23.7. Is towing with a flexible coupling allowed during icy conditions?
UAЧи дозволяється буксирування на гнучкому зчепленні під час ожеледиці?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in difficult weather conditions, particularly during icy conditions. Such situations sharply reduce tire traction with the road, increase braking distance, and raise the risk of skidding, which is why the traffic rules establish direct prohibitions on maneuvers that could provoke traffic accidents.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules on towing (point 23.10, subpoint "b") and understanding of the term "towing" from point 1.10. The regulation is unambiguous: during icy conditions, towing with a flexible coupling (tow rope) is not permitted. This is important for the theoretical exam because it is not about "safer/less safe," but about a direct legislative prohibition.
If you analyze the options, speed limits, the length of the tow rope, or "non-intensive traffic" do not make this towing method permissible: the Traffic Rules of Ukraine prohibit flexible coupling on icy roads regardless of conditions. The logic of the rule is practical: a car being towed on a rope can easily lose control on a slippery road, be pulled to the side or spun around, possibly enter the oncoming lane, and jerks or rope breakage create additional danger for all road users.
Clause 23.10 (subclause "b")
Towing is prohibited: b) with a flexible coupling during icy conditions.
Application: during icy conditions, towing specifically with a flexible coupling (tow rope) is directly prohibited regardless of other circumstances.
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 partially loading onto a platform or special supporting device.
Application: the question refers specifically to towing with a flexible coupling, i.e., with a tow rope.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", considering that according to clause 23.10 b) of the Traffic Rules, towing with a flexible coupling during icy conditions is directly prohibited.
Towing in the Traffic Rules is considered to be the movement of one vehicle by another using a coupling, including a flexible one (tow rope). That is, it refers to a situation where one car pulls another with a rope.
The Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly set restrictions for such cases. According to clause 23.10 (b), towing with a flexible coupling during icy conditions is not allowed. This is not a recommendation, but a direct prohibition.
The logic of this rule is related to safety. On a slippery surface, a vehicle being towed on a rope easily loses control: it can spin or be carried to the side, especially during braking or when the towing vehicle changes speed. In such a situation, there is a risk of entering the oncoming lane, colliding with other vehicles or obstacles, as well as sudden jerks that can cause the rope to break.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since the Traffic Rules (clause 23.10 (b)) directly prohibit towing with a flexible coupling during icy conditions due to the high risk of loss of control and accidents.