9.47. Which warning signal is allowed to be used to attract the attention of the driver of the vehicle being overtaken?
UAЯкий попереджувальний сигнал дозволено використовувати для привернення уваги водія транспортного засобу, якого обганяють?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning safety during overtaking and the correct use of warning signals when it is necessary to attract the attention of the driver ahead. Overtaking is one of the riskiest maneuvers in the traffic rules, as it often involves entering the oncoming lane, so any additional signal must be legal and not create danger for other road users.
The question tests knowledge of Section 9 "Warning Signals," specifically clause 9.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, which directly defines the permitted ways to attract the attention of the vehicle being overtaken: switching the headlights is always allowed, while the sound signal is permitted only outside populated areas. Additionally, the logic of the restriction is confirmed by clause 9.5: in populated areas, the sound signal is used only to prevent an accident, and not as a "request to let pass" during overtaking, which is important to remember for the theoretical exam.
If we analyze the options, switching the headlights meets the requirements of the Traffic Rules and can be used as a warning during overtaking, but this should be done briefly and carefully so as not to blind through the mirrors. The option with the sound signal without specifying the place of movement is incorrect, as it allows its use even in a populated area, where it is prohibited for this purpose. That is why the correct combination must take into account the restrictions: the sound signal is possible only outside populated areas, while the light signal is permissible both in the city and on the highway.
Clause 9.6 (Section 9 "Warning signals")
"To attract the attention of the driver of the vehicle being overtaken, it is allowed to use headlight flashing, and outside populated areas — also the horn."
Explanation of application: this clause directly specifies the permissible warning signals specifically for the overtaking situation — headlight flashing (allowed) and the horn (allowed only outside populated areas).
Clause 9.5 (Section 9 "Warning signals")
"The horn may be used only: to warn other road users of the intention to overtake outside populated areas; to prevent a traffic accident."
Explanation of application: this clause clarifies the general conditions under which the horn is allowed to be used at all, including in the context of overtaking — specifically outside populated areas (and in populated areas — only to prevent a traffic accident).
Thus, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 2.", given that according to the Traffic Rules, to attract attention during overtaking, headlight flashing is allowed, and the horn is allowed to be used outside populated areas (or in populated areas only to prevent a traffic accident).
During overtaking, it is important not only to indicate your intention to maneuver with the turn signal, but also to make sure that the driver of the vehicle ahead understands the situation. For this purpose, the Traffic Rules provide for specific warning signals precisely to attract the attention of the driver being overtaken.
According to paragraph 9.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a driver who is overtaking may give an additional signal by flashing the headlights. This method is allowed both within and outside populated areas, but it should be used carefully so as not to blind other road users, especially through rear-view mirrors.
The same paragraph also provides for another type of warning signal: the sound signal (horn). However, there is an important condition: it is allowed to use it to attract attention during overtaking only outside populated areas. Within populated areas, the sound signal for this purpose is not used, except in cases where it is impossible to prevent an accident without it.
For example, on a highway outside a populated area, you may briefly flash your headlights and, if necessary, use the horn so that the driver ahead does not start maneuvering into your lane. In the city, however, to attract attention during overtaking, only flashing the headlights is permitted.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 2," since paragraph 9.6 allows the use of headlight flashing to attract attention during overtaking, and outside populated areas additionally permits the use of the horn.