33.1.47. Which of the following road signs is installed before a steep descent?
UAЯкий з наведених дорожніх знаків встановлюється перед крутим спуском?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about warning road signs and traffic safety on sections with a complex longitudinal road profile. Such signs are necessary so that the driver reduces speed in advance, selects a safe gear, and prepares for engine braking, since on descents the risk of brake overheating and increased stopping distance rises.
The question tests knowledge of section 33 of the Traffic Rules, specifically warning sign 1.7 "Steep descent." It is used before a dangerous descent section and is installed in advance: outside populated areas usually 150–300 m ahead, in populated areas 50–100 m ahead, and other distances can be specified by plate 7.1.1 "Distance to the object." If the descent is long or not fully visible (in particular, more than 0.5 km), plate 7.2.1 "Zone of action" may also be used so the driver understands the length of the hazard.
The comparison of options in this theoretical exam task is simple: sign 1.6 "Steep ascent" means the opposite situation (uphill movement), so it is not suitable for a descent; sign 1.31.6 relates to approaching a railway crossing and is not connected with the road gradient. A visual hint: the slanted line in the triangle is conveniently "read" from left to right—if it goes downward, it is a warning about a descent (1.7); if upward, about an ascent (1.6).
Clause 33.1 — 33 "Road signs", 1 "Warning signs", sign 1.7 "Steep descent"
Sign 1.7 "Steep descent" warns of an approaching descent where the requirements of section 28 of these Rules apply, and is installed outside populated areas at a distance of 150–300 m, and within populated areas at a distance of 50–100 m before the start of the dangerous section. If necessary, the sign may be installed at another distance, which is indicated on plate 7.1.1 "Distance to the object". The sign is installed directly before the beginning of ascents or descents located one after another. If the descent section cannot be seen along its entire length, or its length exceeds 0.5 km, plate 7.2.1 "Action zone" is used together with the sign.
Clause 33.7 — 33 "Road signs", 7 "Plates to road signs", plate 7.1.1 "Distance to the object"
Plate 7.1.1 "Distance to the object" is used to indicate the distance from the road sign to the beginning of the dangerous section or to the object about which the corresponding sign warns (or to which its effect applies).
Clause 33.7 — 33 "Road signs", 7 "Plates to road signs", plate 7.2.1 "Action zone"
Plate 7.2.1 "Action zone" is used to indicate the length (distance) of the dangerous section or the zone to which the corresponding road sign applies (in particular, when it is necessary to indicate the length of the descent together with the sign).
That is, the correct answer is "Sign 2.", considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a warning sign 1.7 "Steep descent" is installed before a steep descent.
In this question, you need to determine which sign specifically warns about a steep descent. In Section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, this is warning sign 1.7 "Steep descent." It is placed before a section of road where driving is complicated by a descent, and the driver needs to prepare in advance for conditions that require more careful selection of speed and driving mode.
Let's compare with the other options. Sign 1.6 indicates a steep ascent, which is the opposite situation to a descent. The "Approaching a railway crossing" sign refers to a completely different hazard and is not related to the road profile.
To quickly distinguish an ascent from a descent, pay attention to the slope of the line inside the triangle: it's convenient to "read" it from left to right. If the line goes downward, it's a descent; if upward, it's an ascent. On sign 1.7, the slanted line points downward, so it warns about a steep descent.
It is also important to remember that warning signs are installed in advance of the dangerous section: outside populated areas usually 150–300 m before, within populated areas 50–100 m before, and if necessary, the distance can be specified with a "Distance to object" plate. This gives the driver time to prepare for the descent.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Sign 2," since it corresponds to sign 1.7 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine "Steep descent" and is installed before a steep descent.