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. If a deer or other large animal is on or near your path, what is the only reliable action?

   Correct answer: Stop before reaching it, then wait or pass at walking speed

   Large animals are unpredictable, so stop before reaching them, then wait for them to leave or ease past at walking speed.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eight — Motorcycles and deer

2. 2. To handle a strong side wind, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Lean into the wind with handgrip pressure and keep a large space cushion

   Counter wind gusts by leaning into them with forward pressure on the handgrip, moving away from other vehicles, and maximizing your space cushion.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eight — Wind

3. 3. To cross railroad or trolley tracks safely, what should you generally do?

   Correct answer: Ride straight ahead within your lane

   It is usually safest to ride straight ahead within your lane; turning to cross at a steep angle can carry you into another lane.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Railroad tracks and seams

4. 4. If a tire suddenly goes flat while riding, what should your first response be?

   Correct answer: Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle, and keep a straight course

   Hold the grips firmly, ease off the throttle, and keep a straight course; brake only gradually on the good tire if needed.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eight — Tire failure

5. 5. Riding over rain grooves or a bridge grating that makes the bike weave calls for what?

   Correct answer: Holding a steady speed and riding straight across

   The weaving feel is normal; hold a steady speed and ride straight across rather than zigzagging.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Grooves and gratings

6. 6. If your front wheel locks during hard braking, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Release the front brake to get the tire rolling, then reapply smoothly

   Release the front brake to get the tire rolling again, then immediately reapply with controlled, gradual pressure.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Seven — Handling skids

7. 7. A flat front tire is especially hazardous because it does what?

   Correct answer: Affects your steering, making it feel heavy

   A front flat makes the steering feel "heavy" and directly threatens your control.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eight — Tire failure

8. 8. When a dog chases your motorcycle, what does the manual say to do?

   Correct answer: Slow down, downshift, then accelerate away as it nears

   Slow down and downshift until the dog is near, then accelerate away out of its reach; do not kick at it.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Eight — Animals

9. 9. If the rear wheel locks and skids while you are going straight, what is the recommended action?

   Correct answer: Keep the rear brake locked until you come to a complete stop

   In a straight-line rear skid, keep the rear brake locked until you fully stop; releasing a skidding rear brake can cause a violent crash.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Seven — Handling skids

10. 10. How should braking and swerving be combined?

    Correct answer: Keep them separate — brake before or after, never during the swerve

    Keep them separate — brake before or after the swerve, never while swerving.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Seven — Swerving

11. 11. To stop quickly while riding in a curve, what should you do first?

    Correct answer: Straighten the bike and square the handlebars, then stop

    Straighten the motorcycle and square the handlebars, then stop; if you can't straighten first, brake smoothly while reducing lean.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Seven — Stopping quickly in a curve

12. 12. For tracks or pavement seams that run parallel to your path, at what angle should you cross them?

    Correct answer: At least 45 degrees, then make a quick sharp turn

    Move away from a parallel seam, then cross it at 45 degrees or more with a quick, sharp turn so it can't catch your tires.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Six — Railroad tracks and seams