38.2. What should you do if a truck does not reduce speed when entering a bridge?
UAЯкими будуть ваші дії, якщо вантажний автомобіль не зменшує швидкість, виїжджаючи на міст?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about road safety on narrow sections (bridge, overpass), where a mistake in assessing the situation quickly leads to a head-on collision. It teaches the main principle of traffic rules: even when having formal priority, the driver is obliged to act in a way that does not create a dangerous situation and to respond in advance to obvious danger.
The question tests knowledge of the Traffic Rules section regarding priority road signs, in particular sign 2.6 "Priority over oncoming traffic" (item 33), as well as the general duties of the driver to be attentive and respond appropriately to changing circumstances (item 2.3), and the requirement to immediately reduce speed up to a stop in case of danger (item 12.3, also related to item 12.1). In the theoretical exam, it is important to understand: priority by sign does not cancel the obligation to avoid an accident if the oncoming vehicle clearly does not intend to yield or may have a technical malfunction.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to practical safety logic. Continuing to drive just because of "priority" is a mistake, because on a narrow section you will not have space to avoid a collision. Blinding with high beams is neither a lawful nor a reliable way to "stop" the violator, and may even worsen the situation. The only correct tactic in such conditions for a driver who follows the traffic rules is to start braking, reduce speed, and be ready to stop to prevent an accident, even if the sign is formally on your side.
Clause 33.2 — 33 "Road Signs", 2 "Priority Signs", sign 2.6 "Priority over Oncoming Traffic"
Sign 2.6 "Priority over Oncoming Traffic" is installed before a narrow section of the road, where the driver has priority over oncoming vehicles (including on bridges, overpasses, etc.).
Clause 1.5
Road users are required to know and strictly comply with the requirements of these Rules, as well as be mutually polite.
Clause 2.3 (subparagraph "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 while on the road.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving 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.
Clause 12.3
If a danger to traffic or an obstacle 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.
Thus, the correct answer is "Start braking to avoid creating a dangerous situation," given that, according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to be attentive and, in the event of danger, immediately reduce speed up to stopping, even if formally having priority according to sign 2.6.
When approaching a bridge with a narrow section of road, you should rely on priority road signs. Sign 2.6 “Priority over oncoming traffic” means that according to the rules, you have the right to pass through this narrow section first, and oncoming vehicles must yield.
However, priority in the Traffic Rules is not permission to ignore danger. If you see that the oncoming truck is not reducing speed and clearly does not intend to comply with the sign’s requirement, the situation becomes unpredictable. The reasons may vary: the driver may not have noticed the signs, misjudged the distance and speed, or may even have a technical malfunction (for example, brake problems). In any case, it may be impossible to pass each other safely on the narrow section.
Therefore, the correct tactic for a driver acting safely and responsibly is not to “insist” on your right of way, but to reduce speed in advance, be ready to stop, and thus prevent a collision on the bridge. This is precisely fulfilling the general duty of a driver to act in a way that does not create a dangerous situation.
Thus, the correct answer is “Start braking to avoid creating a dangerous situation,” because even if you have priority according to sign 2.6, you must prevent danger when the oncoming truck does not reduce speed and may not yield on the narrow section.