 Traffic Safety
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work needed for the Traffic Safety merit badge is: 5
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Traffic Safety Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
| a. |
Describe the top 10 mistakes new drivers frequently make. Name the two items you are required by law to carry with you whenever you operate a motor vehicle. |
| b. |
Describe how alcohol and other drugs affects the
human body and why a person should never drink
and drive, or drive while under the influence of
any mind-altering substances including
prescription drugs, cold medications, and
illicit drugs. For the state where you live,
find out what is the legal blood alcohol
concentration and the consequences for driving
while intoxicated or driving under the
influence. Find out what the open-container law
is in your state. |
| c. |
Describe at least four factors to be considered in the design of a road or highway. Explain how roadside hazards and road conditions contribute to the occurrence and seriousness of traffic crashes. |
| d. |
Explain why a driver who is fatigued or distracted should not operate a motor vehicle. List five common distractions, explain how driver distraction contribute to traffic accidents, and tell how drivers can minimize distractions. Describe how volunteer drivers can plan to be alert when transporting Scouting participants. |
| a. |
Demonstrate how to properly wear a lap or shoulder
belt. Explain why it is important for drivers and
passengers to wear safety belts at all times. |
| b. |
List five safety features found in motor vehicles
besides occupant restraint systems. Describe each
safety feature, how each works, and how each
contributes to safety. |
| a. |
Using your family car or another vehicle, demonstrate that all lights and lighting systems in the vehicle are working. Describe the function and explain why each type of light is important to safe driving. |
| b. |
Using your family car or another vehicle, demonstrate how to check tire pressure and identify the correct tire pressure for the vehicle. Explain why proper tire pressure is important to safe driving. |
| c. |
Demonstrate a method to check for adequate tire tread. Explain why proper tread is important to safe driving. |
| d. |
Demonstrate with a smear-and-clear test if the windshield wiper blades will clear the windshield completely or need to be replaced. Describe instances in good and bad weather when windshield washers are important to safe driving. |
| a. |
In a location away from traffic hazards, measure with a tape measure - not in a car - and mark off with stakes the distance that a car will travel during the time needed for decision and reaction, and the braking distances necessary to stop a car traveling 30, 50, and 70 miles per hour on dry, level pavement. Discuss how environmental factors such as bad weather and road conditions will affect the distance. |
| b. |
Demonstrate the difference in nighttime visibility between a properly lit bicycle and rider (or a pedestrian) wearing reflective material and a bicycle and rider with no lights (or a pedestrian) dressed in dark clothing, without reflective material. |
| c. |
Explain how color and shape are used to help road
users recognize and understand the information
presented on traffic and roadway signs. Explain
the purpose of different types of signs, signals,
and pavement markings. |
| d. |
Describe at least three examples of traffic laws that apply to drivers of motor vehicles and that bicyclists must also obey. |
5. |
Do ONE of the following: |
| a. |
Interview a traffic law enforcement officer in your community to identify what three traffic safety problems the officer is most concerned about. Discuss with your merit badge counselor possible ways to solve one of those problems. |
| b. |
Using the internet (with your parent’s
permission), visit five websites that cover safe
driving for teenagers. Then, in a group session
with at least three teenagers and your counselor,
discuss what you have learned. |
| c. |
Initiate and organize an activity or event to demonstrate the importance of traffic safety. |
| d. |
Accompanied by an adult and a buddy, pick a safe
place to observe traffic at a controlled
intersection (traffic signal or stop sign) on
three separate days and at three different times
of the day, for 30 minutes on each visit. At
this intersection, survey violations that might
occur. These violations might include (but are
not limited to) running a red light or stop
sign, speeding, using a cell phone while
driving, or occupants not wearing their seat
belts. Count the number of violations. Record in
general terms the approximate age of the people
you observed. Keep track of the total number of
vehicles observed so that you can determine the
percentage of compliance vs. violations. Discuss
your findings with your merit badge counselor. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2024"
Download the workbook for the
Traffic Safety Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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