35.138. When driving past parked vehicles, you must:
UAПроїжджаючи повз припарковані транспортні засоби необхідно:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests basic skills for safe driving in urban conditions, where visibility is limited by parked vehicles. Such a situation is a typical cause of traffic accidents due to "blind spots" near the right edge of the roadway: pedestrians, children, cyclists, or animals may suddenly appear from behind the cars, and there is also a risk of doors being unexpectedly opened. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that a driver must not only comply with formal requirements but also anticipate dangers that arise from the behavior of other road users.
In terms of content, this question belongs to the topic "Duties and Safety of Road Users" in the traffic rules and checks the ability to apply regulations related to pedestrians and stopping/parking. Clause 4.10 obliges pedestrians, before stepping onto the roadway from behind objects that limit visibility, to make sure there are no cars, but in practice, people may make mistakes or act carelessly. Clause 15.13 prohibits opening doors or getting out of a car if it creates danger, but a driver cannot rely on everyone always following the traffic rules, so they must drive with increased attention, a safe gap, and at such a speed as to be able to react in time.
The logic of the answer options is as follows: the correct approach is "caution and risk anticipation," as it directly addresses the real threats near parked cars and aligns with the requirements for safe driving. The advice to "drive as quickly as possible" is incorrect, as increasing speed reduces reaction time and increases the consequences of a possible collision. And driving with the hazard lights on does not replace choosing a safe speed and gap and in most cases is not necessary; instead, in the exam, it is important to demonstrate an understanding that the main thing here is control of the situation, risk reduction, and readiness for sudden actions by other road users.
Clause 4.10
Pedestrians, before stepping onto the roadway from behind standing vehicles or any objects that limit visibility, must make sure there are no approaching vehicles.
Application: Even though pedestrians are required to ensure safety, the driver, when passing parked vehicles (which limit visibility), must consider the risk of a sudden appearance of a pedestrian/animal from behind them and act cautiously.
Clause 15.13
It is prohibited to open the doors of a vehicle, leave them open, or exit the vehicle if this endangers safety or creates obstacles for other road users.
Application: Although the Traffic Rules prohibit creating obstacles by opening doors, a driver passing parked cars should anticipate the possible sudden opening of a door and proceed with increased caution.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Be as careful as possible, as there may be a sudden appearance of people or animals from behind vehicles, as well as the opening of doors," considering that by definition of the Traffic Rules, a pedestrian may step onto the roadway from behind objects that limit visibility (clause 4.10), and there is also a risk of a parked vehicle's door opening despite the prohibition on creating danger (clause 15.13).
When you drive past parked cars, visibility of the right edge of the roadway is often limited. Pedestrians, children, cyclists, or animals may be behind these vehicles, whom the driver cannot see until the last moment. That is why in this situation you need to act cautiously in advance and be prepared for unexpected developments.
The Traffic Rules in clause 4.10 require a pedestrian who is stepping onto the roadway from behind a vehicle or another obstacle to first make sure that no cars are approaching. However, in practice, a pedestrian may make a mistake, be in a hurry, or simply misjudge your speed. Therefore, the driver should not rely solely on the correct behavior of the pedestrian, but must take into account the risk of a person suddenly appearing from behind a parked car.
A separate danger when passing parked vehicles is the opening of doors or the appearance of a passenger on the roadway. Clause 15.13 prohibits opening doors or exiting the vehicle if it creates a danger or obstacle for other road users. However, violations or inattention are also possible here: doors may be opened abruptly without checking the mirror, or a passenger may step directly into your path. The driver needs to maintain a safe lateral distance and choose a speed that allows timely reaction.
For example, you are driving along a narrow street next to a row of parked cars: a pedestrian may suddenly step out from behind one of them toward the nearest crosswalk, a child may run onto the road, or doors may open from a neighboring car. If you have reduced your speed in advance, keep a safe distance, and monitor the situation ahead, the risk of collision is significantly reduced.
Thus, the correct answer is "Be as careful as possible, because people or animals may suddenly appear from behind cars, as well as doors may open," since parked cars limit visibility, and pedestrians and passengers may act suddenly or in violation of the rules, so the driver must anticipate these dangers in advance and drive cautiously.