Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

12 sample Handling Emergencies questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What mistakes do most crash-involved riders make with braking and swerving?

   Correct answer: They under-brake the front, over-brake the rear, and mix braking with swerving

   Research finds that riders in crashes tend to brake the front too little and the rear too much, and they fail to keep braking apart from swerving.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Crash Avoidance

2. 2. After riding over an object in the road, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Pull off and inspect your tires and rims for damage

   After crossing something in the road, stop and inspect both tires and rims for harm before you continue.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles

3. 3. What is the best technique to stop as quickly as possible?

   Correct answer: Apply both brakes together, squeezing the front smoothly

   Apply both brakes at the same time, squeezing the front lever firmly and progressively while pressing the rear, without grabbing the front.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Quick Stops

4. 4. If you accidentally lock the rear wheel on a good-traction surface while going straight, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Keep it locked until you come to a complete stop

   On good traction and moving in a straight line, keep the rear wheel locked until you have completely stopped; you can still control an upright bike this way.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Quick Stops

5. 5. Why should you not try to accelerate out of a wobble?

   Correct answer: It makes the motorcycle even more unstable

   Trying to accelerate out of a wobble only makes the motorcycle more unstable.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Wobble

6. 6. For tracks or pavement seams that run parallel to your path, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Shift over so you can take the seam at 45 degrees or more, then turn sharply

   For seams running the same way you travel, ease away from them and take them at a 45-degree angle or steeper with one quick, sharp turn.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Tracks and Pavement Seams

7. 7. How will the motorcycle usually behave if the front tire suddenly goes flat?

   Correct answer: The steering will feel heavy

   A front-tire flat makes the steering feel heavy and is especially hazardous because it affects your steering; you must steer well to keep your balance.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Tire Failure

8. 8. Which surface offers poor traction, especially right after rain begins?

   Correct answer: Pavement just after it starts to rain

   Wet pavement offers little grip, especially in the first minutes of a rain before the oil on the surface rinses toward the shoulders.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Slippery Surfaces

9. 9. If an insect or flying object strikes you while riding, what is most important?

   Correct answer: Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the bars

   No matter what strikes you, hold your gaze forward and your grip on the bars, then pull over to deal with any damage when it is safe.

   Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Flying Objects

10. 10. How should you react to larger animals such as deer or cattle near the road?

    Correct answer: Brake and be ready to stop, since they are unpredictable

    For larger animals, brake and prepare to stop, because they are unpredictable.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Animals

11. 11. If you must ride over an obstacle you cannot avoid, how should you approach it?

    Correct answer: Approach near a 90-degree angle, slow, and rise off the seat

    Take an unavoidable obstacle as near to a right angle as you can, slow beforehand, keep the bike straight, and lift slightly off the seat onto the pegs.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles

12. 12. How should you use the brakes on a slippery surface?

    Correct answer: Squeeze the front gradually and use gentle rear pressure

    The front brake still works on slippery pavement, but squeeze it gradually to avoid locking the front wheel, and use gentle pressure on the rear.

    Source: Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual — Slippery Surfaces