4.24. Is the pedestrian moving correctly along the edge of the carriageway in this case?
UAЧи правильно в даному випадку рухається пішохід по краю проїзної частини?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns pedestrian safety when they have to move alongside traffic flow. In real traffic, the correct choice of location and direction for a pedestrian is critically important for visibility, the ability to react in time, and to avoid being hit, which is why such situations are often checked in the theoretical exam.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding pedestrian duties, specifically item 4.1. According to this item, priority is always given to the sidewalk or pedestrian path; if these are absent or impassable, the shoulder is allowed. Only if there is no shoulder (or it is impossible to walk on it) may a pedestrian move along the edge of the roadway, but always facing oncoming traffic, keeping to the left side of the road. This is because, by definition, the roadway is intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles, so the pedestrian must ensure they can see approaching vehicles.
The answer "Yes" would only be possible if the pedestrian is walking along the edge of the roadway facing the traffic flow, not in the same direction as the vehicles. The answer "No" is correct because moving in the direction of traffic means cars approach from behind, and the pedestrian cannot see them coming or assess the danger in advance. This is the rule to remember for the theoretical exam: if you have to walk along the edge of the roadway, you must walk facing the oncoming vehicles, regardless of whether you are in a populated area or outside it.
Clause 4.1
Pedestrians must move along sidewalks and pedestrian paths, keeping to the right side. In the absence of sidewalks, pedestrian paths, or if it is impossible to move along them, pedestrians may move along the shoulder, keeping to the left side. In the absence of a shoulder or if it is impossible to move along it, pedestrians may move along the edge of the carriageway facing oncoming traffic.
This clause checks the obligation of a pedestrian who is moving along the edge of the carriageway (when there is no sidewalk/pedestrian path/shoulder or movement along them is impossible) to walk facing the flow of vehicles, not in the same direction as traffic.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
In this question, this is needed to understand that "the edge of the carriageway" is part of the road element along which vehicles move, and therefore a special requirement regarding the direction of movement from clause 4.1 applies to the pedestrian.
Clause 1.10 (term "Shoulder")
Shoulder — an element of the road that adjoins the carriageway at the same level, not intended for vehicle movement, but intended for stopping and parking vehicles, movement of pedestrians, cyclists (and other road users — in cases provided for by these Rules).
This term is important because clause 4.1 establishes the priority of pedestrian movement along the shoulder (and if there is no shoulder/movement along it is impossible — then along the edge of the carriageway).
Thus, the correct answer is "No.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a pedestrian who is forced to move along the edge of the carriageway must walk facing the flow of vehicles (clause 4.1), and in the given situation, he/she is moving incorrectly — in the same direction as traffic.
According to the general rule, a pedestrian must move along the sidewalk or pedestrian path. These are the safest places for pedestrians. Only when there is no sidewalk, pedestrian path, or shoulder, or it is impossible to use them, is it allowed to walk along the edge of the roadway.
But even in such a forced situation, the direction of the pedestrian's movement is clearly defined. According to clause 4.1 of the Traffic Rules, when a pedestrian is walking along the edge of the roadway, they must keep to the left side of the road and move facing the flow of traffic. This is necessary for safety: the pedestrian sees the approaching vehicles, can assess their speed and trajectory, and step aside or stop in time.
In the given case, the pedestrian is moving along the roadway in the same direction as the vehicles. This means that cars are approaching from behind, and the pedestrian cannot monitor their approach. Such behavior contradicts the requirement of clause 4.1 to move facing the traffic flow, regardless of whether it is within a populated area or outside it.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No.", because when moving along the edge of the roadway, the pedestrian must walk on the left side facing the vehicles, but here they are moving in the same direction as the traffic.