Traffic Safety Merit Badge

1. Preventing Impaired Driving Requirement

Four parts, (a) to (d): distracted, impaired and fatigued drivers, and the mistakes new drivers make.

4 parts

• 1(a). Distracted drivers
• 1(b). Alcohol, drugs and other substances Often forgotten
• 1(c). Fatigued drivers
• 1(d). New drivers' mistakes

2. Vehicle Safety Requirement

Two parts, the first a demonstration.

2 parts

• 2(a). Wear a lap and shoulder belt properly
• 2(b). Five other vehicle safety features

3. Auto Maintenance and Safety Checkups Often forgotten Requirement

Five hands-on parts, done with adult supervision and a vehicle you have access to.

The condition is in the requirement itself: "With adult supervision and using a vehicle that you have access to, do the following". It applies to all five parts.

5 parts

• 3(a). Driving and signaling lights
• 3(b). Windows, and a smear-and-clear test of the wipers
• 3(c). Tire pressure and tread depth
• 3(d). A flat tire and tire sealant
• 3(e). Mark off stopping distances at 25, 55 and 70 mph Often forgotten

4. Traffic Safety and the Law Requirement

Four parts, (a) to (d).

4 parts

• 4(a). Three traffic laws for drivers and bicyclists
• 4(b). If a law enforcement officer stops the vehicle
• 4(c). If a driver is involved in a car accident
• 4(d). The three documents a driver must carry

5. Road Designs and Signs Requirement

Two parts.

2 parts

• 5(a). Intersections, medians, shoulders and interstates
• 5(b). Signs, signals and pavement markings

6. Sharing the Road Requirement

Four parts, (a) to (d).

4 parts

• 6(a). Being seen at night
• 6(b). Four safety measures for pedestrians and hikers
• 6(c). Four safety measures near a school bus
• 6(d). Blind spots and lane change crashes

7. Traffic, Your Community, and You. Do ONE Requirement

The badge states the choice: an interview, a personal pledge, or an activity or event you organize.

3 parts

• 7(a). Interview a traffic law enforcement officer or safety professional Optional May not apply
• 7(b). Write a personal traffic safety pledge Optional May not apply
• 7(c). Initiate and organize a traffic safety activity or event Optional May not apply

8. Careers Requirement

Explore careers related to traffic safety and research one: training and education, costs, job prospects, salary, duties and advancement. Your research methods, with your parent or guardian's permission, may include an internet or library search, an interview or a visit. Discuss your findings with your counselor.

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. Preventing Impaired Driving, 2. Vehicle Safety and 6 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.