27.13. How must the driver act in the event of a forced stop on a motorway or a road for motor vehicles?
UAЯк повинен діяти водій у разі вимушеної зупинки на автомагістралі чи дорозі для автомобілів?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety on high-speed roads, where any unexpected obstacle in the lane creates a critical risk of an accident. On motorways and roads for automobiles, traffic flows move at increased speeds, so the driver must act as quickly and visibly as possible for other road users to prevent a collision and minimize danger.
The question tests knowledge of Section 27 of the Traffic Rules (driving on motorways and roads for automobiles) and the requirements of Section 9 "Warning Signals," in particular paragraph 27.5 in conjunction with paragraphs 9.9 and 9.10. In the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that in the event of a forced stop, it is not enough to perform only one action: it is necessary both to mark the vehicle (turn on the hazard warning lights and set up the emergency stop sign or a red flashing lantern) and to take all measures to move the car beyond the right edge of the carriageway. That is why the option that indicates only marking the stop is not complete, nor is the option of only moving the car to the shoulder without properly warning other drivers.
The practical meaning of the rule is simple: as soon as it becomes clear that a stop is inevitable, you should make the car visible and, if possible, steer it to the right onto the shoulder, not leaving it in the lane. This reduces the risk that other drivers will not have time to react, and also facilitates further actions (calling a tow truck or fixing the malfunction) already in a relatively safe place.
Clause 27.5
In case of a forced stop on a motorway or a road for motor vehicles, the driver must mark the vehicle in accordance with the requirements of clauses 9.9 and 9.10 of these Rules and take all measures to remove it beyond the right edge of the carriageway.
Clause 9.9 (Section 9 "Warning signals", hazard warning lights)
The hazard warning lights must be switched on, in particular, in the event of a forced stop on the road.
Clause 9.10 (Section 9 "Warning signals", emergency stop sign / red flashing lantern)
An emergency stop sign or a red flashing lantern must be placed in the event of a forced stop of the vehicle (as well as in the event of a traffic accident) at a distance that ensures timely warning of other drivers about the danger (in populated areas — at least 20 m, outside populated areas — at least 40 m).
That is, the correct answer is "Perform both actions," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, in the event of a forced stop on a motorway/road for motor vehicles, the driver is required to simultaneously mark the vehicle (hazard warning lights and sign/lantern) and take measures to remove it beyond the right edge of the carriageway.
A motorway and a road for motor vehicles are intended for high-speed traffic, so any stop on the carriageway creates an especially high risk of collision. That is why clause 27.5 of the Traffic Rules establishes clear mandatory actions for the driver in case of a forced stop on such roads.
First of all, the driver must immediately make the vehicle visible to others: turn on the hazard warning lights and place an emergency stop sign or a red flashing lantern. This is necessary so that drivers approaching at high speed can understand in advance that there is an obstacle ahead and have time to safely change lanes or reduce speed.
At the same time, the driver is obliged to take all possible measures to move the car as far to the right as possible beyond the carriageway, that is, onto the shoulder. In practice, this means: as soon as you notice a malfunction and the car is still coasting, you should deliberately steer it to the right, even if you have to cross a solid line marking the edge of the carriageway. The goal is the same: not to leave a broken-down vehicle in the lane where it may not be avoided in time.
Thus, the rules require not to choose just one action, but to perform both groups of actions: both to mark the stop and to move the vehicle to the safest place on the right.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Perform both actions," since in the event of a forced stop on a motorway or a road for motor vehicles, the driver must simultaneously mark the vehicle (hazard lights and sign/lantern) and take measures to move it beyond the carriageway to the right.