35.171. Which factors can cause driver glare?
UAЯкі фактори можуть призвести до засліплення водія?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and the driver's ability to perceive the traffic situation in a timely manner. Glare is dangerous because even for a short time it reduces the ability to notice obstacles, road markings, the edge of the carriageway, or pedestrians, and therefore directly affects the choice of safe speed and distance, especially at night or during sudden changes in lighting.
The question tests knowledge of the terms and definitions of the traffic rules, in particular paragraph 1.10 (the term "Glare"). According to the definition in the Traffic Rules, this condition arises precisely as a result of the effect of light on the driver's vision, when they objectively cannot detect obstacles or recognize the boundaries of road elements at a minimum distance. Therefore, in the format of the theoretical exam, it is important to distinguish glare from simply reduced visibility.
Among the answer options, wet snow, heavy rain, and intense snowfall do indeed complicate driving, but this is primarily about insufficient visibility due to precipitation and light scattering, not about the physiological "blinding" from a bright source. In contrast, light is a direct cause of glare: this can be the headlights of an oncoming car (especially high beams), reflections in mirrors, the low sun near the horizon, a sudden exit from a dark tunnel onto a lit area, or other bright flashes. Understanding this difference helps to respond correctly on the road and better prepare for the theoretical exam on traffic rules.
Clause 1.10 (term "Blinding")
Blinding — a physiological state of the driver as a result of the effect of light on their vision, when the driver objectively is unable to detect obstacles or recognize the boundaries of road elements at a minimum distance.
This definition in the Traffic Rules directly establishes that blinding occurs precisely due to the effect of light on the driver's vision.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Light," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, blinding is a physiological state of the driver specifically as a result of the effect of light on their vision.
In the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the term "blinding" is defined in paragraph 1.10. It refers to a physiological condition that arises specifically due to the effect of light on the driver's vision, when they objectively cannot notice an obstacle in time or recognize the boundaries of road elements at the minimum distance.
In practice, blinding is most often caused by bright directed light: headlights of an oncoming vehicle, especially with high beams on, headlight glare in the rearview mirror, low sun near the horizon, or a sudden transition from a dark area to a brightly lit one (for example, when exiting a tunnel). In such situations, the eyes do not have time to adapt quickly, and the driver sees the road situation worse for a certain period.
It is important to distinguish between blinding and simply reduced visibility. Rain, fog, or snow reduce visibility due to light scattering and obstacles in the air, but according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, they are not causes of blinding, because blinding is specifically related to the direct effect of light on vision.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Light," since blinding according to paragraph 1.10 of the Traffic Rules occurs precisely as a result of the effect of light on the driver's vision, which temporarily prevents them from reliably recognizing the road and obstacles.