2.35. Is a driver involved in a road traffic accident allowed to move the vehicle and objects related to the accident if they obstruct traffic for other road users?
UAЧи дозволено водію, якій причетний до дорожньо-транспортної пригоди, переміщати транспортний засіб і предмети, що мають причетність до пригоди, якщо вони ускладнюють рух іншим учасникам дорожнього руху?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and the preservation of the scene at the site of a traffic accident. In real-life situations after a collision or run-over, it is important not only to warn other drivers but also to avoid distorting evidence, which is crucial for determining the causes of the accident and identifying those at fault. That is why the traffic rules pay special attention to the driver's actions immediately after an accident.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the driver's duties in the event of an accident, specifically the requirement of clause 2.10 (c). The regulation explicitly prohibits any movement of vehicles and objects related to the incident, as well as any change in their position within the accident scene. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the logic behind this prohibition: the position of the vehicles, debris, skid marks, and other items are key for reconstructing the mechanism of the accident, and even a "minor" repositioning can distort the picture of the event.
If you choose the option that allows movement, this would contradict the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, as "obstructing traffic" is not a valid reason to unilaterally alter the situation at the accident scene. The correct option is the prohibition: the driver must stop, turn on the hazard warning lights, place the emergency stop sign, and not touch the vehicles or items related to the accident in order to ensure an objective clarification of the circumstances. This is one of the typical situations often tested in the theoretical exam, and it should be remembered as a basic rule of conduct after an accident.
Clause 2.10 (c)
c) do not move the vehicle or any objects related to the accident.
This clause directly establishes a prohibition for the driver involved in a traffic accident to move the vehicle or any objects connected to the accident, regardless of whether they obstruct the movement of other road users (in order to preserve the scene and traces of the accident for determining its causes).
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, clause 2.10 (c) explicitly forbids moving the vehicle and objects related to the accident.
When a driver becomes involved in a traffic accident, they must act in such a way as to preserve the scene in the condition it was immediately after the collision or impact. This is not "just for formality," but for the correct determination of the causes of the accident and identification of those at fault.
The Traffic Rules are based on the fact that the positioning of vehicles and objects at the accident scene is an important piece of evidence. The exact position of cars, debris, and marks on the road relative to traffic lanes, the roadside, intersections, or road markings allows for the reconstruction of the accident mechanism. If the driver moves the vehicle or, for example, removes bumper debris, rolls back a motorcycle, or moves objects from the roadway, the accident scene will be altered, which can lead to incorrect conclusions during the investigation of the circumstances.
Therefore, even in situations where damaged vehicles or objects partially block a lane and hinder other road users, a driver involved in an accident is not allowed to move them on their own. First and foremost, you should stop, turn on the hazard warning lights, and mark the scene with an emergency stop sign, without changing the scene.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," because the Traffic Rules require that the positions of vehicles and objects at the accident scene remain unchanged for the objective determination of the causes of the accident.