35.29. What should the driver do to prevent skidding when driving through a sharp turn?
UAЩо слід зробити водієві, щоб запобігти виникненню заносу під час проїзду крутого повороту?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the basic principles of safe vehicle control on curves, where the risk of losing tire grip with the road increases sharply. On a sharp turn, especially on wet or slippery surfaces, any sudden actions (braking or accelerating) can provoke a skid due to the effects of lateral forces and centrifugal influence. That is why, for the theoretical exam, it is important to understand not only the wording but also the logic: first prepare the car for the turn, and then drive smoothly and steadily through the curve.
The question relates to the topic of traffic rules regarding speed and safe driving (section 12 of the Traffic Rules), and is also connected with the requirements for safe direction changes (paragraph 10.1). The correct approach corresponds to the principle of choosing a safe speed (paragraph 12.1) and the prohibition of sudden braking without necessity (paragraph 12.9 d): speed should be reduced in advance, if necessary shift to a lower gear for better control, and while passing through the turn avoid sudden acceleration or braking, so as not to "overload" the tire grip with simultaneous steering and speed changes.
The analysis of the answer options in this exam question shows typical mistakes made by students. The advice to "coast" with the clutch pressed reduces the stability of the vehicle, deprives the driver of engine braking, and worsens handling, so this is not a reliable way to prevent skidding. Instead, the recommendation to reduce speed in advance, select a lower gear if necessary, and avoid sudden actions in the turn directly corresponds to the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and the practice of safe driving. The option stating that "any action is allowed" is incorrect, because the traffic rules and the physics of movement in a turn leave no room for dangerous techniques such as driving with the clutch pressed.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe 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: on a sharp turn (especially on slippery/wet surfaces), the "safe speed" will be lower, so the speed should be reduced in advance, before entering the turn.
Clause 12.3
If there is a danger to traffic or an obstacle 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.
Brief application: if, when approaching a sharp turn, road conditions create a danger (slippery, poor visibility, narrowing, etc.), the Traffic Rules require measures to reduce speed.
Clause 12.9 (subclause "g")
The driver is prohibited from braking sharply unless it is necessary to prevent a traffic accident.
Brief application: during a turn, sharp braking increases the risk of losing traction and skidding, so the Traffic Rules directly prohibit "sharp braking" without necessity.
Clause 10.1
Before starting to move, changing lanes, or making any change in direction, the driver must make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users.
Brief application: a turn is a change of direction, so the driver must perform it so that the maneuver is safe; in practice, this means reducing speed in advance and steering without abrupt actions (including without sharp braking or sudden acceleration).
That is, the correct answer is "Reduce speed before the turn, if necessary shift to a lower gear, and during the turn do not accelerate or brake sharply," considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the concise summary is: the driver is obliged to choose a safe speed (clause 12.1), in case of danger — reduce speed (clause 12.3), is not allowed to brake sharply without necessity (clause 12.9 "g"), and must perform the turn as a safe change of direction (clause 10.1).
When driving through a sharp turn, the vehicle must maintain tire grip with the road. In a turn, part of this grip is used to keep the trajectory, so any extra load on the wheels (from braking or sudden acceleration) easily leads to loss of stability and the start of a skid, especially on wet or slippery surfaces.
The biggest mistake a driver can make is trying to “push” the speed while already in the turn or, conversely, braking sharply when the car is already turning. At this moment, the wheels must simultaneously provide both turning and a change in speed. If you brake sharply, the wheels may start to skid, causing the rear of the car to slide out. If you suddenly accelerate, the drive wheels may lose grip, and a skid is also likely. Therefore, control must be smooth: without abrupt pedal actions and without “panicked” braking in the middle of the curve.
The correct logic for safely negotiating a sharp turn is as follows: the main speed reduction is done before entering the turn, on a straight section. This matches the general principle of safe driving: the driver should choose a speed considering the road situation, surface condition, and visibility, to always be able to control the movement. If the turn is sharp or the road is slippery, it is advisable to shift to a lower gear in advance so that the car “pulls” steadily through the turn and speed is maintained without the need for sudden braking. For example, before the turn, you reduce speed, shift to a lower gear, then drive through the curve evenly, and only start accelerating after the car has almost straightened out.
During the turn itself, the main task is not to provoke a loss of grip. Therefore, keep the speed steady: without sudden acceleration or braking. If you need to slightly adjust the speed, do it as smoothly as possible, but within the context of this question, the correct guideline is simple: all “rough” speed changes are done before the turn, and in the turn — maintain stable movement.
Thus, the correct answer is: "Reduce speed before the turn, shift to a lower gear if necessary, and while driving through the turn, do not accelerate or brake sharply," as this reduces the risk of losing tire grip on the road in the turn and prevents provoking a skid with sudden speed changes.