55.2. What measures must a bus driver take after signaling the intention to start moving from any stop?
UAЯких заходів повинен вжити водій автобуса, що подав сигнал про намір розпочати рух від будь-якої зупинки?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning road safety when a route vehicle begins to move from a stop. The situation is typical for urban traffic: a bus signals a turn and tries to merge into the flow, while other drivers may react differently. That is why the traffic rules emphasize not only the 'priority' but, above all, the obligation to act safely and not create hazardous situations.
The question tests knowledge of the PDR section regarding the movement of route vehicles, specifically the requirements of point 17.5. According to this point, the driver of a bus (as well as a minibus or trolleybus) who has signaled the intention to start moving from a stop must take measures to prevent an accident. That is, they must assess the situation, make sure the maneuver is safe, monitor the 'blind spots,' and not start moving in a way that forces others to brake sharply or change lanes.
The analysis of the options in the theoretical exam boils down to the fact that statements about 'priority' as a basis for unconditionally starting to move are incorrect: neither tying it only to populated areas nor allowing it on all roads cancels the obligation to prevent an incident. In real traffic, a correct understanding of this rule helps avoid conflicts with vehicles behind, reduces the risk of collisions when changing lanes, and forms a safe model of driver behavior near public transport stops.
Clause 17.5
Drivers of buses, minibuses, and trolleybuses who have signaled their intention to start moving from a stop must take measures to prevent a road traffic accident.
Brief application: even when signaling and starting to move from a stop, the bus driver is obliged to act in a way that does not create danger and does not allow a traffic accident to occur.
Clause 1.10 (term "Bus")
Bus — a motor vehicle with more than nine seats, including the driver's seat, which by its design and equipment is intended for the carriage of passengers and their luggage, providing the necessary comfort and safety.
Clause 1.10 (term "Route vehicles")
Route vehicles — public transport vehicles (buses, trolleybuses, trams, route taxis) that carry passengers along established routes and have designated places on the road for boarding (alighting) passengers.
That is, the correct answer is "Must take measures to prevent a road traffic accident," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, clause 17.5 directly establishes this duty for the bus driver who has signaled the intention to start moving from a stop.
When a bus is stopped at a bus stop and the driver signals a turn, this indicates the intention to leave the stop and merge into traffic. In such a situation, it is important to remember: simply signaling does not automatically make the departure safe and does not relieve the driver of the obligation to monitor the traffic situation.
Clause 17.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly establishes a requirement for bus drivers (as well as minibus and trolleybus drivers): after signaling the intention to start moving from a stop, they must act in a way that prevents a traffic accident. That is, the driver must assess whether the situation allows for a safe departure without the risk of collision or creating a dangerous situation, and if necessary, wait or perform the maneuver more cautiously.
In practice, this means that before starting to move, the bus driver must make sure that other road users have noticed him, that the lane he is entering is safe, and that vehicles behind are not forced to brake sharply or change direction. Even if other drivers are required to facilitate the bus's departure, the bus driver is still obliged to act in a way that prevents an emergency situation.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Must take measures to prevent a traffic accident," since clause 17.5 of the Traffic Rules obliges the bus driver, after signaling the start of movement from a stop, to act with safety in mind and not to create danger or a traffic accident.