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. For large animals such as deer, the manual advises you to:

   Correct answer: Brake and prepare to stop, since they are unpredictable

   Large animals like deer are unpredictable, so brake and be ready to stop.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Animals

2. 2. When a tire goes flat while you are riding, the manual says to:

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

   Grip firmly, ease off the throttle, and hold a straight line; brake gently on the good tire only if you are sure which is flat.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure

3. 3. During a front-end wobble, the manual specifically warns against:

   Correct answer: Applying the brakes

   Braking during a wobble can make it worse; instead grip firmly and slow by rolling off the throttle.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Mechanical Problems: Wobble

4. 4. If the throttle stays stuck open, the manual says to:

   Correct answer: Operate the engine cut-off switch and squeeze the clutch

   If twisting the throttle does not free it, hit the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch to remove power from the rear wheel.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Mechanical Problems: Stuck Throttle

5. 5. If the front tire suddenly goes flat while riding, the steering will feel:

   Correct answer: Heavy

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

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure

6. 6. If avoiding a small animal in traffic would put you in danger, the manual says to:

   Correct answer: Stay in your lane, since hitting something small beats hitting a car

   In traffic, remain in your lane; striking something small is less dangerous than colliding with a large vehicle.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Animals

7. 7. If a dog chases your motorcycle, the manual says to:

   Correct answer: Downshift, approach slowly, then accelerate away

   Downshift and approach the animal slowly, then accelerate to leave it behind, and do not kick at it.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Animals

8. 8. To swerve around a sudden obstacle, you should:

   Correct answer: Press the handgrip on the side you want to go

   A swerve is a quick change of direction; press the grip toward your escape side to lean the bike while keeping your body upright.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Crash Avoidance: Swerving or Turning Quickly

9. 9. A locked front wheel is dangerous because it causes:

   Correct answer: Immediate loss of steering and balance

   A front-wheel skid brings instant loss of steering and balance, so the front lever must be released at once.

   Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Crash Avoidance: Front-Wheel Skids

10. 10. When you must both brake and swerve to avoid a crash, you should:

    Correct answer: Brake before or after swerving, never during it

    Braking while swerving can cause a skid; brake before or after the swerve, not while making it.

    Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Crash Avoidance: Swerving or Turning Quickly

11. 11. If the rear wheel has locked and is out of line with the front, suddenly releasing the brake can cause:

    Correct answer: A high-side crash that throws the rider off

    Releasing a locked, misaligned rear wheel can make the bike snap upright violently, a high-side crash.

    Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Crash Avoidance: Rear-Wheel Skids

12. 12. A flat rear tire while riding usually makes the back of the motorcycle:

    Correct answer: Jerk or sway from side to side

    A rear flat causes the back end to jerk or sway from side to side.

    Source: Indiana Motorcycle Operator Manual — Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure