Motorcycle Safety and Riding Techniques

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Questions and Answers

Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:

Be a responsible rider (correct)

Check the motorcycle equipment (correct)

Become familiar with the motorcycle (correct)

Wear the right gear (correct)

Most crashes happen during how long of trips?

short trips (5 miles)

At minimum, your motorcycle should have what equipment?

Headlight, taillight and brakelight, Front and rear brakes, Turn signals, Horn, Two mirrors

What helps protect your whole face?

A plastic shatter-resistant face shield Signup and view all the answers

What does T-CLOCS stand for?

tires and wheels, controls, lights and mirrors, oil and other fluids, chassis, stands Signup and view all the answers

More than half of all crashes involve riders with less than 5 months of experience.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 steps for better control?

Slow, look (with head keep eyes level), press, roll Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the best lane position?

The car's left tire track Signup and view all the answers

What are the negatives of the center lane position?

The center third of the lane is where debris and oil drippings from cars collect; hazards such as manhole covers are located. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best protection while riding?

Distance Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum stopping distance?

2 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Usually, a good way to handle tailgaters is to:

Change lanes and let them pass Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not move into the portion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle?

It might invite the other driver to cut back into your lane too early. Signup and view all the answers

Experienced riders look how far out?

12 seconds out Signup and view all the answers

To reduce your reaction time, you should:

Cover the clutch and the brakes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to park at the roadside?

Position the motorcycle at an angle with the rear wheel to the curb. Signup and view all the answers

Most crashes occur in what conditions?

Broad daylight Signup and view all the answers

It is especially important to flash your brake light before:

You slow more quickly than others might expect. Signup and view all the answers

What does SEE stand for?

Search, Evaluate, Execute Signup and view all the answers

Making eye contact with other drivers means the driver will yield.

False Signup and view all the answers

Studies show that most crash-involved riders do what?

Underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear; did not choose swerving when it was appropriate. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at fast speed regarding braking?

Use rear brakes only. Signup and view all the answers

What braking method should be used at moderate speed?

Front brake Signup and view all the answers

What braking method should be used at slow speed?

Both brakes Signup and view all the answers

What should you do while swerving?

Do not brake. Signup and view all the answers

When it starts to rain, it is usually best to:

Ride in the tire tracks left by cars. Signup and view all the answers

If your motorcycle starts to wobble, you should:

Grip the handlebars firmly and close the throttle gradually. Signup and view all the answers

If you are being chased by a dog, you should:

Approach the animal slowly, then speed up and leave it behind. Signup and view all the answers

Passengers should:

Lean as you lean. Signup and view all the answers

Fasten teams with what?

Bungee cords, not rope. Signup and view all the answers

The most important rules for group riding are:

No competition, no passing of other riders, and no tailgating. Signup and view all the answers

What is staggered formation used for?

Best way to keep the ranks close yet maintain an adequate space cushion. Signup and view all the answers

When riding in a group, inexperienced riders should position themselves:

Just behind the leader. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when the car is waiting to enter the intersection?

Reduce speed and be ready to react. Signup and view all the answers

What is important to know about alcohol?

Studies show that 29% of all fatally injured motorcycle riders had BAC levels above the legal limit of 0.08%. Signup and view all the answers

What does BAC stand for?

Blood alcohol concentration. Signup and view all the answers

What BAC is considered intoxicated for an adult?

0.08% or above. Signup and view all the answers

What BAC is considered intoxicated for underage individuals?

0-.02%. Signup and view all the answers

What are the results of riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs?

License suspension, fines, insurance rate increase, community service, costs. Signup and view all the answers

If you wait one hour per drink for the alcohol to be eliminated from your body before riding:

Side effects from the drinking may still remain. Signup and view all the answers

The front brake provides what percentage of the total stopping power?

70%. Signup and view all the answers

If you get a flat tire while riding, you should:

Hold the handlebars firmly and stay off the brakes. Signup and view all the answers

When taking a curve while riding in a group, you should be in:

Single file. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a common type of helmet?

One half Signup and view all the answers

When you are being passed, you should:

Center lane. Signup and view all the answers

If you will be carrying a passenger on your motorcycle, you will likely have to:

Increase tire pressure. Signup and view all the answers

When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, you should ride in which portion of the lane?

Left. Signup and view all the answers

Eye protection is required.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a method used to maintain control of a motorcycle in a turn?

Slow down before turn Signup and view all the answers

If you are passing a row of parked vehicles to your right and there is no oncoming traffic to your left, you should ride:

In the left portion of your lane. Signup and view all the answers

To stay safe on a long trip, you should:

Not use artificial stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Which lane position is usually best for minimizing the risk of other vehicles sharing your lane?

Center portion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motorcycle Safety and Preparation

A safe rider prepares by wearing appropriate gear, familiarizing themselves with the motorcycle, checking equipment, and practicing responsibility.
Crashes predominantly occur during short trips of around five miles.
Essential motorcycle equipment includes functioning headlights, taillights, brakelights, front and rear brakes, turn signals, horn, and two mirrors.

Riding Skills and Techniques

A plastic shatter-resistant face shield protects the rider's face.
T-CLOCS is an acronym for key checks: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and mirrors, Oil and other fluids, Chassis, Stands.
Over half of crashes involve riders with less than five months of experience.
Improve control through techniques: Slow down, Look (keeping eyes level), Press, Roll.
The best lane position for safety is the left tire track of a car.

Hazard Awareness and Distance

Center lane position collects debris and hazards; avoid riding in wet conditions.
The most critical protection comes from maintaining distance from other vehicles.
Minimum stopping distance is two seconds in ideal conditions.

Handling Difficult Situations

For tailgaters, change lanes to allow them to pass.
Do not move far from the lane's edge when being passed, as this could lead to dangerous situations.
Experienced riders should be aware of their surroundings up to 12 seconds ahead.

Reaction and Control Techniques

To reduce reaction time, riders should cover the clutch and brakes.
When parking roadside, position the motorcycle at an angle with the rear wheel near the curb.
Most crashes often happen in broad daylight; be particularly alert during this time.

Strategies for Safe Riding

Before slowing down suddenly, flash your brake light to warn others.
Utilize the SEE method: Search, Evaluate, Execute.
Making eye contact with drivers does not guarantee they will yield.

Common Rider Errors

Studies reveal that many crash-involved riders underbrake the front tire and overbrake the rear.
Proper braking techniques vary by speed: use both brakes at slow speeds, front brake at moderate speeds, and rear brake at fast speeds.

Emergency Maneuvers

While swerving to avoid danger, do not brake to maintain control.
In rainy conditions, ride in tire tracks left by vehicles.
If the motorcycle wobbles, grip handlebars firmly and gradually reduce throttle.
If a dog chases, approach slowly and then accelerate to leave it behind.

Group Riding and Alcohol Awareness

Passengers should lean in accordance with the rider's movements.
Use bungee cords, not rope, to secure gear.
Key group riding rules include no competition, no passing other riders, and no tailgating.
Staggered formation helps maintain safe distances in group rides.
Inexperienced riders should position themselves just behind the group leader.

Intersection Awareness and Alcohol Facts

If a vehicle waits at an intersection, reduce speed and prepare to react.
Studies show 29% of fatal motorcycle riders had a BAC over 0.08%.
BAC stands for blood alcohol concentration; a BAC of 0.08% or more is considered intoxicated.
For those under 21, a lower BAC range of 0-0.02% is considered intoxicated.
Riding under the influence can lead to license suspension, fines, and increased insurance costs.

Helmets and Safety Equipment

The front brake is responsible for about 70% of total stopping power.
If experiencing a flat tire, hold the handlebars tightly and do not brake.
When riding in a group through a curve, maintain a single-file formation.
Eye protection is a necessary safety requirement.

Passing and Control Techniques

Do not slow down before turning to maintain control; instead, approach turns at a steady speed.
When passing parked vehicles, ride in the left portion of the lane.
To ensure safety on long trips, avoid reliance on artificial stimulants.
The center lane position often minimizes risks from other vehicles sharing the lane.

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Description

Test your knowledge on motorcycle safety, preparation, and essential riding skills. This quiz covers key concepts including appropriate gear, T-CLOCS checks, and hazard awareness. Enhance your understanding to promote safer riding practices.