4.9. What is prohibited for pedestrians when crossing the carriageway, even at a pedestrian crossing?
UAЩо заборонено пішоходам під час переходу проїзної частини навіть на пішохідному переході?
Question without image
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about pedestrian safety when crossing the roadway and preventing emergency situations. In the theoretical exam, it reminds of a key principle: even at a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian is not exempt from the obligation to act cautiously and not create danger for themselves or other road users. It is sudden and thoughtless actions on the road that often cause traffic accidents.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding pedestrian duties, specifically paragraph 4.14 a), b) of the Traffic Rules. It refers to two prohibitions: one must not step onto the roadway without making sure it is safe (assessing the speed and distance of vehicles, visibility, the possibility to stop), and one must not suddenly enter or run onto the road, including at a crossing. Both rules work simultaneously: the first is about responsible assessment of the situation, the second about the inadmissibility of abrupt actions that deprive the driver of time to react.
The analysis of the options in this exam question comes down to the fact that each of the two separate points describes an independent prohibition provided by the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: one about entering without being sure of safety, the other about sudden entry/running out. Therefore, the correct answer is a generalizing choice that covers both prohibitions at once, not just one of them.
The practical meaning of this topic for learning and passing the theoretical exam is simple: a pedestrian crossing does not guarantee an instant stop of vehicles, especially on slippery roads, with limited visibility, or the presence of parked cars. Compliance with the traffic rules regarding cautious entry onto the roadway and refraining from sudden movements reduces the risk of traffic accidents and helps form correct behavior in real conditions.
Clause 4.14 a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Pedestrians are prohibited from: a) stepping onto the carriageway without making sure there is no danger to themselves or other road users.
Application to the question: even when crossing the carriageway at a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian must first make sure that entering/crossing will be safe, and does not have the right to step out without assessing the traffic situation.
Clause 4.14 b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Pedestrians are prohibited from: b) suddenly stepping onto or running onto the carriageway, including at a pedestrian crossing.
Application to the question: pedestrians are prohibited from creating danger by suddenly stepping onto or running onto the carriageway, even within a pedestrian crossing.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 2," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, pedestrians are prohibited from stepping onto the carriageway without being sure of safety and are prohibited from suddenly stepping onto (running onto) the carriageway, including at a pedestrian crossing.
Even when a pedestrian is crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing, this does not mean they can act without regard to the traffic situation. The rules require the pedestrian not only to exercise their right to cross but also to take care of their own safety and not create danger for other road users.
According to clause 4.14 a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a pedestrian is prohibited from stepping onto the roadway without making sure it is safe. In practice, this means: before stepping onto the crossing, you need to assess whether a vehicle is approaching, whether it has time to stop, and whether there is a risk that the driver may not notice you. For example, if a car is approaching closely or moving quickly, stepping onto the crossing without assessing the situation can create a hazardous situation.
Clause 4.14 b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine also prohibits suddenly stepping onto or running onto the roadway, including at a pedestrian crossing. A sudden entry deprives the driver of time to react and brake, especially on a slippery road or when visibility is limited by parked cars or other obstacles. Even if the crossing is marked, the driver may physically not have time to stop, and it is precisely the suddenness of the pedestrian's actions that often becomes the cause of a dangerous situation.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 2," since pedestrians are prohibited from stepping onto the roadway without making sure it is safe, and from suddenly stepping onto (or running onto) it even at a pedestrian crossing.