35.4. When driving in conditions of poor visibility, you must choose a speed so that the stopping distance is:
UAПід час руху в умовах поганої видимості потрібно вибирати швидкість, виходячи з того, що зупинний шлях має бути:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe choice of speed in conditions of poor or insufficient visibility (fog, rain, snowfall, dusk, nighttime). Its essence is directly related to road safety: the driver must drive in such a way that, in the event of a sudden obstacle (stopped vehicle, pedestrian, turn, narrowing), they have enough time to come to a complete stop within the section of the road that is actually visible ahead.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed, primarily the requirements of points 12.1 and 12.2, as well as understanding of the terms from section 1.10 (visibility in the direction of travel, insufficient visibility, braking/stopping distance). The key rule for the theoretical exam is simple: speed should be chosen so that the driver can stop the vehicle within the visible distance of the road, that is, the stopping distance must not "exceed" the distance at which road elements and road users can be recognized.
The option where the stopping distance is allowed to be greater than the visible distance is dangerous: in this case, the driver is essentially "driving faster than they can see," and even emergency braking does not guarantee stopping before an obstacle. The correct approach is when the stopping distance is less than the visible distance, as this takes into account not only braking but also reaction time, road surface condition, and the technical condition of the vehicle. In practice, this means reducing speed in advance in difficult conditions to maintain control and have enough distance for a complete and safe stop.
Clause 12.2
At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, the driving speed must be such that the driver is able to stop the vehicle within the visible distance of the road.
Explanation of application: this clause directly establishes the criterion for choosing speed in poor/insufficient visibility — the ability to come to a complete stop within the distance the driver can actually see ahead, that is, the stopping distance must be less than the visible distance.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road situation, 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: this clause establishes the general obligation to select a safe speed taking into account the driving conditions (including visibility), to maintain control and be able to act safely.
Clause 1.10 (term "Visibility in the direction of travel")
Visibility in the direction of travel — the maximum distance from which, from the driver's position, the boundaries of road elements and the location of road users can be clearly recognized, which enables the driver to orient themselves while driving the vehicle, in particular for choosing a safe speed and making safe maneuvers.
Clause 1.10 (term "Insufficient visibility")
Insufficient visibility — road visibility in the direction of travel of less than 300 m in twilight, fog, rain, snowfall, etc.
Clause 1.10 (term "Braking distance")
Braking distance — the distance traveled by the vehicle from the moment braking begins to the point where it comes to a stop.
That is, the correct answer is "Less than the visible distance," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the speed in conditions of insufficient visibility must ensure the vehicle can stop within the visible distance of the road (clause 12.2), and therefore the stopping distance cannot exceed the distance the driver can see in the direction of travel.
When a driver is moving in conditions of poor visibility, they can see the road only at a limited distance. In the Traffic Rules, this is described as visibility in the direction of travel: the maximum distance from the driver's position at which the edges of the road and road users can be clearly recognized in order to drive safely and choose the correct speed. If visibility becomes insufficient (for example, in fog, heavy rain, or snowfall), the space for reaction and maneuvering becomes significantly smaller.
In such a situation, the key reference point is the stopping distance. According to the definition in the Traffic Rules, this is the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied (pressing the pedal or lever) until it comes to a complete stop. In practice, the driver must understand that, in addition to the actual stopping, there is also the time needed to perceive the danger and begin to act, as well as the influence of the road surface condition and the technical state of the vehicle. All of this increases the distance required to stop.
Imagine driving in fog, when you can clearly distinguish the situation ahead only for 40–50 meters. If the speed is too high, the car physically will not have time to stop within this visible section, and an obstacle (a pedestrian, a stopped car, a bend in the road) will be noticed too late. Therefore, speed should be reduced to such a level that, in case of danger, the car comes to a complete stop before the end of the section of road visible to the driver.
For this reason, the rule for choosing speed in poor visibility comes down to a simple control: the driver must be able to stop within what they can actually see ahead. If the stopping distance is longer than the visibility distance, this means the driver is 'driving faster than they can see,' and safety is not ensured.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Less than the visibility distance," because in poor visibility, speed should be chosen so that the vehicle can come to a complete stop within the section of road visible to the driver.