60.13. Is it mandatory to place a warning triangle in the event of a road accident involving a trolleybus?
UAЧи обов'язкове встановлення знака аварійної зупинки в разі ДТП на тролейбусі?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about road safety after a traffic accident and the correct marking of the location of a forced stop. Such knowledge is important for the theoretical exam, as warning other drivers about an obstacle on the road reduces the risk of repeated collisions, especially when the vehicle has stopped on the traffic lane, near a public transport stop, after a turn, or in conditions of limited visibility.
The question tests Section 9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, Warning Signals, as well as the driver's duties in the event of an accident (item 2.10). The stop of a trolleybus after an accident is considered forced, so according to item 9.10 (a), the hazard warning lights must be switched on, and according to item 2.10 (b), the driver is additionally required to place an emergency stop sign in accordance with item 9.11. This requirement does not depend on the type of vehicle, so it also applies to trolleybuses.
An answer that denies the need to place the sign contradicts the direct duty of the driver when involved in an accident. The option that ties the requirement only to the presence of casualties is also incorrect, because the Traffic Rules establish the obligation to mark the accident site in any case, regardless of the consequences. In practice, this means that after an accident, you need not only to turn on the hazard lights, but also to place the sign (or a flashing red lantern) at a safe distance, but not closer than 20 m in populated areas and 40 m outside them, so that other road users can see the danger in advance.
Clause 2.10 (subclause "b" — driver's duties in case of involvement in a traffic accident)
In case of involvement in a traffic accident, the driver is obliged to: turn on the hazard warning lights and place the emergency stop sign in accordance with the requirements of clause 9.11 of these Rules.
This requirement applies to the driver of any vehicle, including a trolleybus, so the emergency stop sign must be placed in the event of an accident regardless of the circumstances.
Clause 9.10 (subclause "a" — 9 "Warning signals", hazard warning lights)
The hazard warning lights must be turned on: in case of a forced stop on the road.
The stop of a trolleybus after an accident is considered forced, so along with other actions provided by the Traffic Rules, the hazard warning lights must be turned on.
Clause 9.11 — 9 "Warning signals", emergency stop sign
The emergency stop sign or a flashing red lantern must be placed at a distance that ensures road safety, but not closer than 20 m in populated areas and 40 m outside them from the vehicle.
Thus, the correct answer is "Mandatory in any case.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a driver involved in an accident is obliged to turn on the hazard warning lights and must place the emergency stop sign (complying with the distance requirements).
After a road traffic accident, the primary task of the trolleybus driver, as well as any other vehicle driver, is to warn other road users about the danger on the road. Therefore, the Traffic Rules provide not only for recording the fact of the accident, but also for mandatory actions to ensure safety at the scene.
According to clause 9.10 [a] of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in the event of an accident, the driver is required to turn on the hazard warning lights and additionally mark the scene with an emergency stop sign or a flashing red lantern. This requirement does not depend on the type of vehicle involved in the accident—whether it is a passenger car, bus, or trolleybus. That is, the very fact of an accident automatically triggers the obligation to install such a warning device.
The practical meaning of this rule is simple: hazard lights may not be sufficiently visible from a distance, especially during the day, in difficult weather conditions, or when the trolleybus is stopped after a turn or on an incline. The emergency stop sign (or flashing red lantern) is placed at a distance that allows other drivers to see the danger in advance, reduce speed, and safely bypass the scene. For example, if a trolleybus stops in the traffic lane or near a stop after a collision, the installed sign will warn approaching vehicles before they see the obstacle up close.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Mandatory in any case," since clause 9.10 [a] requires, in the event of an accident, that along with turning on the hazard warning lights, it is also mandatory to install an emergency stop sign or a flashing red lantern to mark the scene, regardless of the type of vehicle.