47.1. In order to be able to constantly control the movement of the vehicle and drive it safely, the driver must:
UAЩоб мати змогу постійно контролювати рух транспортного засобу та безпечно керувати ним, водій повинен:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the basic conditions for safe driving: how a driver can maintain constant control over the vehicle in real traffic and reduce the risk of accidents. It relates to several daily decisions behind the wheel that directly affect the ability to respond to danger in time: speed, distance and interval, as well as the use of passive safety devices. Such wording is often found in the theoretical exam, because it checks not 'theory for the sake of theory,' but the practical model of safe driver behavior.
In essence, this checks knowledge of the sections of the Traffic Rules regarding the choice of safe speed (clause 12.1), maintaining a safe distance and interval (clause 13.1), as well as the obligation to use seat belts and not to transport unbelted passengers (clause 2.3(c)). The idea is simple: control over the car is possible only when the driver simultaneously adjusts the speed to the conditions (surface, weather, vehicle condition, load), leaves space in front and to the side for maneuvering or braking, and ensures passive safety in the cabin so that in case of sudden braking, seating position and controllability are not lost.
Analysis of the answer options shows that each of the points is correct according to the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, but incomplete in the context of this exam question. Distance and interval correspond to the requirements of clause 13.1 and provide time and space for reaction; seat belts from clause 2.3(c) reduce the consequences of sudden driving modes and accidents and are the driver's duty towards themselves and passengers; safe speed according to clause 12.1 is directly formulated as a condition for constant control of movement. Therefore, only the comprehensive option that combines all three requirements is correct: other answers omit some of the mandatory conditions, without which full control and safe driving are not guaranteed.
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 directly formulates the requirement to choose a safe speed specifically for the purpose of constantly controlling the movement of the vehicle and driving safely.
Clause 13.1
“Depending on the speed of movement, the road situation, the characteristics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, the driver must maintain a safe distance and a safe interval.”
This clause checks the knowledge that for safe driving and the ability to react in time, the driver must independently choose a safe distance and interval depending on the traffic conditions.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "v")
“To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: (c) in vehicles equipped with passive safety devices (headrests, seat belts), use them and not transport passengers who are not wearing seat belts. It is allowed not to fasten the seat belt for the person teaching driving if the student is behind the wheel, and in populated areas, in addition, for drivers and passengers with disabilities whose physiological characteristics prevent the use of seat belts, as well as for drivers and passengers of emergency and special vehicles and taxis (subclause amended 11.07.2018)...”
This subclause checks the driver’s obligation to use seat belts (if available) and to ensure that passengers are also buckled up, as part of safe driving.
Thus, the correct answer is “Answers 1, 2, and 3.”, given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, in order to constantly control the movement and drive safely, the driver must choose a safe speed (clause 12.1), maintain a safe distance and interval (clause 13.1), as well as use seat belts and not transport unbelted passengers (clause 2.3(c)).
For a driver to be able to constantly control the movement of the car and drive it safely, the Traffic Rules require not just one separate action, but a combination of conditions that the driver must ensure while driving. That is why, in this question, the correct option is the one that combines several mandatory requirements.
First, the driver must choose a safe speed. According to paragraph 12.1 of the Traffic Rules, the speed should be selected within the permitted limits, but taking into account the actual road conditions, the condition of the car, and the specifics of the cargo. For example, even if the sign allows 50 km/h, during rain, on a slippery surface, or with a heavy load, the safe speed may be lower, because otherwise the driver may not be able to react and stop in time.
Second, to constantly control the situation, the driver must maintain a safe distance and interval. This follows from paragraph 13.1 of the Traffic Rules: the distance depends on the speed and driving conditions and gives time to react if the car in front suddenly brakes; the interval is needed to avoid side contact with vehicles nearby or with road elements. For example, at high speed, a short distance will almost certainly lead to a collision if the car in front brakes suddenly, because the driver behind sees the danger with a delay.
Third, for safe driving, it is important to use passive safety devices. Paragraph 2.3 of the Traffic Rules obliges the driver to use a seat belt (if the car is equipped with one) and not to transport passengers who are not buckled up. This directly affects safe driving: in the event of sudden braking or an accident, the belt keeps the driver in the correct position, which helps not to lose control of the car.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 1, 2, and 3," because to constantly control the vehicle, the driver must simultaneously ensure a safe speed, a safe distance and interval, and also use seat belts and require this from passengers.