12.23. Must a driver always take into account the condition of the road surface when choosing a safe speed while driving in winter?
UAЧи завжди, вибираючи безпечну швидкість під час руху взимку, водій повинен враховувати стан дорожнього покриття?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and the correct choice of speed in winter conditions. In winter, the road surface can change abruptly in different areas: dry asphalt, wet surface, snow, slush, ice. All of these affect wheel traction, braking distance, and handling, so a mistake in speed is one of the most common causes of skidding and traffic accidents.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed, in particular the requirements of clause 12.1 of the Traffic Rules. According to this clause, when choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver is required to take into account the traffic situation, which includes road conditions and the state of the carriageway surface (roughness, cleanliness, traction). That is, taking the condition of the surface into account is always an obligation, not "as needed" or only in the absence of special tires.
The analysis of the options in the theoretical exam ticket is simple: the statement about the mandatory consideration of the surface condition corresponds to the definition of safe speed and the requirements of clause 12.1. The option claiming that winter tires supposedly allow you to ignore the surface condition is incorrect: even with winter tires, traction on ice or in slush is limited, and sudden braking or maneuvering can cause slipping or skidding. In practice, this means that speed must be constantly adjusted to real conditions in order to be able to control the car and stop within the visible distance of the road.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the traffic situation, as well as the characteristics of the cargo being transported and the condition of the vehicle, in order to be able to constantly control its movement and drive it safely.
Clause 1.10 (term “Safe speed”)
Safe speed is the speed at which the driver is able to safely control the vehicle and monitor its movement under specific road conditions.
Clause 1.10 (term “Road conditions”)
Road conditions are a set of factors that characterize (taking into account the season, time of day, weather phenomena, road illumination) visibility in the direction of travel, the condition of the carriageway surface (cleanliness, smoothness, roughness, traction), as well as its width, the degree of slopes on descents and ascents, curves and bends, the presence of sidewalks or shoulders, means of traffic organization and their condition.
Clause 1.10 (term “Traffic situation”)
Traffic situation is a set of factors characterized by road conditions, the presence of obstacles on a certain section of the road, the intensity and level of traffic organization (the presence of road markings, road signs, road equipment, traffic lights and their condition), which the driver must take into account when choosing speed, lane, and methods of controlling the vehicle.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Must always take into account.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the condition of the carriageway surface (in particular in winter — traction, slipperiness, etc.) is a component of road conditions/traffic situation, which the driver is obliged to consider when choosing a safe speed (clause 12.1).
When driving in winter, the driver does not simply choose the “permitted” speed each time, but a safe one. In the Traffic Rules, a safe speed is understood as one at which the driver can confidently control the vehicle and constantly monitor its movement specifically in the given road conditions.
Clause 12.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly states: when choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver is obliged to take into account the traffic situation. And the traffic situation includes road conditions, that is, in particular, the condition of the carriageway surface and the level of tire grip with the surface. In winter, this factor becomes decisive, because the surface can be dry, wet, covered with snow, “slush,” or ice—and each of these states affects handling and braking distance differently.
For example, on dry asphalt the car brakes predictably, but on ice even a slight press on the brakes or a sharp turn of the steering wheel can cause skidding, sliding, or loss of control. On “slush,” the wheels hold direction worse, and the braking distance increases. Therefore, a speed that was normal a minute ago on a clean section will no longer be safe on a slippery section. That is why the driver must constantly adjust the speed to the actual condition of the surface, regardless of whether winter tires are installed.
Thus, the correct answer is "Must always take into account.", because according to clause 12.1 of the Traffic Rules, a safe speed is chosen taking into account the traffic situation, and the condition of the road surface is its mandatory component and in winter directly determines grip, handling, and the ability to stop safely.