35.136. If you notice a pedestrian showing signs of alcohol intoxication walking along the edge of the carriageway, you must:
UAЯкщо Ви помітили пішохода з ознаками алкогольного сп’яніння, який рухається по краю проїзної частини, необхідно:
This is a driving exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about road safety in a high-risk situation, when a potentially unpredictable participant appears near the vehicle's trajectory. A pedestrian showing signs of intoxication often has a reduced ability to assess danger, may lose balance, or suddenly change direction and end up in the lane of traffic. Therefore, the key task for the driver is not to "rush through," but to maintain control and have time to react. Such situations in the theoretical exam test the ability to recognize risks in advance and act safely.
The question checks knowledge of sections of the traffic rules regarding the driver's duties and the choice of a safe speed, as well as actions when a danger to traffic arises (in particular, the logic of points 1.10, 2.3, 12.1, and 12.3). The very fact of a person with obvious signs of intoxication appearing near the edge of the roadway is a "danger to traffic" signal, which requires immediately reducing speed up to being ready for a complete stop or a safe detour. That is why the correct course of action in this ticket is to drive with maximum attention and a preemptive braking reserve.
The analysis of answer options in this exam question is simple: the option with reducing speed and readiness to stop meets the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine regarding response to changing situations and allows you to avoid hitting a pedestrian in case of a sudden step onto the roadway. Driving without reducing speed ignores the risk and contradicts the principle of safe speed and the duty to respond to danger. A double horn signal is not a universal solution: the traffic rules mainly allow honking to prevent an accident, but the signal may not work or may provoke an unpredictable reaction, so the basic safe action still starts with reducing speed and being ready to stop the vehicle.
Clause 1.10 (term "Danger to traffic")
Danger to traffic — a change in the road situation (including the appearance of a moving object approaching the lane of the vehicle or crossing it) or the technical condition of the vehicle, which threatens road safety and forces the driver to immediately reduce speed or stop the vehicle.
A pedestrian showing signs of intoxication, moving along the edge of the carriageway, is a potential "danger to traffic" because they may suddenly change direction/trajectory and end up in the lane of traffic.
Clause 2.3 (driver's duties)
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 while on the road.
The situation with an "unpredictable" pedestrian directly tests the driver's duty to be attentive and respond to changes in the situation.
Clause 12.1 (choosing a safe speed)
When choosing a safe 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.
The appearance of a pedestrian who may behave unpredictably means it is necessary to choose a lower (safer) speed to ensure control and the ability to stop.
Clause 12.3 (driver's actions in case of danger to traffic)
If a danger to traffic arises that the driver can objectively detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
This is the key clause for this question: upon noticing a pedestrian with signs of intoxication near/on the edge of the carriageway, the driver is obliged to immediately reduce speed and be ready to stop.
Clause 9.5 (audible signals)
An audible signal is permitted only: in populated areas — only to prevent a traffic accident; outside populated areas — also to warn other drivers of the intention to overtake.
This additionally explains that "honking" is allowed only as a measure to prevent an accident (i.e., in case of a real threat), but the basic correct action is still to reduce speed and be ready to stop.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Be as attentive and cautious as possible, reduce speed, and be ready to stop the vehicle," considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, "danger to traffic" is a situation that threatens safety and forces the driver to immediately reduce speed or stop the vehicle, and a pedestrian with signs of intoxication is precisely such a source of unpredictable danger.
When a driver notices a pedestrian with obvious signs of alcohol intoxication walking along the edge of the roadway, the situation immediately becomes a high-risk category. Such a pedestrian may misjudge the speed and distance of a vehicle, lose balance, suddenly change direction, or unexpectedly step onto the roadway.
The Traffic Rules require the driver to be attentive, constantly monitor the road situation, and choose a safe speed accordingly. The driver is also obliged to take measures to prevent a traffic accident, and if a danger to traffic appears — to immediately reduce speed up to a complete stop. Signs of intoxication in a pedestrian are a signal that their behavior may be unpredictable, meaning danger can arise at any moment.
Practically, this means that when approaching such a pedestrian, you should reduce your speed in advance, increase your safety distance, and keep your foot ready to brake. For example, if a person is walking "along the edge" but is staggering, they may suddenly move into the lane, stumble, or stop, and only a timely reduction in speed gives the driver time to react and stop the vehicle without abrupt maneuvers or risk to others.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Be as attentive and cautious as possible, reduce speed, and be ready to stop the vehicle," since a pedestrian in a state of intoxication is a potentially unpredictable danger, and the Traffic Rules require the driver to choose a safe speed and, when danger arises, to immediately reduce speed up to a stop to prevent an accident.