The educational role and value of junior traffic training centres within the Outcomes-based education curriculum

Abstract

The aim of this study was to outline the importance of Junior Traffic Training Centres in both primary and secondary schools. This would aid the effective integration of Traffic Safety Education in the school curriculum within outcomes-based education. The primary objective of this research was to determine the ways in which Junior Traffic Training Centres at schools are instrumental in the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes of learners towards safe participation in traffic environment. This research was conducted by means of a literature study and an empirical investigation through a questionnaire and observations. Investigation focused on learners from three schools, namely Maheelo Primary School (a farm school at Hartbeesfontein), Gaenthone Secondary School (a semi-rural school in Tigane Township near Hartbeesfontein) and Phaladi Combined School situated in Ikageng Township. It was found that more emphasis should be placed on pedestrian education. Learners should be taught traffic safety from pre-school, with the help of Junior Traffic Training Centres. Ten recommendations are made in Section 7.5. These include more training in Traffic Safety Education and that focus must be placed on disadvantaged areas; that government should avail trained teachers in Traffic Safety Education; and that schools must have access to Junior Traffic Training Centres. This study is of significance to the North West Province and the South African society because each day we lose learners through road accidents. This does not only cost the government money but is also painful to all of us. This study maintains that teaching our learners road safety education could contribute towards overcoming this situation.