62.8. Which of the following is prohibited for a trolleybus driver?
UAЩо з переліченого заборонено водієві тролейбуса?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safety of passenger transportation in urban electric transport and the discipline of the driver while driving. For a trolleybus, any distraction of the driver is especially dangerous, as they are responsible not only for maneuvering in heavy traffic, but also for safe boarding and alighting, door control, and adherence to speed limits in the city.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding passenger transportation, specifically the requirements of clause 21.2. The regulation directly prohibits the trolleybus driver from being distracted by conversations with passengers during transportation, as well as by domestic activities such as eating, drinking, or smoking, since this reduces attention and may occupy the hands or gaze, which is critical when operating a large vehicle.
During the theoretical exam, it is important to distinguish that the requirement to present a receipt for baggage transportation may relate to payment control/processing and is not itself a general prohibition for the driver in the context of clause 21.2. Similarly, not allowing passengers on board in the absence of free seats is related to transportation and safety rules, but it is not the direct prohibition established by the traffic rules for the trolleybus driver while driving. The practical meaning of this regulation is simple: in the city, the situation changes every second, and the driver must remain fully focused on the road, traffic signals, pedestrians, and the maneuvers of other road users.
Clause 21.2
While transporting passengers, the trolleybus driver is prohibited from talking to them, eating, drinking, smoking, as well as transporting passengers and cargo in the cab if it is separated from the passenger compartment.
Explanation of application: the direct prohibition stated in clause 21.2 covers the driver's actions while driving/transporting passengers, in particular talking to passengers, eating/drinking, and smoking, which distracts from driving.
That is, the correct answer is "Talking to passengers, eating, drinking, smoking while the trolleybus is in motion," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, clause 21.2 directly prohibits the trolleybus driver from talking to passengers, eating, drinking, and smoking while transporting passengers.
While operating a trolleybus, the driver bears increased responsibility for the safety of passengers, so their attention must be focused exclusively on the traffic situation, driving, and monitoring boarding/alighting. Any distracting actions create a risk of delayed reaction to pedestrians, traffic light signals, maneuvers of other road users, or changes in road conditions.
That is why the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (paragraph 21.4) establish a prohibition for the trolleybus driver, during passenger transportation, against being distracted by household actions and communication. Talking to passengers, as well as eating, drinking, or smoking while driving, reduces control over the situation: the driver may take their eyes off the road, occupy their hands, or lose concentration at a critical moment.
Imagine a typical city situation: a trolleybus approaches a stop, pedestrians are crossing nearby, someone suddenly brakes ahead, and a passenger addresses the driver with a question. If the driver starts to respond, while simultaneously drinking coffee or eating, their attention is scattered, which increases the likelihood of a dangerous maneuver or untimely braking.
Thus, the correct answer is "To talk to passengers, eat, drink, or smoke while the trolleybus is moving," since paragraph 21.4 of the Traffic Rules prohibits the trolleybus driver, during passenger transportation, from performing actions that distract from driving and reduce the level of traffic safety.