Hazards & Road Surfaces

Study questions with answers

9 sample Hazards & Road Surfaces questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. When is a paved road usually most slippery during a rainstorm?

   Correct answer: Just after the rain starts, before the oil is washed away

   Pavement is most slippery just after the rain begins, because water lifts the oil and dust that have built up on the surface. Heavier rain later washes it away, so use extra caution and slow down at the first drops.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding in the Rain

2. 2. When you must ride across gravel, sand, or a similar loose surface, you should:

   Correct answer: Slow down first, stay upright, and avoid sudden braking or turning

   Slow down before you reach the surface, keep the motorcycle as upright as possible, and avoid sudden braking, turning, or acceleration. Smooth, gentle inputs help the tires keep what little traction is available.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Slippery Surfaces

3. 3. In the SEE strategy (Search, Evaluate, Execute), what does the 'Evaluate' step involve?

   Correct answer: Anticipating how spotted hazards might create a problem and planning a response

   Evaluate means thinking about how the hazards you have spotted could interact and create a problem, so you can anticipate what might happen and decide on a response before it develops.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — The SEE Strategy

4. 4. In the SEE strategy, what does the 'Execute' step mean?

   Correct answer: Carry out your decision by adjusting speed or position and communicating

   Execute means carrying out your decision by adjusting your speed, changing your lane position, and communicating with others so you keep a safe space cushion and avoid the hazard.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — The SEE Strategy

5. 5. If a tire suddenly goes flat while you are riding, the safest response is to:

   Correct answer: Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle, and steer straight as you slow

   A blowout makes the motorcycle feel unstable. Hold the handlegrips firmly, ease off the throttle, keep the bike straight, and gradually move to the side of the road to stop.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Mechanical Problems

6. 6. How should you handle a strong crosswind while riding?

   Correct answer: Grip firmly and lean slightly into the wind to hold your lane

   Keep a firm grip and press the handgrip to lean slightly into the wind so you hold your lane position. Be ready for the wind to shift or drop suddenly, especially when passing trucks or leaving a sheltered area.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Riding in Wind

7. 7. In the SEE strategy (Search, Evaluate, Execute) for managing risk, what does 'Search' mean?

   Correct answer: Scan far and near for factors that could cause trouble

   Search means scanning aggressively, both far ahead and close in, for anything that could become a hazard, such as cars, road conditions, and traffic controls, so you have time to react.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — The SEE Strategy

8. 8. What is the safest way to ride across railroad tracks that cross the road at an angle?

   Correct answer: Stay in your lane and cross the tracks going as straight as you can

   It is usually safest to stay in your lane and cross the tracks going as straight as you can, so the tires meet them at a good angle. You do not need to turn to cross at an exact right angle if that would take you out of your lane.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Crossing Railroad Tracks

9. 9. A yellow warning sign showing a vehicle with curved skid marks tells a motorcyclist that the road:

   Correct answer: May be slippery, especially when wet — use extra care on two wheels

   This sign warns that the surface may be slippery, especially when wet. On two wheels, reduced traction is more dangerous, so slow down and avoid sudden braking or turning.

   Source: Georgia Motorcycle Operator's Manual — Warning Signs