Handling Emergencies

Study questions with answers

8 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 your front tire suddenly goes flat while you are riding, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Hold the handlebars firmly, ease off the throttle, and steer to the roadside

   A flat can make the bike hard to control. Grip the handlebars firmly, ease off the throttle gradually (do not brake hard), keep the bike straight, and steer to the side of the road before stopping.

   Source: Florida Motorcycle Handbook — Flat Tires

2. 2. Why is a road often most slippery during the first few minutes of a rain shower?

   Correct answer: Water mixes with oil and dust before it washes away

   When rain begins, it mixes with built-up oil, dust, and grime to form a slick film before the road is rinsed clean. Slow down, avoid sudden moves, and brake gently until traction improves.

   Source: Florida Motorcycle Handbook — Slippery Surfaces

3. 3. Which of these surfaces is most likely to be slippery for a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: Wet painted lines and metal manhole covers

   Wet painted lane markings, metal covers and gratings, and wet leaves all offer much less grip than clean pavement. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering when you must ride over them.

   Source: Florida Motorcycle Handbook — Slippery Surfaces

4. 4. What is the correct way to swerve around a sudden obstacle you cannot stop for?

   Correct answer: Press the grip to steer around it, and do not brake during the swerve

   Swerve with two quick, separate presses on the handgrips — press to go around the obstacle, then press the other way to recover — and keep your body upright. Do not brake while swerving, because braking and turning together can break traction.

   Source: Florida Motorcycle Handbook — Swerving

5. 5. You are leaned over in a curve when you spot gravel across your path and must brake. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Straighten the bike upright as much as possible, then brake

   A tire has less grip while leaned over, so hard braking mid-lean can cause a slide. If you must brake in a curve, bring the motorcycle more upright first, then apply both brakes smoothly.

   Source: Florida Motorcycle Handbook — Braking in a Curve

6. 6. What is generally the safest way to cross railroad tracks that run at an angle to the road?

   Correct answer: Stay in your lane and cross the tracks going straight ahead

   You do not need to make a sharp turn to cross the tracks at a full right angle. It is usually safer to stay in your lane and ride straight across; a slight angle is fine and safer than swerving.

   Source: Florida Motorcycle Handbook — Crossing Railroad Tracks

7. 7. If the throttle sticks open while you are riding, what is a good first action?

   Correct answer: Squeeze the clutch and use the engine cut-off switch if needed

   A stuck throttle keeps power going to the rear wheel. Pull in the clutch to disconnect the engine, use the engine cut-off switch if the throttle will not free up, and brake to a safe stop.

   Source: Florida Motorcycle Handbook — Stuck Throttle

8. 8. How should a rider handle metal grating on a bridge that makes the motorcycle feel like it is weaving?

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

   Metal gratings and rain grooves can make a motorcycle wander. Do not fight it — hold a relaxed grip, keep a steady speed, and ride straight across. The weaving usually feels worse than it is.

   Source: Florida Motorcycle Handbook — Slippery Surfaces