35.50. While driving in winter, all driver’s actions should be as smooth as possible:
UAПід час руху взимку всі рухи водія мають бути якомога плавнішими:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safe driving behavior in winter conditions, when the road surface is often slippery and tire traction is reduced. For road safety in winter, it is critically important to avoid sudden actions, as they can easily cause wheel spin, wheel lock, and skidding, as well as increase the risk of accidents due to longer braking distances. That is why theoretical exams often include situations that test the understanding of the basic logic: 'control is more important than haste.'
The question checks knowledge and practical application of the traffic rules requirements regarding the choice of safe speed and constant control over the vehicle, as well as the safe execution of maneuvers and speed reduction in case of danger. In content, it is primarily related to the sections of the Traffic Rules about speed and maneuvering (in particular, the requirements of points 12.1, 10.1, 12.3, and the driver's duties under point 2.3), which establish the principle: the driver must drive in such a way as to maintain control at any moment, taking into account the road situation.
The option confirming the need for smooth actions is correct, because on snow, ice, or slush, the steering wheel, accelerator, brakes, and clutch should be used gently and in advance: turn smoothly, accelerate evenly, brake without jerks, select a gear in advance when going uphill, and when going downhill, do not 'coast in neutral' or provoke sudden changes in traction. The opposite option is incorrect, as it ignores the real physics of winter traction and contradicts the requirement of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine to ensure safe driving: sudden maneuvers and braking in winter most often cause loss of control.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving 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.
Smooth actions with the steering wheel and pedals in winter are a practical way to fulfill the requirement to "constantly control movement" on slippery surfaces (when tire grip with the road is reduced).
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 for other road users.
In winter, sharp maneuvers (steering turns, lane changes, detours) increase the risk of skidding, so the requirement to "make sure that it will be safe" actually implies performing such actions as smoothly as possible.
Clause 12.3
If a danger to traffic or an obstacle arises that the driver is objectively able to detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely maneuvering around the obstacle for other road users.
On a winter road, "take measures to reduce speed" should be performed in such a way as not to lose control (i.e., without abrupt actions that may cause wheel lockup/skidding).
Clause 2.3 (subclause "b")
The driver is obliged to: be attentive, monitor the road 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.
In winter, "respond appropriately to its changes" means acting in advance and gently (braking smoothly, turning smoothly), since the road situation changes faster due to slippery surfaces.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the requirements of the Traffic Rules, the driver must constantly control the movement and safely drive the vehicle taking into account the road situation, and on winter (slippery) surfaces this is ensured precisely by the smoothest possible actions with the steering wheel and pedals.
In winter conditions, tire grip on the road is often unstable due to ice, snow, or slush. Therefore, any abrupt action by the driver can suddenly change the load on the wheels and provoke skidding. For this reason, when driving in winter, it is important for the driver to operate the vehicle smoothly, without jerks.
Smoothness primarily concerns the steering wheel and pedals. If you turn the steering wheel sharply on a slippery surface, the wheels may lose traction, and the car may skid. Similarly, pressing the accelerator pedal abruptly can cause the drive wheels to slip, and sudden braking increases the risk of wheel lock-up and loss of control. The Traffic Rules are based on the general logic of safe driving: the driver must choose a safe speed considering road conditions and take measures to prevent danger. In winter, this practically means acting in advance and gently so that the vehicle remains controllable.
Smoothness is also critical on ascents and descents. When going uphill, it is advisable to select a gear in advance that will allow you to complete the climb without unnecessary shifting and jerks, because a sudden change in traction on a slippery road easily causes the wheels to slip. When going downhill, it is safer to use engine braking and brake gradually, avoiding sudden presses that can lead to skidding.
It is also important to remember that in winter the braking distance is usually much longer. Therefore, before pedestrian crossings, near educational institutions, and in other potentially dangerous places, you should reduce speed in advance and smoothly, so you do not have to brake sharply at the last moment.
Thus, the correct answer is "Yes," because in winter, due to reduced road grip, any sudden turns, acceleration, or braking increase the risk of slipping and skidding, while smooth actions help maintain control and driving safety.