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. To swerve to the left and then recover, in what order do you press the handgrips?

   Correct answer: Press left, then press right to recover

   Press the left grip to move left, then press the right grip to bring the motorcycle back to your original line.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Crash Avoidance

2. 2. What is the correct way to stop as quickly as possible?

   Correct answer: Use both brakes together

   For a quick stop, apply both brakes at the same time, squeezing the front lever firmly and progressively rather than grabbing it.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Crash Avoidance

3. 3. If a small object is thrown up and strikes you or your face shield, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Watch the road, keep both hands on the bars, then pull off when it is safe

   Keep your gaze on the road ahead and both hands on the grips; deal with any damage only after you have safely pulled off.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Flying Objects

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

   Correct answer: Ease off the throttle, hold the grips firmly, and keep straight

   Keep a firm grip on the bars, roll off the throttle, and hold a straight line; if you are sure which tire is flat, brake only the good one, then ease off the road.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Mechanical Problems

5. 5. Riding across rain grooves or bridge gratings often makes a motorcycle weave. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Relax, hold a steady speed, and go straight across

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

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Handling Dangerous Surfaces

6. 6. When an engine seizes, what should you do first, and what usually causes it?

   Correct answer: Squeeze the clutch and pull off; it is usually caused by low oil

   Engine seizure usually comes from being low on oil; squeeze the clutch to disconnect the engine from the rear wheel, then pull off and stop.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Mechanical Problems

7. 7. What is the best technique if you must stop quickly while leaned over in a curve?

   Correct answer: Straighten the bike upright, then brake

   The safest approach is to straighten the motorcycle upright first and then brake, since a leaned tire has less traction available for stopping.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Crash Avoidance

8. 8. If a dog chases your motorcycle, what is the recommended way to handle it?

   Correct answer: Approach slowly, then accelerate away as you reach it

   Downshift and approach the animal slowly, then accelerate away as you reach it, leaving it behind while keeping control of the bike.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Animals

9. 9. What is a common sign that the rear tire has gone flat while riding?

   Correct answer: The back of the bike jerks from side to side

   A flat rear tire tends to make the back of the motorcycle jerk from side to side.

   Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Mechanical Problems

10. 10. At what angle should you try to cross an obstacle you cannot avoid riding over?

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

    Approach an unavoidable obstacle as close to a 90-degree angle as you can so your tires meet it squarely.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Handling Dangerous Surfaces

11. 11. When crossing an obstacle, what should you do with the throttle just before contact?

    Correct answer: Roll on slightly to lighten the front end

    Roll on the throttle slightly just before contact to lighten the front end as the tire meets the obstacle.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Handling Dangerous Surfaces

12. 12. A primary cause of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes in curves is:

    Correct answer: Running wide in the curve and colliding with something

    A leading cause of single-vehicle wrecks is drifting wide through a curve or turn and striking the road or a fixed object.

    Source: NC Motorcyclists' Handbook — Crash Avoidance