35.160. Looking at zone C in this situation, I must take into account that:
UAДивлячись на зону С в даному випадку я повинен враховувати, що:
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning road safety in conditions of limited visibility and anticipating pedestrian behavior. In real traffic, the greatest risks arise not when the danger is already obvious, but when it may suddenly appear: a person stands near the edge of the roadway or steps out from behind parked cars, and the driver must be prepared for their actions in advance.
The question tests knowledge of sections of the Traffic Rules regarding the driver's duties and choosing a safe speed, which is especially important for the theoretical exam. The logic is simple: the driver is required to be attentive and continuously monitor the situation (clause 2.3), and to select a speed that allows for safe control and timely reaction (clause 12.1). If a danger can be detected in advance, speed must be reduced immediately, up to a complete stop (clause 12.3), since the appearance of a moving object, including a pedestrian, is by definition a "danger to traffic" (clause 1.10).
Among the answer options, the correct one is based on the principle of risk predictability: a pedestrian may suddenly start moving at any moment, even if they are formally required to cross at designated places (clause 4.7) and to make sure it is safe before stepping out when visibility is obstructed (clause 4.10). On the other hand, the statement that a pedestrian "will definitely yield" is incorrect and dangerous in practice: on the road, decisions should not be based on the assumption that another participant will flawlessly comply with the traffic rules, so the correct tactic is to reduce speed and be ready to stop.
Clause 2.3 (driver's duties)
The driver is obliged to be attentive, monitor the traffic situation, respond appropriately to its changes, and not be distracted from driving the vehicle.
Application explanation: a pedestrian in a limited visibility area (between/behind parked cars, near the roadside) is a potential source of sudden changes in the situation, so the driver must constantly monitor this area and be ready to act.
Clause 12.1 (speed of movement)
When choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the traffic situation, the specifics 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 explanation: the presence of a pedestrian near the carriageway/close to the traffic lane in zone "C" requires choosing such a safe speed that the driver can react immediately if the pedestrian starts moving.
Clause 12.3 (speed of movement)
If a danger to traffic arises, which the driver can detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Application explanation: a pedestrian in zone "C" creates a potential danger (may suddenly step onto the traffic lane), so the driver must be ready to immediately reduce speed up to stopping.
Clause 1.10 (term "Danger to traffic")
Danger to traffic — a change in the traffic situation (including the appearance of a moving object) that threatens road safety and forces the driver to immediately reduce speed or stop.
Application explanation: the start of pedestrian movement from the roadside/between parked cars is exactly such a possible "appearance of a moving object" that the driver is obliged to anticipate in advance.
Clause 4.7 (duties of pedestrians)
Pedestrians must cross the carriageway at pedestrian crossings, including underground and overground ones, and in their absence — at intersections along the lines of sidewalks or roadsides.
Application explanation: even if a pedestrian potentially violates the crossing procedure, the driver must still take into account the possibility of their movement and act safely.
Clause 4.10 (duties of pedestrians)
Before entering the carriageway from behind standing vehicles and any objects that limit visibility, pedestrians must make sure there are no approaching vehicles.
Application explanation: in practice, a pedestrian may not fulfill this requirement and start moving suddenly — this is exactly what needs to be considered in zone "C".
That is, the correct answer is "A pedestrian can start moving at any moment.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the appearance/start of movement of a pedestrian in a limited visibility area is a potential danger to traffic, which obliges the driver to choose a safe speed in advance and be ready to reduce it immediately up to stopping.
In this situation, the driver must assess not only vehicles but also the potential actions of pedestrians. That is why zone C requires maximum attention: there is a pedestrian near the edge of the roadway, next to objects that may limit visibility and create the effect of a person suddenly appearing in the lane.
According to the Traffic Rules, before stepping onto the roadway through visibility obstacles (for example, due to standing vehicles or other objects), a pedestrian is required to make sure there are no approaching cars (clause 4.10). Pedestrians must also cross the road at pedestrian crossings, and if there are none—at intersections along the lines of sidewalks or road shoulders (clause 4.7). However, in practice, these requirements are often violated, and the driver cannot count on the pedestrian always acting correctly and predictably.
The key danger of zone C is that a pedestrian may suddenly step onto the roadway—even if they are not moving at the moment. For example, a person may be in a hurry, misjudge the speed of a car, or step out from behind an obstacle without making sure it is safe. For the driver, this means the need to be ready for an immediate change in the situation and to choose a safe speed in advance in order to be able to stop or avoid a collision.
Therefore, the correct answer is "A pedestrian may start moving at any moment," since in zone C the pedestrian is near the roadway in conditions of increased risk and may unexpectedly step into the lane, even violating the requirements of clauses 4.7 and 4.10 of the Traffic Rules.