23.8. In what way is it permitted to tow vehicles during icy conditions?
UAЯким способом дозволено виконувати буксирування транспортних засобів під час ожеледиці?
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This exam question from the Ukrainian Traffic Rules concerns road safety in winter, when slippery surfaces sharply increase the risk of skidding and loss of control. Towing in such conditions requires the correct choice of coupling method, as a mistake can lead to the "swaying" of the towed vehicle, increased braking distance, and accidents. That is why such tasks regularly appear in the theoretical exam and test not only knowledge of traffic rules, but also understanding of the logic behind their restrictions.
The question checks section 23 of the Ukrainian Traffic Rules (Towing), in particular the combination of generally permitted towing methods with specific prohibitions in hazardous conditions. According to clause 23.2, towing is allowed using a rigid or flexible coupling, as well as by partial loading. However, clause 23.10 (b) directly prohibits flexible coupling during icy conditions, so in such situations only two options remain permitted: rigid coupling or partial loading.
If we analyze the answer options, the statement "only with a rigid coupling" is incomplete, because the Traffic Rules do not exclude partial loading; on the contrary, it is one of the basic methods. The option "only by partial loading" is also incorrect, since rigid coupling is not prohibited during icy conditions. "Only with a flexible coupling" contradicts the direct prohibition in clause 23.10 (b). Therefore, the correct logic for the student in the exam is: in winter, during icy conditions, a tow rope (flexible coupling) is not allowed, and the permitted alternatives should be chosen from the list in clause 23.2.
Clause 23.10 b) (prohibition of towing with a flexible coupling during icy conditions)
Towing is prohibited: b) with a flexible coupling during icy conditions.
This subclause directly establishes a restriction for icy conditions: the towing method "with a flexible coupling" (tow rope) cannot be used in such conditions, so another permitted method must be chosen.
Clause 23.2 (methods by which vehicles may be towed)
Towing of vehicles is carried out: a) using a rigid or flexible coupling; b) with partial loading of the towed vehicle onto a platform or onto a special supporting device.
This clause defines the list of generally permissible towing methods. In combination with clause 23.10 b), this means that during icy conditions, rigid coupling or partial loading remains permitted.
Clause 1.10 (the term "Towing")
Towing — the movement of one vehicle by another vehicle, which does not refer to the operation of road trains (vehicle combinations), using a rigid or flexible coupling or by partial loading onto a platform or onto a special supporting device.
This definition clarifies that the Traffic Rules consider three basic towing methods: rigid coupling, flexible coupling, and partial loading — the choice is made among these, taking into account the prohibitions in section 23.
That is, the correct answer is "With a rigid coupling or by partial loading," given that by the definition of the Traffic Rules, towing is possible with a rigid/flexible coupling or by partial loading, and during icy conditions, clause 23.10 b) directly prohibits flexible coupling.
During towing, one vehicle moves another not as a road train, but via coupling (rigid or flexible) or by partially loading it onto a platform or special supporting device. That is, the Traffic Rules provide for several technical methods of towing.
However, during icy conditions, additional safety-related restrictions apply. According to clause 23.10 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, towing with a flexible coupling in icy conditions is prohibited. The reason is practical: on a slippery road, a rope does not provide a stable mutual position of the vehicles, and the towed vehicle may uncontrollably shift, increasing the risk of skidding and collision.
If flexible coupling (rope) is prohibited during icy conditions, other methods permitted by the Traffic Rules remain: rigid coupling or partial loading. Rigid coupling better maintains the distance and direction of movement between vehicles, while partial loading generally reduces the impact of the towed vehicle's wheel slippage on its trajectory.
Therefore, the correct answer is "With a rigid coupling or by partial loading," since during icy conditions the Traffic Rules explicitly prohibit towing with a flexible coupling, and only rigid coupling or partial loading are allowed.