35.142. If visibility suddenly deteriorates during heavy rain, you should:
UAЯкщо під час сильного дощу видимість раптово погіршується, Вам слід:
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about driving safety in difficult weather conditions, when heavy rain suddenly reduces visibility and changes the tire grip on the road. In such situations, the driver should not act "as usual," but adapt their driving style to the road conditions: wet pavement increases braking distance, while water spray and splashes reduce visibility and reaction time. That is why this topic is important for the theoretical exam and real driving, as mistakes in speed or distance most often result in traffic accidents.
The question tests knowledge of Section 12 "Speed of Movement" (points 12.1 and 12.3) and Section 13 "Distance, Interval, Oncoming Passing" (point 13.1) of the traffic rules. The logic is simple: when visibility suddenly deteriorates, the driver is required to choose a safer speed to maintain control of the vehicle and be able to react in time, as well as increase the distance, because braking on a wet road requires more time and distance. This is also partially related to the concept of "insufficient visibility" in the Traffic Rules, when the view of the road is significantly limited by precipitation.
An analysis of the options in this exam question shows that the safest tactic is to smoothly reduce speed and increase the distance to the vehicle in front: this provides extra reaction time, reduces the risk of skidding, and helps avoid a collision if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. Coming to a complete stop as a universal answer is not correct, because you should only stop when absolutely necessary and in a safe place; sudden braking in the lane can create even greater danger for those driving behind. Turning on high beams in the rain also does not solve the problem: it can worsen visibility due to glare from raindrops and blind other drivers, whereas the key according to the traffic rules remains speed control and a safe distance.
Clause 12.1 (Section 12 "Speed of movement")
The driver must operate the vehicle at a speed that does not exceed established limits, taking into account the road situation, cargo characteristics, and vehicle condition, in order to constantly control its movement and drive it safely.
Explanation of application: sudden deterioration of visibility during heavy rain is a change in the road situation that requires choosing a lower (safer) speed to maintain control and manageability of the vehicle.
Clause 13.1 (Section 13 "Distance, interval, oncoming passing")
The driver, depending on the speed of movement, road situation, cargo characteristics, and vehicle condition, must maintain a safe distance and safe interval.
Explanation of application: on wet surfaces and in poor visibility, the braking distance increases and reaction time decreases, so the safe distance should be greater.
Clause 12.3 (Section 12 "Speed of movement")
If there is a danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect, they must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle.
Explanation of application: sudden deterioration of visibility in heavy rain creates a danger to traffic, so the primary action according to the Traffic Rules is to immediately reduce speed (if necessary — up to a stop).
Clause 1.10 (term "Insufficient visibility")
Insufficient visibility — visibility of the road in the direction of movement, which is limited (by fog, dusk, rain, snowfall, etc.) and is less than 300 m.
Explanation of application: heavy rain can create conditions of insufficient visibility, in which the driver must act more cautiously, in particular, adjust speed and distance according to actual conditions.
That is, the correct answer is "Reduce speed and increase the distance to the vehicle ahead," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to choose a safe speed taking into account the road situation and visibility (clause 12.1), immediately reduce speed in case of danger (clause 12.3), and maintain a safe distance depending on driving conditions (clause 13.1).
During heavy rain, the road situation can change in seconds: a "wall" of water appears in front of you, splashes from the wheels of other cars block your view, and the outlines of road markings and vehicles ahead become less visible. In such a situation, the driver should follow the general principle of the Traffic Rules: the speed must be safe, taking into account visibility and road conditions, so that you can react in time and stop within the visible section of the road.
On a wet road, tire grip with the surface decreases, so the braking distance becomes longer, and the car's response to the steering wheel and brakes may be less predictable. If you maintain the same speed as on dry asphalt, then in the event of a sudden obstacle or abrupt braking of the car in front, you may simply not have enough time to react or distance to stop. That is why the first correct action is to smoothly reduce your speed.
The second mandatory logical action is to increase the distance to the vehicle ahead. The distance is needed not "for comfort," but as a time buffer: to notice braking ahead, assess the situation in reduced visibility, and stop without sudden maneuvers. For example, if the car ahead brakes sharply before a puddle or due to an obstacle, the increased distance will allow you to brake smoothly and avoid a collision even on a slippery surface.
In addition, when you keep a greater distance, less water spray and splashes from the wheels hit your windshield, which further improves visibility. This does not replace wipers or lights, but it directly reduces the risk of "losing the picture" at the very moment when you need to make a decision.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Reduce speed and increase the distance to the vehicle ahead," because in the rain, visibility sharply decreases and road grip is reduced, which increases the braking distance, and for a safe stop, you need lower speed and greater distance.