35.70. During long trips, the best way to prevent drowsiness is:
UAПід час тривалих поїздок найкращий спосіб запобігти сонливості це:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety during long trips and one of the most dangerous risk factors on the road — driver fatigue and drowsiness. Falling asleep at the wheel often happens unnoticed, and even a few seconds of "switching off" means driving without control, which sharply increases the likelihood of an accident, especially outside populated areas and at higher speeds.
The question tests knowledge of Section 2 "Driver" of the traffic rules, in particular the prohibition on driving while fatigued (point 2.9) and the obligation to be attentive and to respond appropriately to changes in the road situation (point 2.3). In the context of the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the logic: the best approach is not to try to "fight off" sleepiness while driving, but to prevent fatigue through planned breaks, which restore concentration and reduce the risk of dangerous mistakes.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to their effectiveness. Turning on the radio or music may briefly cheer you up, but it does not eliminate the cause of drowsiness and does not restore performance. Reducing speed may sometimes seem safer, but it does not solve the problem of fatigue: reaction and attention still deteriorate, and the main risk — falling asleep — remains. In contrast, regular stops for rest provide real recovery, and water, if available, additionally helps maintain alertness, since even mild dehydration reduces concentration.
In practice, it is worth planning breaks every 1.5–2 hours: stop in a safe place, get out of the car, walk around, stretch, if necessary take a nap for 15–30 minutes, and only then continue driving. This approach directly helps to comply with the requirements of the traffic rules and reduces the risk of accidents related to fatigue, which is the key idea of this question for exam preparation.
Clause 2.9 (Section 2 "Driver", prohibitions for the driver)
The driver is prohibited from operating a vehicle in a state of illness, fatigue, or under the influence of medicinal drugs that reduce attention and reaction speed.
Brief application: if signs of fatigue/drowsiness appear during a long trip, the driver must stop and take a break to rest, in order to avoid driving in a state of fatigue (which is directly prohibited by the Traffic Rules).
Clause 2.3 (Section 2 "Driver", 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 technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving while on the road.
Brief application: drowsiness and fatigue directly reduce attentiveness and the ability to properly respond to changes in the traffic situation, so regular stops for rest are a practical way to properly fulfill this duty.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Regular stops for rest and drinking water (if available).", given that by definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is prohibited from driving in a state of fatigue and is obliged to be attentive and properly respond to changes in the traffic situation, which is facilitated by regular breaks (and drinking water can additionally help maintain alertness).
During a long trip, the main risk for the driver is the gradual accumulation of fatigue. Fatigue reduces attentiveness, slows reaction time, and impairs coordination, which directly affects the ability to notice danger in time and act correctly in a complex traffic situation, especially on rural roads and at higher speeds. Drowsiness often sets in unnoticed, and the driver may "switch off" for a few seconds, which essentially means driving without control.
From the point of view of road safety, the most effective approach is not to "fight sleep" while driving, but to prevent fatigue through planned breaks. When you stop in a safe place, get out of the car, walk a bit or stretch, your body gets a change of activity, blood circulation is restored, and muscle and eye tension decreases. Such short breaks help maintain stable performance better than trying to "endure" drowsiness until the final destination.
It is also important to understand the role of drinking water. Dehydration, even minor, contributes to a feeling of fatigue and reduced concentration. Therefore, during stops, it is advisable to drink water if you have it on hand. This is not an obligation, but as a practical safety measure, it helps maintain alertness better than heavy food or excessive stimulants, which only give a short-term effect and do not replace rest.
Imagine a typical situation: you have been driving on the highway for several hours, your eyes are "sticking together," you start blinking more often, and you feel like resting your head or "just enduring a little longer." The correct action is not to look for ways to keep driving, but to plan a stop, take a short rest, nap if needed, and only continue the trip after you have recovered. This is what reduces the likelihood of accidents related to falling asleep at the wheel.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Regular stops for rest and drinking water (if available)," since planned breaks really reduce fatigue and the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, and water helps maintain concentration and alertness during a long journey.