38.10. In which direction should the driver look during an oncoming passing at night in order to reduce the likelihood of being dazzled?
UAВ який бік необхідно дивитися водію при зустрічному роз’їзді в темний час доби для того, щоб зменшити вірогідність засліплення?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns driving safety at night and the risk of being dazzled during an oncoming pass. At night, headlights sharply reduce the quality of road perception, and just a few seconds of “blind” driving are enough to miss a pedestrian, a road surface defect, or a vehicle on the roadside. Therefore, the traffic rules pay special attention to proper use of lighting, choosing a safe speed, and maintaining intervals.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding the use of external lighting devices and the general duties of the driver concerning attentiveness and control of the vehicle’s trajectory (in particular, requirements such as timely switching from high beam to low beam when approaching an oncoming vehicle). In the theoretical exam, it is important to understand not only “where to look,” but also why: the correct direction of gaze helps reduce the amount of bright light entering the eyes and at the same time keeps the vehicle within its lane by focusing on a stable reference point.
The analysis of answer options comes down to a simple principle: you need to look where there is a reliable outer reference point and less direct dazzling. Focusing on the right edge of the roadway allows you to avoid “catching” the headlights of the oncoming car and to control the position of your vehicle relative to the roadside. Looking toward the left roadside or the center of the road more often forces you to focus closer to the oncoming traffic and the light source, which increases the likelihood of being dazzled and making mistakes in choosing your trajectory, especially on narrow or unlit sections. In practice, this knowledge helps the driver to pass an oncoming vehicle more safely: switch to low beam in time, reduce speed if necessary, and maintain a stable lateral interval.
Clause 19.2
The high beam headlights must be switched to low beam at least 250 m before an oncoming vehicle, as well as when the high beam may dazzle other drivers, including through the rearview mirror.
Clause 2.3 (subparagraph "b")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: be attentive, monitor the traffic 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.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the traffic 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.
Clause 13.1
The driver, depending on the speed, traffic situation, characteristics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, must maintain a safe distance and a safe interval.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Shoulder")
Shoulder — an element of the road that directly adjoins the carriageway at the same level, differs by type of surface or is marked by road markings; intended for pedestrian movement, stopping and parking of vehicles, as well as for the movement of cyclists (in the absence of a cycle path), horse-drawn carts (sleds), mopeds (if there is no other possibility of movement).
Thus, the correct answer is "Towards the right shoulder, controlling the edge of the carriageway," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the shoulder adjoins the carriageway and can be a stable reference point for controlling the trajectory, and the driver is obliged to be attentive and not allow dazzling of others (including timely switching from high to low beam).
During an oncoming meeting at night, the main danger for the driver is being blinded by the headlights of the oncoming vehicle. If you instinctively look directly at the headlights, the bright light enters your field of vision, your sight sharply "drops," and for some time the driver perceives the road situation worse and may even lose the precise sense of the car’s position in the lane.
To reduce this likelihood, it is important for the driver not to "catch" the source of light with their gaze, but to shift their focus to the right—where there is no direct blinding beam. The best reference point in such a situation is the edge of the roadway: the boundary with the shoulder, the curb, or the edge of the pavement. By looking in this direction, the driver simultaneously avoids direct light entering the eyes and controls that the vehicle remains within its lane and does not dangerously approach the oncoming traffic.
Practically, it looks like this: when a car approaches from the opposite direction, you keep closer to the right edge of the road with a safe lateral interval, and direct your gaze not at the headlights, but at the right edge of the roadway. This helps maintain your driving trajectory even when the oncoming light is distracting, and at the same time allows you to notice any danger near the roadside in time.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Towards the right shoulder, controlling the edge of the roadway," since this direction of gaze reduces blinding from the headlights of the oncoming vehicle and helps keep the car steadily within its lane.