Read the following passage and answer the questions carefully:
A zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing marked with alternating black and white stripes, designed to make it safer for people to cross the road. Its name comes from the resemblance of the stripes to the pattern on a zebra's coat. Typically located at busy intersections or near schools, zebra crossings help and give priority to pedestrians, signalling drivers to slow down and yield to those crossings.
Despite their simplicity, zebra crossings play a vital role in road safety. They create clear boundaries for both pedestrians and drivers, reducing confusion and potential accidents. However, their effectiveness depends on the cooperation of both parties. Pedestrians must use the crossing safely, waiting for a clear gap in traffic, while drivers must be vigilant and respectful of the crossing, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. In some places, additional features like flashing lights or raised surfaces are added to increase visibility and alertness. Yet, even without such enhancements, a well-maintained zebra crossing remains a fundamental tool for ensuring that pedestrians can move safely through busy streets, fostering a more pedestrian-friendly urban environment.
Choose the correct alternative:
(i) What is the primary purpose of a zebra crossing?
(a) to mark parking spaces
(b) to allow vehicles to stop
(c) to make it safer for people to cross the road
(d) to beautify streets
(ii) Where are zebra crossings typically located?
(a) Only on highways
(b) At busy intersections or near schools
(c) At street corners with no traffic lights
(d) In rural areas
(iii) What does the striped pattern of a zebra crossing resemble?
(a) A tiger's coat
(b) A zebra's coat
(c) A street map
(d) A pedestrian symbol
(iv) A zebra crossing has-
(a) red and green stripes
(b) black and white stripes
(c) black and yellow stripes
(d) black and blue stripes
Write 'T' for True and 'F' for False statements. Give Supporting Sentences (S.S) in favour of your answers:
(i) Zebra crossings are only effective when both pedestrians and drivers cooperate.
S.S:
(ii) Zebra crossings are mostly found on quiet streets with little foot traffic.
S.S:
Answer the following question:
(i) What additional features might be found at some zebra crossings to increase visibility?
Answer (2)
Additional features at zebra crossings to increase visibility can include flashing lights, raised surfaces, signage, and brightly colored markings. These enhancements are intended to draw attention to the crossings and promote pedestrian safety, especially in busy areas. The effectiveness of these features ensures that pedestrians can cross safely.
;
(i) What is the primary purpose of a zebra crossing? The correct answer is (c) to make it safer for people to cross the road. Zebra crossings are designed to provide a safe way for pedestrians to cross roads, with the black and white stripe pattern making them easily recognizable and prompting drivers to slow down and yield to people crossing.
(ii) Where are zebra crossings typically located? The correct answer is (b) At busy intersections or near schools. Zebra crossings are strategically placed in areas with high foot traffic to enhance pedestrian safety, often found at busy intersections or near places like schools where many people need to cross the road.
(iii) What does the striped pattern of a zebra crossing resemble? The correct answer is (b) A zebra's coat. The alternating black and white stripes of the crossing are named after their resemblance to the pattern found on a zebra's coat.
(iv) A zebra crossing has- The correct answer is (b) black and white stripes. This distinctive pattern helps mark the crossing and ensure it is visible to both drivers and pedestrians.
True or False Statements: (i) Zebra crossings are only effective when both pedestrians and drivers cooperate. True. Supporting Sentence: Their effectiveness depends on the cooperation of both parties. Drivers must slow down and pedestrians must ensure it's safe before crossing, ensuring safety for everyone.
(ii) Zebra crossings are mostly found on quiet streets with little foot traffic. False. Supporting Sentence: Typically located at busy intersections or near schools, zebra crossings are placed where pedestrian traffic is high to ensure safety.
Answer to the question: (i) What additional features might be found at some zebra crossings to increase visibility? Additional features that might be found at zebra crossings to increase visibility include flashing lights and raised surfaces. These enhancements help make the crossings more noticeable, alerting both drivers and pedestrians that they are approaching a pedestrian crossing. Such features are particularly useful in environments with heavy traffic or poor lighting.
