35.63. Is it allowed to sharply increase speed while driving in rainy weather?
UAЧи можна різко збільшувати швидкість під час руху в дощову погоду?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks the understanding of safe speed and how weather conditions affect the grip and controllability of a vehicle. During rain, a water film and puddles appear on the road, causing tires to have poorer contact with the surface, increasing the risk of skidding, sliding, and aquaplaning. Therefore, any sudden actions, including rapid acceleration, are dangerous in such conditions.
In terms of content, this task belongs to Section 12 "Speed of movement" of the traffic rules and is directly related to clause 12.1: the driver must choose a speed that allows constant control of the vehicle, taking into account the road conditions. Rain is often accompanied by poor visibility (term 1.10), and clause 12.2 requires selecting a speed that allows stopping within the visible distance; thus, a sharp increase in speed contradicts the logic of safe driving.
During the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the difference between careful acceleration and sudden acceleration: sharply pressing the gas on wet asphalt can provoke wheel spin, loss of trajectory when changing lanes or turning, and on water — partial "floating" of the wheels. That is why the answer "yes" is incorrect, and the correct choice in this exam question reflects a basic principle: speed must correspond to road conditions and ensure control over the car.
Clause 12.1 (Section 12 "Speed of Movement")
When choosing a safe 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.
Application to the question: rain reduces traction and controllability, so it is not allowed to sharply increase speed — the speed must correspond to the road conditions and ensure constant control over the vehicle.
Clause 12.2 (Section 12 "Speed of Movement")
At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, the speed must be such that the driver is able to stop the vehicle within the visible distance of the road.
Application to the question: during rain, insufficient visibility often occurs, so the speed (especially sharp acceleration) must ensure the possibility of stopping within the visible distance.
Clause 12.3 (Section 12 "Speed of Movement")
If a danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect arises, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely maneuvering around the obstacle for other road users.
Application to the question: rain (slippery surface, water film, risk of aquaplaning) is a factor of increased danger, in which case the priority is to reduce speed, not to accelerate sharply.
Clause 1.10 (term "Insufficient Visibility")
Insufficient visibility — road visibility of less than 300 m in twilight, fog, rain, snowfall, etc.
Application to the question: rain is directly classified by the Traffic Rules as a condition that can create insufficient visibility, so the driver is obliged to choose such a speed as to safely control the movement.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, during rain (reduced traction and/or insufficient visibility) the driver must choose a safe speed that ensures constant control and the ability to stop within the visible distance, not to sharply increase speed.
During rain, the road surface becomes slippery, and puddles and a thin layer of water often appear on it. In such conditions, tire grip on the road noticeably worsens, and the car responds less effectively to the driver's actions.
The Traffic Rules require the driver to choose a safe speed taking into account the condition of the surface and weather conditions, in order to be able to constantly control the vehicle. On a wet road, this means driving more cautiously, because the grip reserve is lower, and any sudden actions affect the car’s stability much more than on dry asphalt.
Sudden acceleration in the rain creates additional risks. First, when accelerating quickly, the wheels may start to slip, and the car can lose control or go into a skid, especially in a turn or while changing lanes. Second, on sections with water, hydroplaning is possible: the tire partially “floats” on the water film, and contact with the surface sharply worsens. At this moment, sudden acceleration does not help, but rather increases the likelihood of losing control.
Practical example: if the driver suddenly presses the gas pedal when driving onto wet road markings or a small puddle, the car may unexpectedly “pull” to the side, and the stability control system (if present) does not always have time to compensate for the error when grip is low. Therefore, the correct tactic in rainy weather is smooth steering and pedal actions and moderate speed.
Thus, the correct answer is "No.", because on a wet road grip is worse and sudden acceleration can lead to loss of control (up to hydroplaning and skidding).