35.8. Does the anti-lock braking system eliminate the possibility of skidding or sliding when cornering?
UAЧи виключає антиблокувальна гальмівна система можливість виникнення занесення або знесення під час проходження повороту?
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This is a driving exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning vehicle safety when cornering and the influence of auxiliary systems on stability and controllability. It highlights an important practical point for the theoretical exam: electronic systems like ABS increase the chances of maintaining control during braking, but cannot “overcome” a lack of tire grip on the surface and do not make cornering automatically safe.
In essence, this checks the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the choice of safe speed and driver actions in dangerous situations (points 12.1, 12.3), as well as the general obligation to be attentive and control the movement of the vehicle (point 2.3). ABS operates specifically during braking: it prevents complete wheel lock-up and maintains steering ability, but if the speed is too high, the surface is slippery, or actions are abrupt, both understeer (loss of grip of the front wheels) and oversteer (rear axle skid) are still possible in a turn.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that the statement about “completely eliminating” any of these phenomena is incorrect: neither oversteer nor understeer can be guaranteed to be eliminated solely by the presence of ABS, because the cause is often excessive speed, improper grip distribution, and tire overload in a turn. That is why the correct logic for the traffic rules is as follows: ABS helps maintain controllability during braking, but does not guarantee the absence of skidding, and responsibility for speed and trajectory under any conditions remains with the driver.
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.
This clause checks the understanding that no auxiliary systems (including ABS) cancel the driver's obligation to choose a speed that ensures controllability in a turn, taking into account the tire-to-road grip.
Clause 12.3
If a traffic hazard or obstacle arises that the driver can objectively detect, they must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely maneuvering around the obstacle for other road users.
This clause is related to the fact that ABS only helps maintain controllability during braking, but does not eliminate the risks of loss of grip in a turn (understeer/oversteer) at inappropriate speed or with abrupt actions; the driver is in any case obliged to reduce speed in a timely manner.
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 on the road.
This subclause emphasizes that the responsibility for choosing driving techniques (including in a turn) lies with the driver, regardless of the presence of ABS.
Thus, the correct answer is "Does not exclude the possibility of understeer or oversteer," given that according to the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to choose a safe speed and constantly control the movement of the vehicle; ABS does not change this obligation and cannot guarantee the absence of loss of grip in a turn.
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) operates only during braking. Its purpose is to prevent the wheels from locking completely, so that when the brakes are applied, the vehicle remains controllable: the driver can continue to steer around obstacles and adjust the trajectory with the steering wheel, rather than “sliding straight” on locked wheels.
However, ABS cannot override the laws of tire-road adhesion. While cornering, the tires are simultaneously subjected to forces required for turning and (if the driver is braking) braking forces. If the speed is too high for a particular turn, the surface is slippery, or the maneuver is abrupt, the tire may not have enough grip to maintain the desired trajectory. In such a situation, both understeer (when the front wheels “lose grip” and the car does not turn at the intended angle) and oversteer (when the rear of the car starts to slide sideways) are possible.
Practical example: you enter a turn in winter and, seeing an obstacle, brake sharply. ABS will prevent the wheels from locking completely, and the steering wheel will remain “responsive,” but if traction on the ice is insufficient, the car may still go wider than the curve (understeer) or start spinning due to loss of stability (oversteer). That is, ABS helps maintain control during braking, but does not guarantee that the car will not skid in a turn.
From the perspective of the Traffic Rules requirements, the driver must choose a safe speed taking into account the road situation, surface condition, and visibility, and must control the vehicle so as to be able to constantly monitor its movement. The presence of ABS does not relieve the driver of this obligation and does not make cornering “unconditionally safe” on a slippery road or at excessive speed.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Does not exclude the possibility of understeer or oversteer,” because ABS only prevents wheel lockup during braking and maintains controllability, but does not eliminate loss of traction in a turn at excessive speed, on a slippery surface, or during abrupt driver actions.