In Ukraine, 545 "critical intersections" have been identified where traffic lights must operate even during blackouts. In case of a malfunction or a prolonged power outage, patrol officers are sent to these intersections to regulate traffic. However, during blackouts, many traffic lights do not work, so pedestrians and drivers face increased danger every day.
Oleksiy Biloshytskyi, First Deputy Head of the Patrol Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine, told UNN journalist about how to behave on the road and the accident situation during blackouts.
How pedestrians should act
Even during the day, switched-off traffic lights can create confusion at crossings. Oleksiy Biloshytskyi advises pedestrians and drivers to be especially careful and always make sure that they are given way.
Stop before the crossing. Never step onto the crossing suddenly. Assess the speed of the car. If the car is not slowing down, it may be better to wait. Do not take risks, even if you have the right of way according to traffic rules. Your life and health are more important
After that, pedestrians need to control the situation in adjacent lanes. After all, if the driver in the first lane lets you pass, the driver in the second or third lane may not let you pass, so before stepping out from behind a stopped car, you need to carefully look out and make sure there is no danger.
Start moving only after making sure the car has stopped. Do not step "under the wheels" of a braking car, but wait for it to come to a complete stop
Also, in the dark, it is important for pedestrians to make themselves as visible as possible. Choose light-colored outerwear, and also purchase reflective elements that significantly increase the likelihood that the driver will see you. These can be: a bracelet, a ribbon on a backpack, or even a vest.
And if you have pets, they should be protected with glowing collars or clothing with reflective elements.
How to wear reflectors
- Place them on the side of the car's movement relative to you, or even better - on both sides;
- Place them at the driver's eye level;
- For children, it is better to place them at the level of the head, torso, and arms - due to their smaller height, children are less visible on the roads;
- Place them on movable parts of the body (forearms, shins, wrists, ankles);
- The most visible reflectors are yellow and larger than 15 sq cm.
The traffic rules directly state the obligation to have such elements in the dark or in poor visibility. Failure to comply is subject to a fine.
According to clause 4.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, pedestrians moving along the roadway or roadside must use retroreflective elements (tape, sticker, vest, etc.) or be in clothing that has retroreflective elements. Violation of this rule entails liability in the form of a fine
Serhiy Zhadan, frontman of the band "Zhadan i Sobaky" and writer, also spoke about the importance of using reflectors on the roads, urging Ukrainians to wear reflective elements.
Hello everyone. My name is Serhiy Zhadan. I want to tell you something. It's autumn already, it gets dark early, so it's very important to have light and reflective elements on you so that you are visible on the street. This is important for both you and the safety of others. Do not neglect these rules
Law enforcement officers emphasize: flickers help drivers see pedestrians in the dark in advance.
Why is this important? With flickers, you are visible from more than 100 meters away
How drivers should act at uncontrolled crossings
In the dark, the driver must drive at such a speed as to be able to stop the car within sight. It is necessary to reduce speed if the vehicle ahead has stopped before the crossing. And if necessary - stop completely. Movement can be continued only after making sure that there are no pedestrians at the crossing for whom an obstacle or danger may be created.
Every driver must comply with traffic rules, be attentive, monitor the road situation, react accordingly to its changes, and be especially attentive to such categories of road users as cyclists, people moving in wheelchairs, and pedestrians
Also, drivers, depending on the speed of movement, road conditions, characteristics of the transported cargo, as well as the condition of the vehicle, must maintain a safe distance and a safe interval
In the dark and when power outages occur throughout the country and traffic lights do not work, it is necessary to be guided by clause 18.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, namely, if a vehicle slows down or stops before an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, drivers of other vehicles moving in adjacent lanes must slow down, and if necessary, stop. Drivers can continue moving only after making sure that there are no pedestrians at the pedestrian crossing for whom an obstacle or danger may be created
Accident statistics during blackouts
In the period from October 1 to November 7 of this year, the number of accidents with casualties decreased. The patrol police department notes a positive trend.
From 01.10.2025 to 07.11.2025, police registered 2,761 accidents with casualties, which is 7.2% less than in the same period last year (2,972 accidents). In such accidents, 376 people died, which is 6.5% less than in the same period last year (402 people), and 3,298 people were injured, which is 9.8% less than in the same period last year (3,655 people)
Working traffic lights at critical intersections
To reduce the risk of accidents, 545 critical intersections have been identified. Uninterrupted traffic regulation is ensured at these intersections.
Thanks to the measures taken, various services have ensured the uninterrupted operation of traffic light objects that regulate traffic at such intersections. In case of urgent need (non-working backup power supply or long-term power outage, etc.), patrol officers are sent to the designated intersection to regulate road traffic in order to prevent road accidents and traffic jams
Pedestrians and drivers should be as careful as possible during blackouts. Adherence to rules, speed control, and the use of reflective elements significantly reduce the risk of accidents. The patrol police urge all road users not to neglect safety.