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 the rear wheel locks and skids while the motorcycle is upright and traveling straight, the manual says you may:

   Correct answer: Keep it locked until you have stopped

   On a good-traction surface with the motorcycle upright and straight, you can keep the rear wheel locked until you have completely stopped.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Quick Stops)

2. 2. If the front wheel locks during hard braking, the manual says you should:

   Correct answer: Release the front brake at once, then reapply smoothly

   Release the front brake immediately and completely, then reapply it smoothly; a locked front wheel means instant loss of steering and balance.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Front-Wheel Skids)

3. 3. When an insect or pebble suddenly strikes you while riding, the manual says the most important thing to do is:

   Correct answer: Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the bars

   Whatever happens, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars, then pull off when it is safe to deal with the problem.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Flying Objects

4. 4. For tracks or pavement seams that run parallel to your path, the manual says to cross them at an angle of at least:

   Correct answer: 45 degrees

   Move far enough from parallel tracks or seams to cross them at an angle of at least 45 degrees, then make a deliberate turn so your tires don't get caught.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces (Railroad Tracks)

5. 5. To swerve around an obstacle correctly, the manual says you should:

   Correct answer: Press the handgrip toward where you want to go

   Press the handgrip in the direction you want to swerve; a swerve is a quick change of direction, and you should not brake while swerving.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance (Swerving)

6. 6. The manual warns that braking and swerving should be handled how?

   Correct answer: Separately, not at the same moment

   Separate braking from swerving; do not do both at once, since combining them contributes to many crashes.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance

7. 7. If you must ride over an unavoidable obstacle, the manual says to approach it at what angle if possible?

   Correct answer: As close to 90 degrees as possible

   Approach an obstacle as close to a 90-degree angle as possible, slow down, keep the motorcycle straight, and rise slightly off the seat to absorb the shock.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces (Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles)

8. 8. To cross railroad or trolley tracks that run across your lane, the manual says it is usually safest to:

   Correct answer: Cross straight within your lane

   Ride straight within your lane to cross the tracks; turning to take them exactly head-on could carry you into another lane.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces (Railroad Tracks)

9. 9. Studies cited in the manual show that most crash-involved riders make what braking error?

   Correct answer: They underbrake the front and overbrake the rear

   Most crash-involved riders underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear, and fail to separate braking from swerving when needed.

   Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Crash Avoidance

10. 10. A front-wheel 'wobble' can usually be traced to which cause, according to the manual?

    Correct answer: Improper loading or incorrect tire pressure

    Most wobbles come from improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure, so trying to accelerate out of it can make things worse.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Wobble)

11. 11. When riding over rain grooves or bridge gratings that make the motorcycle weave, the manual advises you to:

    Correct answer: Relax and ride straight across at a steady speed

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

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Handling Dangerous Surfaces (Grooves and Gratings)

12. 12. If a tire suddenly goes flat while you are riding, the manual advises you to:

    Correct answer: Ease off the throttle, hold straight, and ease to the roadside

    React to keep your balance, ease off the throttle and hold a straight course, brake gently on the good tire if needed, then edge to the side and stop.

    Source: Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual - Mechanical Problems (Tire Failure)