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 an animal is in your path while you are riding in traffic, the safest general rule is to:

   Correct answer: Stay in your lane while trying to avoid it

   Do all you safely can to avoid the animal, but stay in your lane; striking a small animal is far less dangerous than swerving into a car.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Animals

2. 2. If you must stop quickly while leaning through a curve, the best technique is to:

   Correct answer: Bring the bike upright first, then brake

   Straighten the motorcycle upright first and then brake; if you must brake while still leaning, apply light braking and reduce lean as you slow.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Crash Avoidance: Quick Stops

3. 3. If your front tire suddenly goes flat while riding, how will the motorcycle behave?

   Correct answer: The steering will feel heavy

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

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure

4. 4. If your motorcycle develops a front-wheel wobble, you should:

   Correct answer: Close the throttle gradually and avoid braking

   Do not try to accelerate out of a wobble; grip the bars firmly without fighting it, close the throttle gradually to slow, avoid braking, and shift your weight forward and down before pulling off.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Mechanical Problems: Wobble

5. 5. About how much of a motorcycle's total stopping power can the front brake supply?

   Correct answer: About 70 percent or more

   The front brake is the stronger of the two and can deliver roughly 70 percent or more of your stopping power, so it should always be used.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Basic Vehicle Control: Braking

6. 6. What is a primary cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes in curves?

   Correct answer: Running wide and drifting off the intended path

   Riders running wide in a curve or turn and hitting the roadway edge or a fixed object is a leading cause of single-vehicle crashes.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Crash Avoidance: Cornering

7. 7. How should braking and swerving be combined when you need to do both?

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

   Never brake and swerve at the same time; separate the two by braking before or after the swerve, not during it.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Crash Avoidance: Swerving or Turning Quickly

8. 8. Studies show that most riders involved in crashes tend to:

   Correct answer: Underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear

   Crash-involved riders commonly underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear, and they often fail to separate braking from swerving or to swerve when it was the better choice.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Crash Avoidance

9. 9. If a flying object such as a pebble or insect strikes you while riding, you should first:

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

   Keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the handlebars; once it is safe, pull off the road to deal with any damage.

   Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Flying Objects

10. 10. When it starts to rain, where is often the best place to ride?

    Correct answer: In the tire tracks left by cars

    The center of the lane can be slick when wet, so ride in the tire tracks left by cars; the left track is frequently the best choice.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Slippery Surfaces

11. 11. If a dog chases your motorcycle, the recommended response is to:

    Correct answer: Downshift, approach slowly, then accelerate away

    Downshift and approach the dog slowly, then accelerate away once you reach it; do not kick at it, and keep looking where you want to go.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Animals

12. 12. To cross railroad tracks or a pavement seam that runs parallel to your path, you should:

    Correct answer: Move away and cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees

    Move far enough away from the tracks or seam to cross them at an angle of at least 45 degrees, then make a deliberate turn so your tires do not get caught.

    Source: PA Motorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Tracks and Pavement Seams