16.2.69. Which of the drivers must give way to pedestrians?
UAХто з водіїв повинен дати дорогу пішоходам?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about pedestrian safety at intersections and the correct behavior of a driver when turning. In real traffic, conflict situations most often arise precisely when a car is turning and crosses the path of people at a pedestrian crossing, so the traffic rules require drivers to reduce speed in advance and not create danger for those who have the right of way.
The task tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding passing intersections, primarily the application of point 16.2: at regulated and unregulated intersections, a driver turning right or left is required to yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which they are turning. This logic is often included in the theoretical exam: the obligation to "yield" arises for every driver making a turn across a pedestrian crossing, regardless of which turn it is or which car approached first.
Therefore, the option where the obligation is placed on both drivers corresponds to the Traffic Rules: each of them must yield to pedestrians on the roadway they are turning onto, and if necessary, stop before the crossing (this also aligns with the requirements of point 18.1 for unregulated crossings). Options that assign the obligation to only one driver are incorrect, because point 16.2 applies equally to both right and left turns, and "yield" as defined in the Traffic Rules means not continuing the maneuver if pedestrians would have to change speed or direction.
Clause 16.2
At regulated and unregulated intersections, a driver turning right or left must yield to pedestrians crossing the carriageway onto which he is turning, as well as to cyclists moving straight in the same direction.
Brief application: both drivers, when turning at the intersection, are required to yield to pedestrians crossing exactly the carriageway onto which each of them is turning.
Clause 18.1
A driver approaching an unregulated pedestrian crossing where pedestrians are present must reduce speed, and if necessary stop, to yield to pedestrians for whom an obstacle or danger may be created.
Brief application: additionally confirms the obligation of drivers to yield to pedestrians at an unregulated pedestrian crossing (if necessary — to stop).
Clause 16.1
An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a traffic controller is considered regulated. At such an intersection, priority signs do not apply. If the traffic light is off or operating in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, the intersection is considered unregulated, and drivers must follow the rules for passing unregulated intersections and the relevant road signs installed at the intersection.
Brief application: determines that in the situation shown, the rules for passing an unregulated intersection apply (in particular, the requirements of clause 16.2 regarding pedestrians when turning).
Clause 1.10 (term "Yield (do not create an obstacle)")
Yield (do not create an obstacle) — a requirement for a road user not to continue or resume movement, not to perform any maneuvers, if this may force other road users who have priority to change their direction or speed.
Brief application: explains the meaning of the obligation to "yield" to pedestrians — not to continue movement/maneuver if pedestrians would have to change their speed or direction.
That is, the correct answer is "Both drivers," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, drivers turning right or left at an intersection are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the carriageway onto which they are turning (clause 16.2), and at an unregulated pedestrian crossing — if necessary, to stop to let pedestrians pass (clause 18.1).
In this situation, we have an intersection that is not controlled by a traffic light or a traffic controller, meaning the intersection is unregulated. Pedestrian crossings are also marked at the approaches, which pedestrians use to cross the roadway.
Next, let's assess the drivers' actions: both the white and the blue car are making a turn at the intersection (one is turning right, the other left). When a driver turns, they cross the path of pedestrians who are crossing the roadway at the crosswalk onto which the turn is being made.
According to paragraph 16.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, at intersections (both regulated and unregulated), a driver turning right or left must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which the driver is turning. That is, the obligation to yield to pedestrians applies to both drivers, regardless of who has priority according to road signs or which turn each is making.
In practice, this means that each driver must stop before the pedestrian crossing (if necessary) and proceed only after pedestrians have finished crossing and no danger or obstacle is created for them.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Both drivers," since when turning at an intersection, each driver is required to yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which they are turning (paragraph 16.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine).