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. Riding over bridge gratings or rain grooves may cause a weaving sensation. How should you respond?

   Correct answer: Relax, keep a steady speed, and ride straight across

   The wandering feeling is generally not hazardous; relax, hold a steady speed, and ride straight across rather than zigzagging.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Grooves and Gratings

2. 2. If you accidentally lock the rear wheel on a good traction surface while stopping straight, you can:

   Correct answer: Keep it locked until you fully stop if upright and straight

   On good traction with the bike upright and traveling straight, you can keep the rear wheel locked until you have completely stopped and still control it.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Quick Stops

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

   Correct answer: At least 45 degrees

   Move far enough away from parallel tracks or seams to cross them at an angle of at least 45 degrees, then make a deliberate turn.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams

4. 4. On a very slippery surface, how should a rider apply the front brake?

   Correct answer: Squeeze it gradually to avoid locking the wheel

   The front brake is still effective on slippery surfaces, but squeeze it gradually with gentle pressure to avoid locking the front wheel.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Slippery Surfaces

5. 5. If you must ride over a small obstacle you cannot avoid, at what angle should you approach it?

   Correct answer: As close to a 90-degree angle as possible

   Approach an unavoidable obstacle at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible, and rise slightly off the seat to absorb the shock.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles

6. 6. If a dog begins chasing your motorcycle, the recommended response is to:

   Correct answer: Approach slowly, then accelerate away

   Downshift and approach the animal slowly, then accelerate to leave it behind, without kicking at it.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Animals

7. 7. When crossing railroad or trolley tracks, what is usually the safest approach?

   Correct answer: Ride straight within your lane to cross them

   Crossing tracks is normally safest by keeping a straight line inside your lane, instead of angling to meet them at 90 degrees and drifting toward another lane.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks and Pavement Seams

8. 8. If the front wheel locks during a hard stop, what should the rider do immediately?

   Correct answer: Release the front brake immediately, then reapply it

   Release the front brake lever at once, then reapply it, because a locked front wheel causes immediate loss of steering and balance.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Front-Wheel Skids

9. 9. If your motorcycle begins to wobble, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Grip the bars firmly and close the throttle gradually

   Hold the bars firmly rather than fighting the shake, and ease the throttle shut to lose speed; avoid braking or trying to power out of it.

   Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems: Wobble

10. 10. If you are in traffic and a small animal runs into your path, the manual advises you to:

    Correct answer: Remain in your lane

    Hold your lane, because striking a small object is safer than veering into something large such as a car.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Animals

11. 11. What are the two crash-avoidance skills the manual says are critical to know when and how to use?

    Correct answer: Quick stopping and swerving

    Knowing when and how to stop quickly and how to swerve are the two skills critical to avoiding a crash.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance

12. 12. When rain first begins to fall, where is it usually best to ride?

    Correct answer: In the tire tracks left by cars

    As rain begins, follow the tire paths that passing cars have left, usually the left one, for improved grip.

    Source: Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual - Slippery Surfaces