk with care.
- Cross at zebra crossings, footbridges or subways, never across the road anywhere.
- Red means stop, green means go, and a flashing light means take care.
- Look right, then left, and step out only when it is safe.
文體小知識：說明文一步一步教我們安全過馬路，還介紹常見的交通設施，讀完可以一邊走一邊用。
§Text Passage
1The streets of Hong Kong are busy and the cars are fast, so we must follow the traffic rules. Cross at zebra crossings, footbridges or pedestrian subways; never cross anywhere along the road, and never climb over railings.
2Before crossing, stand on the pavement and watch the traffic lights. Red means stop; cross only on green. At some crossings the green light flashes to show time is nearly up: those already crossing should hurry to finish, and those not yet out should wait for the next round.
3Before stepping onto the road, look right first, then left, and go only when no cars are coming. Because vehicles keep left, the nearest car usually comes from the right. Walk with attention: no chasing, no staring at phones, and no playing near the road.
4At night or in the rain, wear bright colours so drivers can see you easily. Follow the rules and cross safely, and your parents and teachers will not worry.
1Summary 重點摘要
Cross at zebra crossings, footbridges or subways, obey the traffic lights, look right then left, and walk with care.
2Vocabulary cards Vocabulary
The lights that control cars and pedestrians at crossings.
The white stripes painted on the road for pedestrians to cross.
A bridge over the road for people to cross safely.
A passage under the road for people to walk through.
The signal that means stop.
The signal that means go.
The person who drives a vehicle.
The rule that vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
A vivid colour that is easy to see.
3Step by step Steps
- Step 1: Cross at a safe placeAlways cross at a safe place, such as a zebra crossing, a footbridge or a pedestrian subway, because drivers slow down there and can see pedestrians easily. Even if the crossing means walking an extra fifty metres, take the distance; never dash straight across the road to save steps. Some people think quiet roads allow crossing anywhere, but drivers may have no time to react — very dangerous. A few extra steps buy extra safety.
- Step 2: Wait for the right signalAt crossings with traffic lights, follow the signals. When the red man is on, wait patiently on the pavement and do not step onto the road; start only when the green man shows and you have looked both ways for cars. Some people think a green light means they may walk without a care, but keep watching for turning vehicles as you go — safety first, the signal assists, and your own eyes are the final guard.
- Step 3: Look right, then leftIn Hong Kong vehicles drive on the left, so cars usually appear from the right first. Before crossing, look right and then left. Before the first step, turn your head right for a good look, then left, and go only when no car is near from either side. Some people think one glance suffices, but both directions must be clear; checking before you walk adds one more layer of protection.
- Step 4: Cross quickly and carefullyCross with full attention: eyes ahead, straight across. Do not stop, chase or play on the road, and never walk while playing with a phone or listening to songs, for your ears and eyes are needed to watch the cars. Some people think ten short seconds hold no danger, yet accidents come precisely in the moment of distraction. When the green man starts flashing, quicken your pace and finish before the light turns — but do not run.
- Step 5: Be extra careful in bad weatherOn rainy or foggy days drivers see less well and need a longer distance to stop, so crossing takes extra care. In the rain wear a bright raincoat such as bright yellow; at night wear light-coloured clothes or ones with reflective strips, so drivers can spot you from afar. Some people assume drivers must see them, but visibility falls in bad weather. Look and wait even more before crossing, and start only after cars have fully stopped.
- Step 6: Hold an adult's hand at busy crossingsSome crossings have no traffic lights and no zebra markings, with cars coming and going constantly — complicated places. Primary students are young and still learning to judge the speed of cars, so at such crossings hold an adult's hand, look right and then left together, and cross only when both ways are clear. Some people think they can manage alone, but walking with an adult is the safest way of all.
4Diagrams Diagrams
5Worked example Example
Example: after school, Kei's ball rolls onto the road and he wants to dash out for it. What should he do?
- Cars may pass at any moment; dashing out to fetch the ball is very dangerous.
- The right way: stop on the pavement and never chase onto the road.
- Ask an adult to fetch the ball, waiting until no cars are passing.
- If the ball cannot be fetched, tell your parents or teacher — never take the risk yourself.
- Answer: Kei must not rush onto the road. He should stop on the pavement and let an adult fetch the ball when no cars are passing; if it cannot be fetched, leave it to the adults and never take a risk.
6Common mistakes Mistakes
7Quick check Quick check
Q1Which facilities should we use to cross the road?
Q2What should we do when the red light is on?
Q3Which side do we look at first before stepping out?
Q4Why wear bright colours at night?
Q5What should we do when the green man starts flashing?
8Recap Recap
- Cross at zebra crossings, footbridges or subways, never across the road anywhere.
- Red means stop, green means go, and a flashing light means take care.
- Look right, then left, and step out only when it is safe.
- Walk with attention — no chasing, no phones.
- Wear bright colours in rain and at night so drivers can see you.