Should a motor vehicle driver give short audible signals when passing a pedestrian in fog outside a built-up area?

The question is about passing a pedestrian in fog outside a built-up area. The driver of a power-driven vehicle should then give short audible signals. The answer is: yes.

The Road Traffic Act states that in conditions of reduced visibility caused by fog, precipitation or other causes, the driver of a power-driven vehicle is obliged to switch on dipped headlights or front fog lights and, outside a built-up area in fog, to give short audible signals when overtaking or passing. The rule lists both manoeuvres - both overtaking and passing - so it also applies to a pedestrian who is standing at the edge of the roadway or on the shoulder - passing (omijanie) means exactly driving past a road user who is not moving. In fog a pedestrian hears you before they see you, and a short signal tells them from which side you are coming, so that they do not step onto the roadway. The signal must be short, and in addition, when passing, you keep a safe distance and, if necessary, reduce speed. This obligation does not apply in a built-up area, where the horn is allowed only in case of immediate danger.

Legal basis: Art. 30 para. 1 point 1 letter b, Art. 23 para. 1 point 2, Art. 2 point 27 and Art. 29 para. 2 point 2 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)