35.137. When approaching a pedestrian crossing where there are no pedestrians, you:
UAНаближаючись до пішохідного переходу, на якому немає пішоходів, Ви:
This exam question focuses on road safety when passing pedestrian crossings. Even when the "zebra" appears empty, the area near the crossing is considered high-risk: a pedestrian may suddenly appear from behind parked cars, public transport stops, or other visual obstacles. That is why the traffic rules require the driver not to simply "drive as usual," but to control their speed and be ready to react immediately.
The question tests knowledge of Section 18 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (passing pedestrian crossings), primarily the requirements of clause 18.1 regarding approaching an uncontrolled crossing, as well as the general principles of attentiveness and hazard response from clauses 2.3(b) and 12.3. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the logic: the traffic rules do not require you to brake every time before an empty crossing, but they do require you to drive cautiously, assess the situation, and be ready to reduce speed and, if necessary, stop so as not to create an obstacle or danger to pedestrians.
The analysis of answer options in this task highlights common mistakes. The correct approach is to pass attentively, being ready to reduce speed or stop: this meets the requirements of the traffic rules and real road risks. Accelerating before a crossing contradicts the principle of safety and makes it harder to brake if a pedestrian appears suddenly, while mandatory stopping before every empty crossing is not provided for by the traffic rules and may create unnecessary obstacles and danger for other road users.
Clause 18.1
The driver of a vehicle approaching an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing where there are pedestrians must reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to give way to pedestrians for whom an obstacle or danger may be created.
This clause checks the driver's obligation, when approaching a pedestrian crossing, to be ready to reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to give priority to pedestrians (when they appear/are present at the crossing).
Clause 12.3
If a danger to traffic or an obstacle arises, which the driver is objectively able to detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
This clause applies to the situation "a pedestrian may suddenly step onto the crossing": the driver must be ready to immediately reduce speed up to stopping.
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 on the road.
This subclause checks the general obligation of increased attentiveness when approaching places where pedestrians may appear (pedestrian crossing), even if there is currently no one on it.
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian crossing")
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the carriageway, road structure, or part thereof, intended for pedestrian movement across the road and marked with road signs and/or road markings. The pedestrian crossing may be underground or overground.
This term is necessary for the correct identification of the object to which the requirements of section 18 of the Traffic Rules apply.
That is, the correct answer is "You will be careful and ready to reduce speed, and if necessary, stop the vehicle," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to be attentive, when approaching a pedestrian crossing to be ready to timely reduce speed, and in case of danger — to take measures up to stopping, so as not to create obstacles or danger for pedestrians.
When approaching a pedestrian crossing, the driver should treat this area as potentially dangerous, even if there is no one visible on the "zebra" at that moment. The reason is simple: a pedestrian may appear suddenly, and the time for reaction and braking near the crossing is always limited.
Clause 18.1 of the Traffic Rules establishes the driver's obligation, when approaching an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, to act in such a way as not to create obstacles or danger for pedestrians: if necessary, to reduce speed and stop to give way. In practice, this means that the driver must assess the situation near the crossing in advance and be ready to take these actions immediately.
Even when there are no pedestrians at the crossing, they may appear from behind parked cars, from behind a public transport stop, trees, billboards, or other obstacles that limit visibility. For example, you are approaching a "zebra", there is a minibus on the right, and a pedestrian may step onto the roadway just as you are already close. If you are prepared in advance to drive cautiously, keep your foot ready, and control your speed, you will have the opportunity to safely reduce speed or stop.
It is important to understand the difference: the Traffic Rules do not require you to "necessarily brake" every time the crossing is empty. But the driver is obliged to approach attentively and be ready to immediately reduce speed and stop if the situation changes and a pedestrian appears who may be obstructed or endangered.
Therefore, the correct answer is "You will be cautious and ready to reduce speed, and if necessary, stop the vehicle," since according to clause 18.1, when approaching a pedestrian crossing, the driver must act so that in the event of a pedestrian's appearance, they can immediately ensure safe passage, reducing speed or stopping if necessary.