23.13. What distance must be maintained between vehicles when towing with a flexible coupling?
UAЯка відстань має бути забезпечена між транспортними засобами у разі буксирування на гнучкому зчепленні?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine that tests knowledge of safe towing regulations, since when moving with a cable between two vehicles, a “link distance” is created, which directly affects the risk of collision during braking, starting, or turning. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that such a distance is regulated not “by eye,” but by a clear norm of the traffic rules.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules on towing and the use of couplings, specifically to clause 23.3, which sets requirements for rigid and flexible couplings. This particular clause defines the permissible range for flexible couplings, as well as an additional requirement for marking the cable (with shields/flags every meter or using reflective material). Therefore, the correct answer is the one that matches the standard in 23.3, and not similar “approximate” values.
To briefly analyze the options: the ranges 3–5 m and 4–5 m are incorrect because they allow a length less than the minimum permitted limit, which increases the risk of the towed vehicle “running into” the towing vehicle during braking. The options 5–7 m and 4–7 m also do not comply with the traffic rules, as they exceed the maximum allowed limit, making the link less controllable in turns and more likely to deviate from its trajectory. In practice, this knowledge helps to correctly select a cable and perform towing predictably and safely, as required by the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 23.3
Rigid coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles of no more than 4 m, flexible coupling — within 4–6 m. Flexible coupling must be marked every meter with signal boards or flags in accordance with the requirements of clause 30.5 of these Rules (except when using a flexible coupling covered with retroreflective material).
This clause directly establishes the standard for the distance between vehicles during towing with a flexible coupling.
Clause 1.10 (term "Towing")
Towing — the movement of one vehicle by another vehicle, which does not pertain to the operation of road trains (vehicle combinations) using a rigid or flexible coupling or by partial loading onto a platform or special supporting device.
This definition specifies that it refers precisely to the movement of one vehicle by another using, in particular, a flexible coupling, for which the distance is regulated in clause 23.3.
Thus, the correct answer is "4–6 m," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a flexible coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles within 4–6 m (clause 23.3).
When towing with a flexible coupling between two vehicles, a "moving distance" is effectively created, determined by the length of the rope (or other flexible element). This distance must be such that the driver of the towed vehicle has enough time to react to changes in speed ahead and does not create a risk of collision.
Clause 23.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly establishes the requirement for a flexible coupling: it must ensure a distance between vehicles within the range of 4–6 meters. That is, the rules do not allow it to be either less or more than this range.
The logic of such a restriction is simple. If the coupling is shorter than 4 meters, during braking or uneven movement, the towed vehicle may "catch up" with the towing vehicle too quickly, increasing the risk of contact between the vehicles. If the coupling is longer than 6 meters, controlling the combination becomes more difficult, especially during turns: the towed vehicle may deviate more from the trajectory of the towing vehicle, creating danger for other road users.
Therefore, the correct answer is "4–6 m.", since clause 23.3 of the Traffic Rules specifies that a flexible coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles precisely within the range of 4–6 meters.