California Motorcycle Safety Program Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Give five reasons why motorcycling is more risky than driving a car.

More vulnerable, Maneuvers are more dangerous, Have to balance, Skids and spins, Exposed to wind and rain.

What does it mean to 'accept your responsibility'?

Choose to ride within your limits every single time.

What five items make up Rider Readiness?

Mentally ready, Physically ready, Proper riding gear, Understanding your abilities and limitations, Knowledge of riding conditions.

What are the three benefits of wearing apparel specifically designed for motorcycling?

Improves comfort, concentration, safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between retro-reflective and reflective?

Retro reflective reflects the light back to the source; reflective can reflect in any direction. Signup and view all the answers

Why aren't ordinary glasses or sunglasses sufficient eye protection?

Not impact resistant, not secured. Signup and view all the answers

What three items should you consider when shopping for riding gear?

Increases comfort, protection, visibility. Signup and view all the answers

Where do you find the recommended maintenance schedule for your motorcycle?

Motorcycle Owners Manual (MOM). Signup and view all the answers

What are the five primary controls and where is each located?

Throttle, Clutch lever, Gearshift lever, Front brake lever, Rear brake pedal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the engine cut-off switch and where is it located?

Shuts off engine, located at the right handgrip. Signup and view all the answers

What must you remember when using your motorcycle turn signal?

Does not self-cancel. Signup and view all the answers

What is ONE-C?

O - Ignition/fuel turn ON, N - Neutral, E - Engine cut-off switch to on, C - Clutch pull in and press starter button. Signup and view all the answers

How do you use the friction zone?

Use minor clutch slipping to ease power to wheels. Signup and view all the answers

Describe three components of good riding posture.

Sitting up, relaxed, neutral. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four steps to turning?

Speed, Position, Aim, Steer (Course) or Slow, look, press, roll (DMV). Signup and view all the answers

Why is the 'aim' step important?

Because you're likely to ride where you look and aim. Signup and view all the answers

What does lifting or pressing on the shift lever accomplish?

Change gears. Signup and view all the answers

Which brake provides more stopping power? How much does it provide?

Front, 70%. Signup and view all the answers

How should you release the clutch when downshifting?

Slowly, smoothly. Signup and view all the answers

What five items can you improve your visibility to other traffic?

Wearing bright colored gear, wear reflectivity, drive with headlights on, flash brake lights when stopped, signal well in advance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 20-second visual lead?

Look ahead to scan your path for potential dangers ahead. Signup and view all the answers

What two words best describe scanning?

Aggressive, purposeful. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended minimum following distance?

Two seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What four items should you consider when choosing a lane position?

Visibility, line-of-sight, space cushion, escape route. Signup and view all the answers

What is S.I.P.D.E?

S - Scan ahead, I - Identify vehicles, people, hazards, P - Predict what the hazard will do, D - Decide what you are going to do, E - Execute plan. Signup and view all the answers

How does S.I.P.D.E help make you an expert rider?

By learning to anticipate and act on hazards. Signup and view all the answers

Where do most multi-vehicle collisions occur?

Intersections. Signup and view all the answers

What is a head check?

Looking over shoulder prior to changing lanes or turning. Signup and view all the answers

What can you do to reduce reaction time in hazardous situations?

Use S.I.P.D.E. Signup and view all the answers

How do you know if you are overriding your headlight?

Unable to see and react to hazards past your headlight field. Signup and view all the answers

What are the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes?

Failure to negotiate turns. Signup and view all the answers

At what point should you turn toward the apex?

After you've entered the outside of the turn. Signup and view all the answers

How do you link turns smoothly?

Use a late apex line. Signup and view all the answers

When should you turn your head for cornering?

As soon as you can see your target. Signup and view all the answers

How is the front brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line?

Smooth, firm and with increasing pressure. Signup and view all the answers

How is the rear brake applied to stop quickly in a straight line?

Light to lighter pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What two methods are the quickest way to stop in a curve?

Straighten, then brake; braking in a lean. Signup and view all the answers

When braking in a lean, what is important to remember?

The more friction used in the lean, the less traction available for braking. Signup and view all the answers

What should you always avoid while swerving?

Braking. Signup and view all the answers

Where should you look when crossing obstacles?

Ahead, forecast your path of travel. Signup and view all the answers

What approach angle is recommended when crossing obstacles?

90 degrees. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a potential change in roadway traction?

Shiny surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

How should you ride across low-traction surfaces?

Slow down, decrease lean angle. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you come upon deer alongside the roadway?

Slow down, anticipate more. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you suspect your sidestand will sink into the parking surface?

Place a flat object underneath the kickstand. Signup and view all the answers

How do daily events affect Rider Readiness?

Decrease your ability to concentrate. Signup and view all the answers

What are three examples of impairment?

Alcohol, medications, fatigue. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of rider fatalities are alcohol related?

52%. Signup and view all the answers

How does riding under the influence affect the SIPDE process?

Decreases your ability to concentrate and reason. Signup and view all the answers

What are three ways of intervening to prevent a friend from driving under the influence?

Stop serving, time and food, take the keys. Signup and view all the answers

When should you consider carrying a passenger?

After much experience driving solo. Signup and view all the answers

How should the passenger be dressed?

Same as rider, full safety gear. Signup and view all the answers

What instructions do you give to your passenger and when?

Before first ride: hold on to waist, look over shoulder in direction of turn, no sudden weight shifts. Signup and view all the answers

Where do you find the maximum load capacity for your motorcycle?

Motorcycle owners manual. Signup and view all the answers

What two items should you adjust if you are carrying loads?

Tire pressure, suspension. Signup and view all the answers

Where should you carry heavier items?

Low, ahead of rear axle. Signup and view all the answers

How do you calculate the following distance in a staggered formation?

Two seconds off the leader's rear tire. Signup and view all the answers

What four conditions when group riding should you move to single file?

Passing, entering, exiting, approaching corners, limited visibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum recommended number of riders in a group?

Five. Signup and view all the answers

Where in the formation should the least experienced rider be?

Right behind leader. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of tire failure?

Under-inflated tires. Signup and view all the answers

Where do you find information about proper tire pressure?

Motorcycle owners manual. Signup and view all the answers

How can you shift without using the clutch?

Match road speed with RPM. Signup and view all the answers

If you experience a wobble, what three things should you do?

Look ahead, hold handlebars firmly, ease off throttle. Signup and view all the answers

What are some ways that long-distance riding can lead to riding impaired?

Weather and long hours can cause fatigue. Signup and view all the answers

How can you be prepared for long-distance riding?

Rest frequently, maintain a mechanically sound bike, plan. Signup and view all the answers

How does cold/hypothermia impair you?

Decreases alertness and ability to analyze. Signup and view all the answers

How does heat/dehydration impair you?

Decreases alertness and ability to analyze. Signup and view all the answers

How can you stay cool, hydrated and protected?

Cooling vest or wet shirt with vents open. Signup and view all the answers

How soon and how far to signal before a turn?

Five seconds or 100 feet. Signup and view all the answers

If you have not triggered a light sensor, when can you proceed?

After two light cycles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum vehicle insurance coverage in California?

$15,000 for injury or death of one person; $30,000 for injury or death of two or more people; and $5,000 for property damage. Signup and view all the answers

What do the double double yellow lines mean?

Barrier, no driving. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a Class M1 and M2 endorsement?

Class M1 allows operation of any two-wheel motorcycle, while Class M2 allows operation of motorized bicycles and scooters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum speed when towing?

55 miles per hour. Signup and view all the answers

Are motorcycles allowed to be in the carpool/HOV lanes?

Yes. Signup and view all the answers

Lane splitting should be done in what lane numbers?

Between the number one lane and number two lane. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 locations where the electronic toll transponder can be placed?

Pocket, tank bag, license plate device, other storage compartment, on the windshield. Signup and view all the answers

You cannot park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?

15 ft. Signup and view all the answers

When two vehicles arrive at an intersection, who has the right of way?

The vehicle on the right. Signup and view all the answers

Stop vehicle within how many feet of a crosswalk?

Five. Signup and view all the answers

What does a white parking zone signify?

Passengers or mail. Signup and view all the answers

What does a green parking zone signify?

Temporary parking. Signup and view all the answers

What does a yellow parking zone signify?

Passengers or freight. Signup and view all the answers

When being passed, what section of the lane should you drive in?

Center. Signup and view all the answers

Which vehicle has the right of way, uphill traveling vehicle or downhill traveling vehicle?

Uphill traveling vehicle has the right of way. Signup and view all the answers

What is the penalty for evading police pursuit?

One year or less in jail. Signup and view all the answers

D.U.I. blood alcohol for adults and minors?

Adult: .08%; Minors under 21 years old: .01%. Signup and view all the answers

How loud can exhaust be in California?

88 decibels. Signup and view all the answers

When changing lanes, what should you do? (ACRONYM)

SMOG-C: Signal, Mirror, Over the shoulder, Go, Cancel signal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the max speed of most highways?

65 mph. Signup and view all the answers

Can you legally always drive the speed limit?

No, the law says NEVER faster than is safe for conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Where can you legally mount phones/com devices?

In a car, anywhere but the middle; on a motorcycle, as long as it's not blocking the instrument panel. Signup and view all the answers

How much money does damage from accidents/injury need to exceed to require a report? When that happens who do you report it to? How many days do you have to report it?

When accident damage exceeds $1k you need to report it to the DMV within 10 days. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of tests are permitted during DUI stops for hemophiliacs or persons taking anticoagulants?

Chemical urine tests. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different kinds of DUI tests you can get when being stopped?

Field sobriety test, chemical urine test, blood test, breathalyzer, remember ALL OF THE ABOVE. Signup and view all the answers

What's the speed limit when driving near a school or where children are crossing the street?

25 mph. Signup and view all the answers

Children under what age may not be left unattended in a vehicle?

6 years of age. Signup and view all the answers

How many times more dangerous is driving a motorcycle than a car?

38 times more dangerous. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of motorcycle accidents result in injury?

80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motorcycle Risks and Responsibilities

Motorcycling is riskier than car driving due to increased vulnerability, need for balance, dangerous maneuvers, skids and spins, and exposure to the elements.
Accepting responsibility means riding within one's limits consistently.

Rider Readiness Essentials

Rider readiness includes mental focus, physical health, protective gear, awareness of abilities, knowledge of riding conditions, and maintenance of the motorcycle.

Safety Gear and Visibility

Wearing motorcycle-specific apparel enhances comfort, concentration, and safety.
Consider comfort, protection, and visibility when selecting riding gear.

Motorcycle Controls

Primary controls include throttle, clutch lever, gearshift lever, front brake lever, and rear brake pedal.

Starting and Handling the Motorcycle

The process of starting a motorcycle is encapsulated in ONE-C: ignition on, neutral, engine cut-off switch on, clutch pulled, and starter pressed.

Riding Techniques and Posture

Good riding posture involves sitting upright, relaxed, and maintaining a neutral position.
Friction zone control requires minor clutch slipping for power delivery to the wheels.

Turning and Scanning Skills

Essential steps for turning include managing speed, positioning, aiming, and steering.
Scanning should be aggressive and purposeful, aiming for a 20-second visual lead for situational awareness.

Traffic Rules and Lane Positioning

Minimum recommended following distance is two seconds.
Key considerations for lane position include visibility, line-of-sight, space cushion, and escape route.

Collision Awareness and Defensive Riding

Most multi-vehicle collisions occur at intersections.
S.I.P.D.E. (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute) helps riders anticipate and react to hazards.

Handling Hazards and Weather Conditions

Low-traction surfaces require slower speeds and reduced lean angles.
Regularly check tire pressure and adjust based on load.

Group Riding Guidelines

Group riding should capitalize on staggered formations; the least experienced rider should be directly behind the leader.
Move to single file during passing, entering/exiting lanes, corners, or limited visibility.

Legal Riding Considerations

Motorcycle insurance minimum in California: $15,000 per person, $30,000 for multiple people, $5,000 for property damage.
Lane splitting is allowed between the first two lanes.

Maintenance and Safety Checks

Regular checks for maintenance schedules and ensuring your motorcycle is in good working condition are essential for safety.

Impairment and Fatigue

Alcohol, medications, and fatigue are significant impairments affecting riding skills.
Cold weather decreases alertness; staying hydrated in hot conditions is critical.

Traffic Signals and Maneuvers

Signal five seconds before a turn, and proceed through non-triggered light sensors after two cycles.
Exhaust noise limit in California is 88 decibels.

Emergency Procedures

In case of a wobble, look straight ahead, hold handlebars securely, and ease off the throttle.
Avoid braking while swerving to maintain control.

Children and Vehicle Safety

Children under six cannot be left unattended in a vehicle.
Speed limit near schools is 25 mph; stopping distance near crosswalks should be five feet.

Dangerous Factors in Motorcycling

Motorcycling is 38 times more dangerous than car driving, with 80% of motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards based on the California Motorcycle Safety Program. Explore key concepts such as the risks of motorcycling compared to driving a car, rider responsibilities, and readiness essentials. This quiz aims to reinforce critical safety knowledge for motorcyclists.