35.9. While driving straight at a speed of 50 km/h, you suddenly find yourself on a small slippery section of the road. What should you do?
UAРухаючись прямо зі швидкістю 50 км/год., ви раптово потрапили на невелику слизьку ділянку дороги. Що слід зробити?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about driving safety on slippery surfaces and the correct actions a driver should take in the event of a sudden loss of traction. In real conditions, a short section of ice or “black” ice is dangerous because the friction force drops sharply, and any sudden impact on the vehicle can disrupt the fragile balance and provoke a skid or spin. That is why theoretical exams often include situations that test not “active” reactions, but the ability to avoid harming vehicle control.
The question checks understanding of Section 12 of the Traffic Rules (speed of movement) and the general duties of the driver regarding vehicle control: the driver must choose a mode that allows constant control of the vehicle (p. 12.1), and avoid sudden actions on slippery surfaces (including sudden braking without extreme necessity, p. 12.9(d)). The logic is simple: when the car has already “entered” a short slippery patch on a straight road, the least risky option is to maintain stable, straight-line movement and wait until the tires regain normal traction on a drier surface.
The analysis of answer options in this exam question shows why calm stability prevails over “instinctive” actions. Attempting to brake gently on ice still creates additional longitudinal load on the tires, and even light pressure can lead to wheel slip and loss of control, especially if the surface is very slippery. In contrast, maintaining trajectory and speed over a short section minimizes the risk of the wheels breaking into a skid and gives the best chance to safely pass the dangerous section without spinning out, which meets the practical requirements of the traffic rules.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road conditions, the specifics 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.
Explanation of application: the sudden appearance of a slippery section sharply reduces the traction of the wheels with the road, so any actions that change the driving mode (braking/acceleration/maneuvering) may deprive the driver of the ability to "constantly control the movement" in these conditions. The safest option is to maintain a stable, straight-line movement until exiting the slippery section.
Clause 12.9 (d) (Section 12 "Speed of movement")
The driver is prohibited from: braking sharply (except in cases where it is impossible to avoid a traffic accident without it).
Explanation of application: on a short slippery section, sharp braking is a typical cause of loss of stability (skid/slip). If there is no immediate need to "prevent an accident," the Traffic Rules directly prohibit sharp braking—therefore, it is advisable not to change speed while passing such a section.
Clause 2.3 (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.
Explanation of application: "respond appropriately" to a sudden change in traction means choosing an action that does not worsen controllability. For a short slippery section on a straight road, the least risky reaction is not to make any sharp steering actions and to maintain the set trajectory and speed.
Clause 2.3 (f)
The driver is obliged: in case of 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.
Explanation of application: if the slippery section itself creates a "danger to traffic," the driver should reduce speed in advance (before entering ice/mud/slush). But when you have already "suddenly entered" a short slippery section on a straight road, a sharp reduction in speed on it can be more dangerous (due to loss of traction). Therefore, the optimal approach is to pass the section without changing trajectory and without sharp actions, and after it, if necessary, safely adjust the speed.
That is, the correct answer is "Do not change the trajectory or speed of movement," given that, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the driver must ensure constant control of movement (clause 12.1), is not allowed to brake sharply without extreme necessity (clause 12.9(d)), and must respond to changes in the situation in such a way as not to create a risk of loss of controllability (clauses 2.3(b), 2.3(f)).
When you are driving straight at 50 km/h and suddenly hit a small slippery section (ice, “black” ice, packed snow), the main danger is that tire grip with the road sharply decreases. At this moment, the car stays on its trajectory only due to a small amount of friction, and any additional “task” for the wheels may exceed the available grip.
According to the Traffic Rules, the driver must control the vehicle in such a way as to constantly monitor its movement and take into account the road conditions. On a slippery surface, control is best maintained when you avoid making sudden changes to the forces acting on the wheels. If you brake sharply, turn the steering wheel, or suddenly change engine power on a short section, the tires may lose grip: skidding will occur, followed by a slide or deviation from the trajectory.
Imagine a simple situation: you are driving straight, the steering wheel is straight, the car is balanced. Suddenly, the asphalt starts to glisten and the wheels hit ice. If you press the brake at this moment, the wheels may start to slide, and the car will become uncontrollable or skid sideways. If you suddenly accelerate, the drive wheels may spin and also provoke a loss of stability. If you jerk the steering wheel, turning requires lateral grip, which is almost nonexistent on ice, and the car will start to “float” straight ahead or go into a skid.
Therefore, the most rational tactic on a small slippery section on a straight road is to maintain what is already working: straight movement and steady speed. Keep the steering wheel straight, do not brake, do not accelerate, and do not make any sudden movements, so you can calmly “roll over” the dangerous stretch and restore normal grip once you are back on a regular surface.
Thus, the correct answer is "Do not change the trajectory or speed of movement," because on a short slippery section, any sudden changes in steering, braking, or engine power easily cause the wheels to skid, while stable, straight movement gives you the best chance to pass it safely.