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 you need to both brake and swerve to avoid a crash, how should you combine them?

   Correct answer: Never at once — brake before or after the swerve, not during it

   Braking and swerving must be kept separate; brake before or after the swerve, never while you are swerving.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Swerving or Turning Quickly

2. 2. For tracks or pavement seams that run parallel to your direction of travel, how should you cross them?

   Correct answer: Move away, then cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees with a quick, sharp turn

   To cross a seam or track running parallel to you, move far enough away to cross it at 45 degrees or more, then make a quick, sharp turn so your tires don't get caught.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams

3. 3. How should you usually cross railroad or trolley tracks that run across your lane?

   Correct answer: Ride straight ahead within your lane to cross them

   It is usually safest to hold a straight path in your own lane when crossing tracks; angling to take them head-on could steer you into another lane.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams

4. 4. If you can't avoid riding over an obstacle in the road, how should you approach it?

   Correct answer: Approach as close to a 90-degree angle as possible, rising slightly off the seat

   Cross an unavoidable obstacle at close to a right angle: slow first, keep the motorcycle upright and straight, and lift yourself slightly off the seat so your knees and elbows can absorb the impact.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles

5. 5. What will you notice if your drive chain breaks while riding?

   Correct answer: An instant loss of power to the rear wheel

   A broken chain causes an immediate loss of power to the rear wheel; close the throttle and brake to a stop.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Chain Problems

6. 6. If you must avoid a deer in the road, what does the handbook advise?

   Correct answer: Brake first, then swerve if necessary — don't combine the two

   To avoid a deer, brake first and swerve only if needed; keep braking and swerving separate to maintain control.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Farm Safety / Rural Driving

7. 7. What is a primary cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes?

   Correct answer: Running wide in a curve and hitting the road edge or a fixed object

   A leading cause of single-vehicle crashes is a rider drifting wide in a bend and striking the road's edge or a fixed object.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Cornering

8. 8. How will your motorcycle 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 ability to steer and balance.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Tire Failure

9. 9. If twisting the throttle back and forth doesn't free a stuck throttle, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Operate the engine cut-off switch while pulling in the clutch

   If the throttle stays stuck, immediately hit the engine cut-off switch and squeeze the clutch to cut power to the rear wheel, then pull off and stop.

   Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Stuck Throttle

10. 10. What is a sign that your rear tire has gone flat while riding?

    Correct answer: The back of the motorcycle jerks or sways from side to side

    When the rear tire goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from side to side.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Tire Failure

11. 11. If a tire goes flat while you are riding, what is the best immediate response?

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

    React by gripping the handlebars firmly, easing off the throttle, and steering straight; if you must brake, gradually apply the brake on the tire that is not flat.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Tire Failure

12. 12. Why should you avoid applying the brakes during a wobble?

    Correct answer: Braking could make the wobble worse

    Do not brake during a wobble — it can make the instability worse; instead close the throttle gradually to slow.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook — Wobble