Motorcycle Safety Quiz - By Al Donofrio (Safety Officer For First State H.O.G. Chapter 2510)

When approaching an intersection where a car is waiting to enter, it is best to reduce speed and be ready to react. This is because reducing speed allows for better control and gives more time to react in case the car decides to enter the intersection suddenly. Being ready to react means being prepared to brake or change direction if necessary. Making eye contact with the driver can be helpful, but it is not always possible or reliable as the driver may not see or acknowledge the eye contact. Maintaining speed and position or maintaining speed and moving right are not the best options as they do not prioritize caution and readiness to react.

When a tire goes flat while riding, it is important to maintain control of the motorcycle and safely come to a stop. Braking on the good tire helps to slow down the motorcycle, while steering to the side of the road helps to avoid any potential hazards or obstacles. By shifting the weight towards the good tire, the rider can maintain better balance and control. Relaxing on the hand grips may not provide the necessary control in this situation. Using both brakes and stopping quickly may cause the motorcycle to skid or lose control, especially if one tire is flat.

Using both brakes at the same time is the best way to stop quickly because it allows for maximum braking power and control. When both the front and back brakes are applied simultaneously, the weight of the motorcycle is distributed evenly, preventing the front wheel from locking up and the rear wheel from skidding. This technique provides the shortest stopping distance and ensures stability during the braking process.

When riding, it is important to maintain a proper body position and technique. Turning just your head and eyes to look through turns is the correct answer because it allows you to maintain balance and stability on the motorcycle. By keeping your arms straight, you can have better control of the handlebars and maintain a steady grip. Keeping your knees away from the gas tank helps to maintain balance and prevent any interference with the bike's controls. However, the most crucial aspect is turning your head and eyes, as this allows you to anticipate the direction of the turn and maintain a clear line of sight, ensuring a safe and smooth ride.

The front brake supplies about three-quarters of the potential stopping power. This means that the majority of the force required to stop a vehicle comes from the front brake. The front brake is typically more effective in stopping a vehicle because when the brakes are applied, weight is transferred to the front of the vehicle, increasing the traction and grip on the front wheels. Therefore, the front brake plays a crucial role in stopping a vehicle safely and efficiently.

The given answer states that more than half of all crashes involve riders who have less than two years of experience on their bike. This means that inexperienced riders are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to riders with more experience. The other options - occurring at speeds greater than 35 mph, happening at night, and being caused by worn tires - are not mentioned as contributing factors to the majority of crashes. Therefore, the answer suggests that inexperienced riders are the most significant factor in these accidents.

When a motorcycle starts to wobble, it is important to maintain control and stabilize the bike. Gripping the handlebars firmly helps to maintain balance and control over the motorcycle. Closing the throttle slowly reduces the speed and prevents any sudden changes that could worsen the wobble. This allows the rider to regain control and stabilize the bike. Accelerating out of the wobble or quickly downshifting can potentially exacerbate the wobble and make the situation more dangerous. Using both brakes gently to stop may not be effective in stabilizing the motorcycle and could also lead to loss of control.

Covering the clutch and the brakes reduces reaction time because it allows the rider to quickly engage either the clutch or the brakes when needed. By keeping their hand on the clutch and their fingers near the brake lever, the rider can quickly respond to any potential hazards or sudden changes in traffic. This proactive approach helps to minimize the time it takes to react and take necessary actions, improving overall safety on the road.

When it starts to rain, it is usually best to ride in the tire tracks left by cars. This is because the tire tracks tend to have less water accumulation compared to the rest of the road. By riding in these tracks, the chances of hydroplaning or losing traction are reduced, providing better stability and control. Additionally, riding in the tire tracks allows you to have better visibility as the tracks can help clear the water from your path.

To swerve correctly, it is important to press the hand grip in the direction of the turn. This action helps to initiate and maintain the desired change in direction. By pressing the hand grip in the direction of the turn, the rider can effectively lean the bike and maintain balance while maneuvering. Shifting weight quickly and turning the handlebars quickly may also contribute to the swerving process, but pressing the hand grip in the direction of the turn is the most crucial action to ensure a successful swerve.

Flashing your brake light when you will be slowing suddenly is the most important because it alerts the drivers behind you that you will be decelerating quickly. This gives them a warning to adjust their speed and maintain a safe following distance, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. It is crucial to communicate your intentions on the road, especially when there is a need for sudden braking, to ensure the safety of both yourself and other drivers.