35.133. When you see children on the road or near it:
UAКоли Ви бачите дітей на дорозі або поруч з нею:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety and the correct behavior of a driver in high-risk situations when children are on or near the roadway. Children are the most unpredictable pedestrians: they can suddenly change direction, run onto the road while playing, fail to assess the speed of a vehicle, or not notice danger due to inattention and their small stature. Therefore, in real-life conditions, the driver must act proactively, not wait until the situation becomes critical.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed and driver actions when danger arises, primarily the requirements of point 12.3. In the context of the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the logic of the rule: if a driver can objectively detect a potential danger (children near the road), they are obliged to immediately reduce speed up to a complete stop or act in such a way as to guarantee avoidance of a collision. This also aligns with the duty to be attentive and respond appropriately to changes in the situation and to choose a safe speed considering road conditions.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that a fixed speed reduction of 5–10 km/h does not guarantee safety, because the required speed is one that allows you to stop immediately within the visible distance, and sometimes this means a much greater reduction. Ignoring children contradicts the basic requirements of the traffic rules regarding attentiveness and control of the situation. Instead, the correct approach for this exam question is to increase caution, reduce speed, and be prepared to stop completely, especially near schools, yards, bus stops, and places where children may suddenly appear in the path of travel.
Clause 12.3
In case of a danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely maneuvering around the obstacle for other road users.
Application: children on the road or near it are a potential (and sometimes direct) danger, so the driver must immediately reduce speed and be ready to stop.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road situation, as well as the characteristics of the cargo being transported and the condition of the vehicle, in order to be able to constantly control its movement and drive it safely.
Application: the appearance of children near the carriageway is an element of the road situation that requires choosing a lower (safer) speed to guarantee control and the ability to brake in time.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "b")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: be attentive, monitor the road situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the correct placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving this vehicle while on the road.
Application: upon noticing children, the driver should increase attention and prepare in advance for a change in the situation (possible sudden entry/running onto the carriageway).
That is, the correct answer is "You must be careful, reduce speed, and be ready to bring the vehicle to a complete stop," considering that according to the Traffic Rules the driver must be attentive (clause 2.3 "b"), choose a safe speed taking into account the situation (clause 12.1), and in case of threat/danger immediately reduce speed up to a complete stop (clause 12.3).
When you notice children on the roadway or near it, you should immediately regard this as a potential danger to traffic. A child may suddenly change direction, run onto the road, stop in the middle of a crossing, or make an unpredictable step back. Unlike adults, children often do not assess the speed of a car and may act impulsively.
Clause 12.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine obliges the driver: if there is a danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect, they must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to a complete stop or make a safe detour. Children near the road are exactly such a situation that a driver can notice in advance, and therefore must act proactively, not wait until the danger becomes inevitable.
In practice, this means that when approaching, for example, a school, playground, public transport stop, or yard where children are standing or moving nearby, you reduce your speed and increase your readiness to brake. If a child suddenly steps onto the roadway, the only correct decision is often to brake to a complete stop to avoid a collision. You can continue driving safely only after making sure that the children do not pose a threat and cannot suddenly appear in front of the vehicle.
Therefore, the correct answer is "You must be careful, reduce your speed, and be ready to bring the vehicle to a complete stop," since according to clause 12.3, when the driver detects a danger that can be noticed in advance (and children near the road are such a danger), they are obliged to immediately reduce speed up to a complete stop.