35.127. When approaching a sharp curve, you notice traces of gravel on the road. You should:
UAПри під’їзді до крутого повороту Ви помітили сліди гравію на дорозі. Вам слід:
This is an exam question from the Ukrainian Traffic Rules about safe speed and vehicle control in conditions of reduced traction. Traces of gravel before a sharp turn indicate a change in the road surface, which increases the risk of skidding or sliding, so the driver's correct tactics directly affect road safety and the ability to avoid an accident.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed, specifically the requirements of points 12.1 and 12.3: the driver must choose a safe speed taking into account the road situation and, upon detecting a hazard, immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping. In terms of the Traffic Rules (definition of "danger to traffic"), gravel on the roadway is exactly the kind of surface change that can be objectively detected and requires reducing speed even before entering the turn.
Analysis of the answer options in the context of the theoretical exam: maintaining the same speed does not take into account the reduced traction and leaves less time and distance to correct the trajectory; increasing speed further raises lateral loads in the curve and provokes wheel slip. In contrast, reducing speed is the only option that complies with the traffic rules: it provides a margin of control, allows for a smooth passage through the turn, and minimizes the risk of losing control on gravel.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road 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.
Application: traces of gravel before a sharp turn mean worse tire grip on the surface, so to maintain control, speed should be reduced before entering the turn.
Clause 12.3
If a danger to traffic arises that the driver can objectively detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed, up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Application: detected traces of gravel approaching a sharp turn are a sign of danger (possible skidding/sliding), so the primary measure required is to reduce speed.
Clause 1.10 (term "Danger to traffic")
Danger to traffic — a change in the road situation (including the condition of the carriageway surface) that threatens road safety and forces the driver to immediately reduce speed or stop.
Application: gravel on the carriageway before a turn is exactly a change in surface condition that threatens safety and requires immediate speed reduction.
That is, the correct answer is "Reduce speed," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the presence of gravel is a danger to traffic (a change in surface condition), and the driver is required to choose a safe speed and, in the event of danger, immediately reduce speed to maintain control.
When approaching a sharp turn, the driver must assess in advance whether there will be enough tire grip on the road to safely navigate the curve. Traces of gravel on the surface are a direct indication that traction may be worse than on clean asphalt, and therefore the risk of skidding in the turn increases significantly.
According to the requirements of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to choose a safe speed taking into account road conditions and the state of the surface, and must be able to constantly control the movement of the vehicle. Gravel acts as a “slippery layer”: the tire holds the road less effectively and may lose grip in a turn not only during braking or acceleration, but also simply from the lateral load on the curve.
In practice, it looks like this: you start turning the steering wheel, the car should change direction, but due to the gravel, the front wheels may “slide” outward from the turn, and any sudden actions (with the steering wheel, brakes, or accelerator) provoke even more loss of control. Therefore, the correct tactic before such a turn is to reduce speed in advance on the straight section, smoothly execute the turn, and avoid sudden maneuvers.
Thus, the correct answer is "Reduce speed," since gravel reduces tire grip on the road, and the Traffic Rules require choosing a safe speed considering the condition of the surface to maintain control in the turn.