35.40. Can sudden braking on icy roads increase the risk of being involved in a traffic accident?
UAРізке гальмування під час ожеледиці може підвищити ризик потрапляння у ДТП?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns winter driving safety and driver behavior on slippery surfaces. In icy conditions, the coefficient of tire-road adhesion decreases sharply, so any sudden actions with the pedals or steering increase the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. In practice, this manifests as increased braking distance, wheel skidding, and the risk of a skid, which directly affects accident rates.
In terms of content, this question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed, distance, and braking: primarily points 12.1 and 12.2 (choosing a safe speed and the obligation to reduce speed in case of danger), 13.1 (safe distance), as well as the prohibition of sudden braking without the need to prevent an accident (point 2.9). In the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the logic: on ice, sudden pressing of the brake easily leads to wheel lock-up (especially without ABS), the vehicle becomes harder to control and may skid or change its trajectory.
The answer confirming the increased risk of an accident is correct, because sudden braking on ice increases the chance of losing control, spinning, or entering another lane. The opposite answer is incorrect: it ignores the physics of adhesion and the requirements of the Traffic Rules regarding choosing such a speed and distance that emergency sudden actions are not necessary. In real driving, the correct strategy on a slippery road is to reduce speed smoothly in advance, keep a greater distance, and, if possible, use engine braking and gentle braking.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road conditions, 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.
In the context of icy conditions, this means that the speed should be such that control remains stable and does not require "emergency" sharp actions (including sudden braking).
Clause 12.2
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.
On slippery surfaces, fulfilling this obligation requires timely, smooth speed reduction, since sudden braking can lead to loss of control.
Clause 2.9 (driver prohibitions)
The driver is prohibited from braking sharply unless it is necessary to prevent a road traffic accident.
This clause is directly related to the risk of an accident: on icy roads, sudden braking easily causes wheel lock/skidding and makes it harder to avoid an accident.
Clause 13.1
Depending on the driving speed, road conditions, characteristics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, the driver must maintain a safe distance and safe interval.
On icy roads, the braking distance increases, so failure to maintain distance provokes the need for sudden braking and increases accident risk.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," given that according to the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to choose a safe speed and distance considering the road conditions, and sudden braking (when not required to prevent an accident) is prohibited and on slippery roads can lead to loss of control and skidding.
During icy conditions, tire grip on the road decreases sharply, meaning the wheels have much less “reserve” for simultaneous braking and maintaining control. That is why the Traffic Rules require the driver to choose a safe speed considering the road surface condition and to always be able to control the movement of the vehicle. On ice, this control is ensured only by smooth actions and reducing speed in advance.
When a driver suddenly presses the brake pedal on a slippery road, the wheels may lock up (especially if the car does not have ABS) or start to skid with insufficient traction. At this moment, the car responds worse to steering and may go into a skid, because the grip is distributed unevenly: some wheels “hold” a bit better, others slide more. Because of this, the car can suddenly change its trajectory, spin, or move into the adjacent lane.
A typical situation: you are approaching an intersection or a pedestrian crossing and see that you need to stop. If you brake sharply on ice, the braking distance becomes unpredictably long, and the car may start sliding straight ahead, even if you try to correct the direction with the steering wheel. This creates a real risk of collision with vehicles in front, to the side, or in the oncoming lane.
To reduce risks, speed should be reduced in advance and smoothly, without sudden pedal presses, and with sufficient distance. In a car with a manual transmission, it is advisable to use engine braking more often (shifting to a lower gear without abrupt actions), and to use the service brake carefully and gradually.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," because sudden braking on ice easily leads to wheel skidding, loss of control, and a skid, which increases the likelihood of an accident.