1.54. Dazzling is:
UAЗасліплення це:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety at night and the impact of lighting on a driver's ability to control the traffic situation. Glare is dangerous because it occurs suddenly (most often from the high beams of oncoming vehicles or reflections in the mirror) and can deprive the driver of full visual control for several seconds or even minutes, during which time the situation on the road can change drastically.
The question tests knowledge of the General Provisions section of the Traffic Rules, specifically the terminology from point 1.10 (definitions). In the context of the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that glare in the Traffic Rules is not defined as mere discomfort or temporary "I see worse," but as a physiological state in which the driver is objectively unable to detect an obstacle or recognize the boundaries of road elements at the minimum distance. This feature is key to the correct answer.
The first option is correct because it literally reproduces the normative definition from point 1.10 and emphasizes the main point: the lack of a real ability to safely perceive the road. The second option is incorrect, as it only describes reduced visibility but still allows the possibility of detecting obstacles at the minimum distance, which contradicts the concept of "glare" in the traffic rules.
Practically, this knowledge is also related to the section on the Use of External Lighting Devices: to prevent dazzling others, point 19.2 requires switching from high to low beam at least 250 meters before an oncoming vehicle, and if glare has already occurred, point 19.3 requires turning on the hazard warning lights, not changing lanes, reducing speed, and stopping. Understanding these rules helps not only to pass the theoretical exam but also to act correctly in a real dangerous situation.
Clause 1.10 (term “Dazzling”)
Dazzling is a physiological condition of the driver caused by the effect of light on their vision, when the driver is objectively unable to detect obstacles or recognize the boundaries of road elements at the minimum distance.
Clause 19.2
The high beam must be switched to low beam at least 250 m before an oncoming vehicle, as well as when it may dazzle other drivers, including those moving in the same direction. The lights must also be switched at a greater distance if the driver of the oncoming vehicle signals the need by periodically flashing their headlights.
Brief application: this clause establishes the obligation to prevent dazzling of other drivers when using high beams.
Clause 19.3
In case of dazzling by headlights, the driver must turn on the hazard warning lights and, without changing lanes, reduce speed and stop.
Brief application: this clause defines the driver’s actions if dazzling has already occurred (to minimize the risk of an accident).
Thus, the correct answer is “A physiological condition of the driver caused by the effect of light on their vision, when the driver is objectively unable to detect obstacles or recognize the boundaries of road elements at the minimum distance,” considering that according to the definition in Clause 1.10 of the Traffic Rules, the term “Dazzling” has exactly this meaning.
Imagine a nighttime road: a car is approaching with its high beams on. You glance in that direction for a moment, and the bright beam of light suddenly “knocks” your eyes out of their normal functioning mode. At this moment, it’s as if your vision worsens: it becomes difficult to judge where the edge of the roadway is, where the shoulder is, or whether there is a pedestrian or some obstacle ahead.
This is exactly what is called glare in the context of the Traffic Rules. In paragraph 1.10, the term is explained as a condition that arises due to the effect of light on the driver’s vision. The key point here is not just “the light is unpleasant,” but that the driver objectively and temporarily loses the ability to properly perceive the road situation: to notice an obstacle in time or to clearly distinguish the boundaries of road elements at the required (minimum) distance.
It is important to understand the logic: glare is not about a technical malfunction of the headlights or “I have poor night vision.” It is specifically a physiological reaction of the body to bright light, when the eyes need time to readjust. And during this time, the situation on the road can change, so glare is directly related to the risk of missing a hazard.
A typical example is the high beams of an oncoming car. Another common scenario is when strong light from a car behind hits through the rearview mirror, especially if the mirror is not set to night mode. In each of these cases, the problem is the same: full control over the road is temporarily “switched off” because the eyes do not provide an accurate image.
Therefore, the correct answer is “A physiological condition of the driver caused by the effect of light on their vision, when the driver objectively cannot detect obstacles or recognize the boundaries of road elements at the minimum distance,” since the Traffic Rules (p. 1.10) define glare precisely as a temporary physiological loss of the ability to see the road properly due to bright light.