35.145. How does a driver perceive the speed of their vehicle when driving for a long time on a flat road at high speed?
UAЯк сприймається водієм швидкість його автомобіля у випадку тривалого руху рівнинною дорогою з великою швидкістю?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and the human factor: how a driver subjectively perceives speed during prolonged monotonous driving. On a flat, straight road, especially in open areas, the number of external reference points and events in the traffic flow decreases, so the brain "gets used" to the pace, and the sense of dynamics becomes dulled. As a result, the risk of unintentionally exceeding the speed limit and delayed reaction to danger increases.
The question tests knowledge of sections of the Traffic Rules related to the driver's duties and the choice of a safe speed, in particular points 2.3 (attentiveness and monitoring of the traffic situation) and 12.1 (choosing a speed that allows constant control of movement). For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that after prolonged high-speed driving, subjective perception is often underestimated: the actual speed seems lower than it really is, and the driver may unconsciously accelerate.
The analysis of the options in this exam question is as follows: the correct statement is about the underestimation of the sense of speed, because a monotonous picture and lack of reference points reduce the perception of the actual pace of movement. The option that speed seems higher is usually characteristic of other conditions (for example, narrow streets, dense buildings, nearby objects), so it is not suitable for a flat high-speed section. The statement that perception does not change ignores the effect of habituation, which is precisely what creates the danger; in practice, it is worth regularly checking the speedometer and focusing on signs and traffic conditions, as required by the traffic rules.
Clause 2.3 (subclause “b” — driver’s duties)
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: be attentive, monitor the road 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 this vehicle while on the road.
Brief application: during prolonged monotonous driving at high speed, the subjective “sense of speed” may be underestimated, so the requirement to be attentive means, in particular, the need to consciously monitor the actual speed using instruments (speedometer) and not rely solely on sensation.
Clause 12.1 (choosing a safe driving speed)
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.
Brief application: if due to “getting used to” during prolonged driving on a flat road it seems to the driver that he is going slower than he actually is, the risk of unconsciously increasing speed rises; the Traffic Rules require choosing and maintaining such a speed as to constantly control the movement of the vehicle.
That is, the correct answer is “It seems lower than it actually is,” given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to be attentive and choose a speed so as to constantly control the movement, and during monotonous high-speed driving, the subjective perception of speed is underestimated and requires monitoring by the speedometer.
During prolonged driving on a straight road at high speed, the driver gradually gets used to the monotonous view ahead. When there are no frequent turns, stops, intersections, or other events, the sense of dynamics decreases, and the speed begins to feel "normal," that is, lower.
The perception of speed while driving largely depends on external reference points: how quickly trees, poles, buildings, road markings, and nearby vehicles "sweep" out of view. On a flat section, especially in open areas or on long straight stretches, there may be few such distinct reference points, so the brain receives fewer signals about the actual speed. As a result, 90 km/h may feel like 70–75 km/h, and the driver may unconsciously accelerate.
This effect is dangerous because the driver may exceed the established speed limits, even though it seems to them that they are driving "normally." According to the rules, speed must be chosen and constantly monitored, focusing on road signs, traffic conditions, and the vehicle's indicators. A practical way to avoid perception errors is simple: regularly check the speedometer, especially after prolonged driving on a straight road.
Therefore, the correct answer is "It seems lower than it actually is," because during prolonged high-speed driving on a straight road, due to the monotonous environment and lack of external reference points, the driver underestimates the actual speed and must monitor it using the speedometer.