8.1.81. What is the purpose of the signal given by the traffic controller using a whistle?
UAДля чого служить сигнал регулювальника, що подається свистком?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning road safety during manual traffic control at intersections and road sections where traffic lights are absent or not functioning. In such situations, the signals of the traffic controller are crucial, as the timely understanding of their meaning determines whether drivers and pedestrians can safely stop or continue moving without conflict.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the signals of the traffic controller, specifically clause 8.8 of the PDR. According to it, the whistle is not a separate “permission” or “prohibition” for movement, but is used precisely to attract the attention of road users to the further gestures and position of the controller. Additionally, it is important to remember the definition from clause 1.10: road users are not only drivers, but also pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, and other persons directly involved in traffic.
During the theoretical exam, it is important to distinguish the wording: options that limit the effect of the whistle only to drivers or only to pedestrians are incomplete, because the PDR directly refers to all road users. Likewise, statements about “warning about a change in body position” are not the regulatory purpose of the whistle: the controller may sound the whistle, including before changing a gesture, but the official purpose of the signal is one — to attract the attention of everyone who is moving or may start moving. This knowledge helps to respond correctly at an intersection: upon hearing the whistle, you should immediately focus on the gestures of the controller and act in accordance with the traffic rules.
Clause 8.8
The baton is used by police officers and employees of the military road safety inspection units only for traffic control. To attract the attention of road users, a signal given by a whistle is used. The traffic controller may give other signals that are understandable to drivers and pedestrians.
Clause 1.10 (term "Road user")
Road user — a person who directly participates in the process of movement on the road as a pedestrian, driver, passenger, animal handler, cyclist, as well as a person moving in a wheelchair.
Thus, the correct answer is "To attract the attention of road users," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a signal given by a whistle is used by the traffic controller specifically to attract the attention of all road users.
When traffic at an intersection or a section of the road is being regulated by a traffic controller, the main information for drivers and pedestrians is conveyed through the position of the controller’s arms and gestures. These signals should be the primary reference, as they directly determine who is allowed or prohibited to move and in which direction.
The whistle in this situation is not a separate “permissive” or “prohibitive” signal for passing, but serves a different purpose. According to clause 8.8 of the Traffic Rules, the whistle is used when it is necessary to draw the attention of road users to the controller. For example, before changing a gesture, in case of a complicated situation, or when someone does not notice the controller and continues moving in violation.
It is important to understand that “road users” are not only drivers, but also pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, and other persons who are directly involved in traffic. Therefore, the sound of the whistle is addressed to everyone who is currently moving or may start moving and needs to respond promptly to the controller’s actions.
Thus, the correct answer is "To attract the attention of road users," since according to clause 8.8 of the Traffic Rules, the whistle is used precisely as a means to draw the attention of all road users to the controller’s subsequent signals.