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 around an obstacle, where do you apply pressure on the handgrip?

   Correct answer: On the grip on the side you want to go

   Press on the handgrip on the side of your intended escape direction to make the bike lean quickly, holding pressure until you clear the obstacle.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Swerving or Turning Quickly

2. 2. How should you handle riding over rain grooves or a bridge grating?

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

   The wandering feeling on grooves or gratings is generally not dangerous; relax, keep a steady speed, and ride straight across rather than zigzagging.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Grooves and Gratings

3. 3. What is the rule about braking and swerving at the same time?

   Correct answer: Brake before or after, never while swerving

   Keep braking separate from swerving: brake before or after, but never while you swerve, because doing both at once can cause a loss of control.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance: Swerving or Turning Quickly

4. 4. How should you cross railroad or trolley tracks that run across your lane?

   Correct answer: Ride straight within your lane to cross them

   In most cases it is safer to hold a straight path inside your own lane when crossing tracks; swinging over to meet them squarely could push you into another lane.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Railroad Tracks and Pavement Seams

5. 5. According to the manual, most crash-involved riders make which braking mistake?

   Correct answer: Underbrake the front and overbrake the rear

   Studies show most crash-involved riders underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear, and fail to separate braking from swerving.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Crash Avoidance

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

   Correct answer: At least a 45-degree angle

   Move far enough away, then cross parallel seams or tracks at an angle of at least 45 degrees with a quick, sharp turn so your tires don't get caught.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Railroad Tracks and Pavement Seams

7. 7. If your throttle sticks and twisting it does not free it, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Hit the engine kill switch while squeezing in the clutch

   Right away, flip the engine kill switch while simultaneously squeezing the clutch to cut drive to the rear wheel, then coast off the road and stop.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Mechanical Problems: Stuck Throttle

8. 8. If your front tire suddenly goes flat while riding, how will the steering feel?

   Correct answer: Heavy

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

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure

9. 9. Why should you not apply the brakes when trying to control a wobble?

   Correct answer: Braking could make the wobble worse

   Braking during a wobble could make it worse, so instead you close the throttle gradually and shift your weight forward and down.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Mechanical Problems: Wobble

10. 10. If you must ride over an obstacle you can't avoid, at what angle should you approach it?

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

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

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Handling Dangerous Surfaces: Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles

11. 11. If your motorcycle begins to wobble, what should you NOT do?

    Correct answer: Try to accelerate out of it

    Do not try to accelerate out of a wobble; that only makes the bike more unstable. Instead grip firmly and close the throttle gradually.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Mechanical Problems: Wobble

12. 12. What should you do first if a tire goes flat while you are riding?

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

    Grip the handlebars tightly, roll off the throttle, and hold your line straight; if you must brake, do it gently on the good tire only, then ease to the side.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Mechanical Problems: Tire Failure