35.143. What should you keep in mind if you are planning a long trip:
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This exam question focuses on road safety during long trips and the impact of fatigue on attention, reaction, and the ability to drive a vehicle safely. In the context of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, driver fatigue is one of the most dangerous factors, as it leads to mistakes, "microsleep," and loss of control, especially on rural roads and during monotonous driving. That is why studying the traffic rules in this section is important not only for the theoretical exam but also for real daily practice.
The question tests knowledge of Section 2 "Duties and rights of drivers of motor vehicles" (in particular, the requirement to be attentive and the prohibition of driving while fatigued), as well as the logic of safely choosing driving conditions from Section 12 "Speed of movement" in connection with visibility at night. The correct approach to a long journey is to plan to drive mainly during the day and schedule regular breaks: this makes it easier to maintain concentration, reduce the accumulation of fatigue, and avoid situations where driving actually becomes dangerous and contradicts the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to risk assessment. The idea of driving at night due to lighter traffic is often mistaken: at night, visibility is worse, drowsiness sets in faster, and road risks increase, so such advice does not correspond to the principles of safe driving. The recommendation to drive without stops is also incorrect, because continuous driving accelerates overfatigue and reduces attentiveness, which directly contradicts the driver's duty to constantly control the vehicle. Instead, a trip during the day with frequent breaks for rest, walking, and regaining attention is the safest strategy, which is exactly what is expected in the answer to the theoretical exam.
Clause 2.9 (Section 2 "Duties and rights of drivers of motor vehicles")
The driver is prohibited from: operating a vehicle in a sick or fatigued state that endangers road safety.
Explanation of application: a long trip without rest leads to fatigue, and therefore to a condition in which driving is prohibited; thus, planning a trip with frequent breaks is a direct fulfillment of this traffic rule requirement.
Clause 2.3 (Section 2 "Duties and rights of drivers of motor vehicles")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: be attentive, monitor the traffic situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the correct placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving while on the road.
Explanation of application: fatigue sharply reduces attentiveness and the ability to respond in a timely manner to changes in the situation, so regular stops for rest help fulfill the duty to be attentive throughout the trip.
Clause 12.2 (Section 12 "Speed of movement")
At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, the speed must be such that the driver can stop the vehicle within the range of road visibility.
Explanation of application: driving during the day usually provides better visibility and, accordingly, safer driving conditions (fewer "insufficient visibility" factors), which aligns with the recommendation to plan long trips mainly during daylight hours.
Clause 12.1 (Section 12 "Speed of movement")
When choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the traffic 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.
Explanation of application: during prolonged driving without rest, control over the movement and the ability to drive safely deteriorate, so rest breaks are an element of ensuring the ability to "constantly control the movement" as required by this clause.
Thus, the correct answer is "It is better to drive during the day and take many breaks for rest," given that the Traffic Rules directly prohibit driving in a fatigued state and require the driver to be attentive and drive safely, taking into account visibility and driving conditions.
When planning a long trip, the driver must remember that fatigue becomes the main risk factor. The Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly state that it is prohibited for a driver to operate a vehicle in a sick or fatigued condition, which reduces attention and reaction speed. Over long distances, fatigue builds up gradually, and the driver may not notice the moment when their attention has already critically deteriorated.
The safest way is to organize the trip so that you drive mainly during the day. In daylight, visibility is generally better and it is easier to assess the road situation: it is easier to notice a pedestrian, obstacle, road signs, and markings in time. In addition, the body is naturally more active during the day, while at night drowsiness increases, raising the risk of a "microsleep" at the wheel, when the driver actually loses control of the car for a few seconds. For example, on a country road during steady driving, monotony combined with nighttime fatigue often leads to veering onto the roadside or into the oncoming lane.
The second mandatory condition for a safe long journey is regular breaks. Prolonged continuous driving reduces concentration, impairs coordination, and the ability to make quick decisions, which directly affects safety. In practice, this means that the route should be planned with stopping points in advance, and short breaks should be taken every few hours: get out of the car, walk around, stretch, and rest your eyes. If signs of drowsiness or a "heavy head" appear, it is correct not to continue driving "just a little more," but to find a safe place to rest and restore your ability to drive.
Also, a daytime trip with breaks is simpler from a practical point of view: it is easier to find working gas stations, rest areas, and help in case of an unforeseen situation. This reduces driver stress, and less tension means higher attentiveness and more stable behavior on the road.
Therefore, the correct answer is "It is better to drive during the day and take many breaks for rest," since this reduces the risk of driving while fatigued, improves visibility, and maintains proper levels of attention and reaction throughout the trip.