2.8. Which passive safety devices are drivers and passengers of vehicles equipped with such devices required to use?
UAЯкими засобами пасивної безпеки зобов'язані користуватися водії і пасажири автомобілів, обладнаних такими засобами?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns passive safety in a car and the responsibilities of road users, which directly affect the consequences of sudden braking or an accident. Passive safety devices do not prevent accidents, but significantly reduce the risk of injury to the driver and passengers, which is why the traffic rules require not just having them in the cabin, but using them while driving.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the duties of the driver and passengers: clause 2.3 (c) obliges the driver of a car equipped with passive safety devices to use them and not to transport unbelted passengers, and also directly mentions head restraints and seat belts. Additionally, clause 5.2 (b) establishes the obligation for passengers to be belted while the vehicle is in motion, if it is equipped with seat belts. This is often checked in the theoretical exam: whether the candidate understands that responsibility for safety in the cabin lies not only with the passenger, but also with the driver.
The analysis of the options in the ticket is logical: head restraints belong to passive safety because they reduce the risk of neck and head injuries (especially in rear-end collisions), and seat belts keep a person in the seat and reduce the likelihood of serious injuries. Armrests, on the contrary, are an element of comfort and the traffic rules do not classify them as mandatory passive safety devices. Therefore, the correct combination for this exam question is the use of head restraints and seat belts, and not the addition of "comfort" elements that do not have regulatory status in the Traffic Rules.
Clause 2.3 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged: (c) in vehicles equipped with passive safety devices (head restraints, seat belts), to use them and not to transport passengers who are not wearing seat belts. It is permitted not to fasten seat belts within populated areas for drivers and passengers with disabilities whose physiological characteristics make it impossible to use seat belts, as well as for drivers and passengers of emergency and special vehicles.
This clause directly defines that passive safety devices that must be used (if present in the vehicle's design) include head restraints and seat belts, and also imposes on the driver the duty not to transport unbelted passengers.
Clause 5.2 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Passengers, while in a vehicle, are obliged: (b) while the vehicle is in motion and equipped with seat belts, to be fastened with them.
This clause additionally establishes the direct obligation of passengers to use seat belts (if present in the vehicle).
Thus, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 2," given that according to the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to use passive safety devices (head restraints and seat belts) and not to transport unbelted passengers, and passengers are obliged to be fastened with seat belts while the vehicle is in motion.
When a car is equipped with passive safety devices, the Rules require not just having them in the cabin, but actually using them. This applies to both the driver and passengers, because during sudden braking or a collision, everyone in the car is at risk of injury.
Clause 2.3 (c) of the Traffic Rules specifies the driver's duties before starting to drive: adjust the head restraints, fasten the seat belt, and make sure that passengers are seated properly and also fastened. That is, the driver is responsible not only for themselves, but also for ensuring that there are no unbelted passengers in the cabin.
The logic of this rule is simple. The seat belt keeps a person in their seat during an impact or emergency braking and significantly reduces the risk of serious injury. The head restraint, if properly adjusted, reduces the risk of neck and head injuries, especially in a rear-end collision. Therefore, both of these elements are considered basic passive safety devices that must be used whenever they are provided by the vehicle's design.
Thus, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 2," since the Traffic Rules require the use of passive safety devices available in the car, namely seat belts and head restraints, and the driver must ensure that passengers are also buckled up.