35.34. Which driving style will ensure the lowest fuel consumption?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns driving culture and a safe, predictable manner of driving, which affects not only fuel consumption but also the risk of accidents. In everyday driving, the greatest excess fuel consumption occurs where the driver frequently changes speed: starts abruptly, "revs" the engine, and brakes at the last moment. Such a style makes movement less controlled, increases the load on the engine and braking system, and creates unnecessary dangers for other road users.
In essence, this question tests understanding of the logic of Section 12 "Speed of Movement" (choosing a safe speed and avoiding unnecessary sudden braking) and Section 13 "Distance, Interval...", as well as the general duties of the driver from point 2.3. For the theoretical traffic rules exam, it is important to remember: fuel economy is directly related to smooth driving. When acceleration and deceleration occur smoothly, the engine does not operate under peak loads, and the energy spent on acceleration is not "wasted" by frequent sharp braking.
The option with frequent and sharp acceleration, even with smooth deceleration, almost always leads to excess consumption, because during intensive acceleration the system supplies more fuel. The option with smooth acceleration but sharp deceleration is also inefficient: sudden braking then requires accelerating again, which means repeated fuel consumption and contradicts the requirement to avoid sudden braking without necessity. The lowest consumption is ensured by a steady, smooth mode: timely speed reduction, maintaining distance, and a stable pace of movement, which simultaneously increases safety and matches the approach expected in exam questions of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 2.3 (driver's duties)
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 this vehicle while on the road.
Clause 12.1 (Section 12 "Speed of movement" — choosing a safe speed)
When choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the traffic situation, the specifics 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.
Clause 12.9 (Section 12 "Speed of movement" — prohibitions for the driver)
The driver is prohibited from braking sharply unless it is necessary to prevent a traffic accident.
Clause 13.1 (Section 13 "Distance, interval, oncoming passing")
Depending on the speed, traffic situation, specifics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, the driver must maintain a safe distance and a safe interval.
That is, the correct answer is "Smooth acceleration with smooth deceleration," considering that the traffic rules require the driver to control the speed at all times, choose a safe driving mode in advance, maintain distance, and avoid unnecessary sharp braking, which collectively corresponds to a smooth (economical) driving style.
When we talk about the lowest fuel consumption, it is important to understand a simple principle: a car consumes the most fuel not during steady driving, but during frequent and abrupt changes in speed. At such moments, the engine operates in a “strained” mode, and to accelerate quickly, the system supplies more fuel than is needed for gentle acceleration.
Sudden acceleration is usually accompanied by high engine revolutions. This means that the fuel burns less efficiently, and part of the energy is actually wasted due to excessive RPMs and rapid loading. For example, if after a traffic light the driver presses the accelerator pedal sharply, the car quickly gains speed, but fuel consumption increases much more than with a smooth acceleration to the same speed.
The same applies to sudden braking: it “destroys” the energy reserve that the car has already received from the fuel burned during acceleration. In city driving, this is especially noticeable: the aggressive style of “accelerate — brake sharply — accelerate again” forces you to constantly spend fuel on repeated accelerations. In contrast, early speed reduction and smooth deceleration allow you to use the brakes less often and maintain a more even movement.
From the perspective of safe driving, which is embedded in the general logic of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the driver should choose a speed taking into account the road situation and be able to constantly control the movement of the vehicle. Smooth actions with the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedals ensure controllability, predictability for other road users, and at the same time reduce fuel consumption by decreasing the number of unnecessary accelerations and brakings.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Smooth acceleration with smooth deceleration," since uniform changes in speed without abrupt accelerations and brakings reduce the fuel supply under load and do not force the car to constantly spend energy on repeated accelerations.