35.95. Is it necessary to increase the wiper speed when overtaking a truck during light rain?
UAЧи необхідно збільшити потужність склоочисника у разі випередження вантажного автомобіля під час невеликого дощу?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about road safety in precipitation conditions and maintaining sufficient visibility during a maneuver. Even light rain makes the surface wet, and dirt and water from the road easily get onto the windshield, so proper use of wipers directly affects situation control and safe driving.
The question tests knowledge of sections of the traffic rules related to the definitions of "overtaking" and "insufficient visibility" (point 1.10), the driver's duty to be attentive and respond promptly to changes in the situation (point 2.3), as well as requirements for the condition and operation of wipers in the rain (point 31.4.7). When overtaking a truck, the risk of sudden windshield contamination increases due to strong splashes from the wheels, so a more intensive wiper mode helps maintain visibility at the most critical moment of the maneuver.
The analysis of the options in the theoretical exam format is simple: the statement about the need to increase the operation of the wiper is correct, as it prevents short-term "blinding" by water and dirt and maintains sufficient visibility. The answer about no need ignores the typical danger from truck splashes, and the advice to turn off the wiper during overtaking contradicts the logic of safe driving and may create a hazard, which does not meet the basic requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine regarding the prevention of obstacles and risks on the road.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking — the movement of a vehicle at a speed exceeding the speed of a vehicle moving in the same direction in an adjacent lane.
Explanation: the question concerns the situation of overtaking a truck, during which there may be a sudden deterioration in visibility due to splashes from the wheels.
Clause 1.10 (term "Insufficient visibility")
Insufficient visibility — road visibility in the direction of travel of less than 300 m in twilight, fog, rain, snowfall, etc.
Explanation: even "light rain" is a condition in which visibility deteriorates, and when overtaking a truck, splashes additionally and suddenly reduce visibility through the windshield.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "b")
To ensure road safety, 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 while on the road.
Explanation: when overtaking in the rain, the driver must respond appropriately to changes in visibility conditions (including due to splashes/dirt) — in particular, increase the operation of the wipers to maintain proper road visibility.
Clause 31.4.7
The operation of vehicles is prohibited under the law if the following technical malfunctions and non-compliances are present: the wiper on the driver's side does not work during rain or snowfall.
Explanation: The Traffic Rules directly emphasize the critical importance of the wiper's proper functioning in the rain; therefore, when overtaking a truck in the rain, the driver must ensure effective windshield cleaning (by selecting a more intensive mode) to prevent dangerous reduction in visibility.
Clause 1.5
The actions or inaction of road users and other persons must not create danger or obstacles to traffic, threaten the life or health of citizens, or cause material damage.
Explanation: if, when overtaking a truck in the rain, sufficient windshield cleaning is not ensured, this can lead to a dangerous deterioration of visibility and create a traffic hazard.
Thus, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to respond to reduced visibility and ensure safe driving, and during rain (especially when overtaking a truck, when splashes and dirt are possible), a more intensive wiper mode should be activated to prevent dangerous reduction of visibility.
While driving in light rain, the road surface becomes wet, and a film of water and dirt appears on it. For the driver, this means that visibility through the windshield can quickly deteriorate even with seemingly minor precipitation.
When you overtake a truck, the situation becomes more complicated. The large wheels and mass of the vehicle lift and scatter much more water and fine dirt than a passenger car. As you approach and pass by, splashes often hit the windshield of the overtaking vehicle and can sharply “blur” visibility for several seconds.
The Traffic Rules require the driver to be attentive, monitor the road situation, not be distracted from driving, and operate the vehicle in such a way as to maintain safe control. In practice, this means: if there is a likelihood of sudden deterioration in visibility, the driver must take measures in advance to maintain visibility. The simplest and correct step in such a situation is to switch the wipers to a more intensive mode so that the blades remove water and dirt faster and there is no “blind” interval during the maneuver.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," because when overtaking a truck on a wet road, splashes of water and dirt can sharply impair visibility, and increasing the wiper power helps maintain the necessary visibility and safely complete the maneuver.