4.25. 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 Ukrainian Traffic Rules concerns pedestrian safety in situations where they have to walk not on the sidewalk, but near the flow of traffic. Such cases are especially dangerous on roads without sidewalks or shoulders, so the traffic rules clearly define where exactly a pedestrian should walk in order to see vehicles and react to danger in time. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that the correct direction of pedestrian movement along the edge of the roadway directly affects the risk of being hit.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules on pedestrian duties, specifically the requirements of clause 4.1, as well as basic terms from clause 1.10 (what is the roadway and the shoulder). The logic of the rule is as follows: under normal conditions, a pedestrian must use the sidewalk or pedestrian path, keeping to the right side. But if there is no sidewalk, pedestrian path, or shoulder, or if movement on them is impossible, then it is allowed to walk along the edge of the roadway, and necessarily facing the flow of vehicles (that is, along the left edge)—so that the pedestrian can see approaching cars.
The option that confirms the correctness of such movement complies with the requirements of clause 4.1: the pedestrian acts according to the permitted exception and chooses a safe direction facing the flow. An alternative option would only be correct if the pedestrian was moving along the roadway in the same direction as the vehicles or when it is possible to walk on the sidewalk/shoulder, but they do not do so. In practice, this knowledge helps to correctly assess situations on rural roads and in places without pedestrian infrastructure, which often appears in questions on the theoretical exam.
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 bicycle paths, keeping to the right side and not hindering the movement of bicycles, or in a single file along the shoulder, keeping as far to the right as possible, and if there is no shoulder or it is impossible to move along it — along the edge of the carriageway facing oncoming traffic.
Explanation of application: in a situation where a pedestrian is forced to walk along the edge of the carriageway (due to the absence/impossibility of moving along the sidewalk, pedestrian path, or shoulder), he or she must move facing the flow of vehicles — in this case, the movement is correct.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — a part of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Shoulder")
Shoulder — a part of the road directly adjacent to the carriageway at the same level, which is not intended for the movement of vehicles, but is used for their stopping and parking, as well as for the movement of pedestrians, mopeds, bicycles, and horse-drawn carts (sledges) in cases provided for by these Rules.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to clause 4.1, a pedestrian, in the absence (or impossibility of movement) of a sidewalk/pedestrian path/shoulder, must move along the edge of the carriageway facing oncoming traffic.
According to the Traffic Rules, a pedestrian in a normal situation should walk on the sidewalk or pedestrian path. These places are the main and safest for pedestrians, and one should keep to the right side there.
However, the Traffic Rules allow an exception: if there is no sidewalk, pedestrian path, or shoulder, or it is impossible to walk on them, the pedestrian is allowed to walk along the edge of the roadway. But an important safety requirement applies: the pedestrian must move facing the flow of vehicles, that is, on the left edge of the roadway. This is necessary so that the pedestrian can see approaching vehicles and react in advance.
In the depicted situation, the pedestrian is walking exactly along the edge of the roadway facing the traffic flow, that is, fulfilling the requirement of point 4.1 regarding the direction of pedestrian movement in such conditions and not creating a sudden danger for themselves or drivers.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," because in the absence of the possibility to walk on the sidewalk/shoulder, the pedestrian has the right to walk along the edge of the roadway and must do so facing the flow of vehicles, as shown in this case.