One day Neznayka asked his friends Vintik and Shpuntik to make a vehicle that could drive and fit all of his friends. Since little Neznayka had grown bored in his Flower City and wanted him and his friends to take a journey to the other side of the Cucumber River. And to see what was happening in other cities.
Vintik and Shpuntik worked for several days, and they made a small bus, just right for the cheerful company.
Neznayka called his friends to the central square to make an announcement. When everyone had gathered, they were Gunka — Neznayka's best friend, Knopochka — a kind and well-behaved girl, Ponchik — a responsive little person, Siropchik and, of course, Znayka.
My friends!
Neznayka addressed his companions
I invite you to take a trip beyond our city, and to see how other little people live in distant cities! All those who wish, please take your seats in the bus, which our inventors Vintik and Shpuntik have made.
This won't work!
Objected the all-knowing Znayka
How can we go when neither Vintik nor Shpuntik know the rules of the road? And because of this we could have an accident!
Nonsense!
Said the inventors in unison
What's there to know, just steer and steer! The bus will take us wherever we direct it. Why waste time on trifles?
The friends settled into their seats, Vintik took the driver's seat, and Shpuntik next to him, in the navigator's seat. And the travellers set off on their journey.
After crossing the bridge over the Cucumber River, driving a bit more along a country road, the travellers turned onto a busy highway. And there were cars everywhere. What to do, where to go next? And on the street it was starting to get dark.
Vintik stopped the bus on the side of the busy road. The friends jumped out of the vehicle. They started to fuss and argue, Neznayka, for some reason, wanted to run across the road, and then something unexpected happened. In the light of the headlights, the driver of an oncoming car saw the little person too late, braked sharply, and his car crashed into the bus of our friends.
They called an ambulance and police officers, who arrived very quickly to help the injured. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt, and our unfortunate travellers got off with just a fright.
A traffic police officer addressed Neznayka and his friends sternly:
How did it happen that you all ended up on a busy highway in an unfamiliar moving vehicle? Do you realise that because of you, a serious incident almost occurred?
Firstly, your vehicle has no marker lights or headlights, and secondly, I don't see reflective elements on any of your clothing
Said the police officer seriously
You must understand that special reflective aids on a pedestrian's clothing are a necessity of the modern world. After all, it is very difficult for a driver to notice a person on the road in the dark. And a reflective element will help the driver see a pedestrian from afar, and prevent an accident.
Forgive us!
Said the residents of Flower City in unison
We will definitely learn the rules of the road and add reflective elements to our clothing. And we promise that next time, before going anywhere to travel, we will definitely prepare thoroughly for the trip. So as not to cause anyone any trouble again.
