Fake Infographic Circulates About Paton Bridge
A fabricated infographic detailing traffic rules for the Yevhen Paton Bridge has spread across social media, causing alarm among drivers. The Kyiv City State Administration (KCMA) has officially debunked this information and warned of legal consequences for spreading such rumors. The bridge is currently operating with restrictions due to its critical technical condition.
The saga of the fake infographic gained traction after Maksym Bakhmatov, head of the Desnianskyi District State Administration, shared AI-generated content about the bridge in late February. The KCMA responded by labeling the instructions a hoax and stressing the vital importance of accurate information for driver safety.
Taxi driver and blogger nazarulit posted a satirical video of his trip across the hazardous crossing, expressing skepticism about the widely circulated advice.
"Well, I'm on the Paton Bridge! Did you read the rules? Yep, I'm unbuckled, phone in hand. Tomorrow I'll bring a life ring with me, maybe at least with some kind of mattress," the blogger remarked.
Official Advice and KCMA's Response
The false infographic contained several specific, and dangerous, recommendations for drivers, including:
- unbuckling seat belts,
- unlocking car doors,
- opening windows,
- keeping a phone ready in case of falling into the water.
These suggestions raise serious questions. 'If the bridge is so dangerous, why is traffic allowed at all? And if you can drive on it, what's the point of these apocalyptic tips?' emphasized nazarulit.
To reduce strain, the Paton Bridge is indeed under strict operating limits. Currently, truck traffic is banned, the outer lanes are closed with water-filled barriers, and structural monitoring is conducted 24/7. The 72-year-old bridge has been in an emergency state since 2017, and a planned inspection last year by the V.M. Shymanovskyi Institute of Steel Structures documented new, threatening findings.
It is important to note that spreading false rumors carries administrative liability under Article 173-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. Penalties can include a fine equivalent to 10-15 times the non-taxable minimum income or corrective labor for up to one month with a 20% wage deduction. Consequently, the KCMA urges everyone to rely on official sources and avoid sharing unverified claims.
This incident underscores the critical need to verify information before sharing it, especially concerning road safety. Fake data can not only mislead drivers but also create hazardous situations at vital infrastructure sites. Given the bridge's deteriorated state and the safety measures in place, drivers should exercise heightened caution and follow official updates. The Paton Bridge is a key crossing over the Dnipro River, making accurate information about its status essential for the city's traffic flow.