35.170. Is it necessary to reduce speed when passing a pedestrian in this case?
UAЧи потрібно зменшити швидкість, проїжджаючи повз пішохода у даному випадку?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety when driving near pedestrians. In real-life situations, a pedestrian is the least protected participant, and their actions can be unpredictable: a sudden step onto the roadway, a change of direction, emerging from behind an obstacle, or an incorrect assessment of the vehicle's speed. Therefore, the driver must act "proactively" to minimize the risk of an accident.
The question tests knowledge of the "General Provisions" section of the traffic rules, specifically the requirement of point 1.7 regarding the driver's special attentiveness to pedestrians and other vulnerable participants. In practice, such attentiveness means not only observing but also adjusting driving behavior: choosing a safe speed according to the road situation (p. 12.1) and, in case of potential danger, reducing speed in advance up to a complete stop (p. 12.3). This is exactly what is expected in the theoretical exam.
The option that involves reducing speed is correct because the appearance of a pedestrian near the vehicle's trajectory already creates a risk factor that the driver can objectively detect and must respond to. The opposite option is incorrect: maintaining speed ignores the requirements of the traffic rules regarding increased caution and reduces the time available for reaction, especially in limited visibility, at night, or when a pedestrian may emerge from behind an obstacle.
Clause 1.7
Drivers are required to be especially attentive to such categories of road users as cyclists, persons in wheelchairs, and pedestrians.
Explanation of application: a pedestrian near/next to the carriageway is a potential source of sudden danger (may unexpectedly change direction or step onto the carriageway), so the driver must act with increased caution, in particular by reducing speed.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road 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.
Explanation of application: the presence of a pedestrian near the trajectory of movement is an element of the road situation that requires the choice of a lower (safe) speed to ensure control and the possibility of timely reaction.
Clause 12.3
If there is 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 bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Explanation of application: a pedestrian in close proximity to the carriageway creates a potential danger to traffic, which the driver is able to detect in advance, therefore the driver is obliged to reduce speed (if necessary — up to a stop).
That is, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver must be especially attentive to pedestrians, choose a safe speed according to the road situation, and in the presence of actual/possible danger, immediately reduce speed up to stopping.
In the situation shown, when passing by a pedestrian, the driver must act with increased caution. This is not a formality, but a safety requirement: a pedestrian is the least protected road user, and their behavior can be unpredictable.
According to clause 1.7 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the driver is obliged to be especially attentive to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. In practice, such attentiveness means not only observing the pedestrian, but also preparing in advance for a possible change in the situation: reducing speed to have enough time to react and the ability to stop.
Even if the pedestrian is currently on the roadside or near the edge of the carriageway, they may suddenly step onto the road, go around an obstacle, change direction, or simply misjudge the speed of the car. Under such conditions, reducing speed is a logical proactive action that reduces the risk of collision and allows you to safely pass by.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes.", since according to clause 1.7 the driver must be especially attentive to pedestrians and, in order to safely pass by them, reduce speed in advance to have a margin of time for a possible sudden change in their actions.