The Ultimate Motorcycle Safety Guide: Tips for Safe Riding
Motorcycle Safety Tips
General Safety
Wearing a helmet is:
> Required for both operators and passengers.
For the safety of motorcyclists, a full face shield:
> Is recommended.
Massachusetts law requires motorcycle riders to use headlights:
> One half hour after sunset until one half hour before sunrise.
Motorcycles must undergo a safety inspection:
> Once a year
The single most effective thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving an accident is:
> Wear a helmet.
In hot weather, wearing a riding jacket:
> Can help protect against heat exhaustion and dehydration.
When riding a motorcycle, you should:
> Assume other drivers can’t see you.
When cars are merging from an entrance ramp:
> A motorcyclist should never assume the entering drivers see them.
When traveling at night, it is:
> More difficult to judge distances than it is during the day.
An approved helmet:
> Allows the wearer to see as far to the sides as necessary.
On a motorcycle, a horn:
> Can be used to get someone’s attention quickly.
Long-term exposure to wind noise:
> Can cause irreversible hearing damage.
Junior Operator Law
Under the Junior Operator Law, operators under the age of 18 may not:
> Operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Safe Riding Practices
Road Awareness
When riding during the day, you should:
> Use your high beam headlight.
When riding a motorcycle in the city, your attention should be:
> Focused at least one half block ahead of you.
To reduce the chance of collision, a motorcycle rider should:
> Consistently look 10 to 15 seconds ahead of their motorcycle.
In areas where dangers could be present, a motorcyclist should:
> Cover the clutch and both brake levers to reduce their reaction time.
When nearing a blind intersection, you should:
> Change your lane position to become more visible to other drivers.
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.
You should flash your brake light to:
> Tell other motorists that you are going to slow down or stop where they don’t expect you to do so.
Use your mirrors when stopping at an intersection:
> To determine if drivers behind you are aware that you are stopping.
If you are riding behind another vehicle at night, you can determine if there are bumps on the road ahead by:
> Noticing the other vehicle’s taillights bouncing up and down.
To be seen in the rearview mirror of the driver ahead of you, you should:
> Ride in the center portion of the lane.
A motorcyclist can discourage other vehicles from lane sharing by:
> Riding in the center portion of a lane.
Where is the greatest potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other traffic?
> Intersections
To increase your line of sight when preparing to pass another vehicle on its left, you should:
> Ride in the left portion of your lane.
You should pick a lane position that:
> Best increases your visibility and allows for a safe cushion of space.
The best lane position:
> Varies based on road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Your lane position should:
- Avoid other road users’ blind spots.
- Help you communicate your intentions to other drivers.
- Provide an escape route.
When being passed by another vehicle, you should:
> Ride in the center portion of your lane.
Riding directly alongside another vehicle is discouraged because:
> You may be in the other vehicle’s blind spot.
When passing a row of parked cars, a motorcycle operator should be prepared for:
> A motorist to unexpectedly pull out of a parking space and into traffic.
Motorcycles:
> Have blind spots that should be routinely checked.
Which portion of the lane should be avoided?
> No portion of the lane should always be avoided.
Mirror checks:
> Should be part of your normal scanning routine.
Turning
What are the four steps to safely completing a turn?
> Slow, look, press, and roll.
When passing another driver, you should:
> Move out of their blind spot as quickly as possible.
Generally, road users should signal to turn ______ before beginning a turn.
> 100 feet
If a motorcycle rider takes a turn too fast, they may:
> Unintentionally leave the road.
Upshifting or downshifting in a curve:
> Should only be done if it can be done smoothly.
When entering a turn, a rider should:
> Reduce their speed.
In a slow, tight turn, the rider should:
> Counterbalance the leaning motorcycle by keeping their body upright.
Braking
Under ideal conditions, a motorcyclist should maintain a minimum following distance of:
> Two seconds.
When the road is slippery, maintain a following distance of at least:
> Four seconds.
When a motorcyclist needs to stop quickly, they should:
> Apply both brakes at the same time.
If your front wheel locks while you are stopping, you should:
> Immediately release the front brake, then re-apply the brake firmly.
If your rear wheel locks up while you are stopping on a surface with good traction, you should:
> Keep the wheel locked until you have stopped completely.
As weight transfers to the front of your bike while you are braking, you should:
> Gradually increase pressure to the front brake.
When braking on a slippery surface, you should:
> Use both brakes.
If attempting to brake in a curve, you should:
> Brake more gradually than you would on a straightaway.
Using the front and rear brakes simultaneously:
> Allows for maximum braking power.
Obstacles
A motorcyclist should attempt to avoid obstacles on the roadway. If avoiding an obstacle is not possible, the motorcyclist should:
> Try to approach the obstacle at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible.
If you are unable to avoid hitting an object in the roadway, you should:
> Slow down before contact.
Riding in Groups
When riding in curves, turning, or entering a highway, the best group formation is:
> Single-file.
When riding in a group, inexperienced riders should position themselves:
> Just behind the leader.
When riding in a group, the best riding formation is generally:
> A staggered formation.
When a group of riders is passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, the riders should:
> Pass one at a time.
When riding in a group, riders should:
> All maintain safe following distances.
Weather Conditions
It can be difficult to ride right after it starts raining because:
> Pavement will be especially slippery.
When riding in rain or fog, you should:
> Use your low beam headlight.
When it starts raining, it is usually best to:
> Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.
To ride safely on slippery surfaces, you should:
> Reduce your speed.
Flat Tires
A sign that your front tire has gone flat is that your steering suddenly feels:
> Heavy.
A sign that your rear tire has suddenly gone flat is that:
> The back of your motorcycle is swaying from side to side.
If either tire goes flat while riding, you should:
> Gently apply the brake of the non-flat tire.
Other Hazards
If your motorcycle begins to weave while you are riding over rain grooves or bridge gratings, you should:
> Relax, maintain a steady speed, and ride straight across the surface.
If you must brake and swerve to avoid a hazard, you should:
> Either brake then swerve or swerve then brake.
To swerve correctly, you should:
> Press the handle grip in the direction you plan to swerve.
If braking in a curve:
> You may have less traction as you lean into the curve.
When looking through a turn, you should:
> Turn just your head, not your shoulders.
To lean a motorcycle when making a turn, you should:
> Press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn.
After entering a turn, you should roll on the throttle and:
> Maintain a steady speed or accelerate gradually.
When approaching an object or uneven surface that you cannot avoid, you should:
> Rise slightly off the seat to allow your legs to absorb the shock.
When crossing railroad tracks that are parallel to the road, you should:
> Try to cross the tracks at a 45-degree angle.
If you are being chased by a dog, you should:
> Approach the animal slowly, then quickly accelerate away from the dog as it approaches.
If your motorcycle begins to wobble, you should:
> Grip the handlebars firmly and close the throttle gradually.
Motorcycle Maintenance
Before riding, a motorcycle operator should check the clutch. A properly working clutch should feel:
> Tight and smooth.
The proper action to take when riding an unfamiliar motorcycle for the first time is to:
> Work the throttle, clutch, and brakes before riding to learn the bike’s gear pattern.
You should conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle:
> Before every ride.
Motorcycle Gear
To help other drivers see you, you should wear:
> Brightly-colored clothes.
Riding gloves should:
> Be worn to provide a better grip on the handgrips.
When riding, jackets and pants should:
> Be snug enough to keep from flapping in the wind.
Riding with a Passenger
When carrying a passenger, a motorcycle takes:
> More time than usual to stop and speed up.
When riding with a passenger on your motorcycle, you should instruct the passenger to:
> Not talk or move unnecessarily.
A passenger on a motorcycle should:
> Sit as far forward as possible without crowding the operator.
Passengers should:
> Hold onto the rider’s hips, waist, or belt.
When carrying a passenger, you should:
> Equip and adjust your motorcycle to carry the passenger.
When riding with a passenger, you should:
> Ride a little more slowly than usual.
Speed Limits
What do speed limit signs indicate?
> The maximum or minimum speed that is legally allowed to be driven
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in school zones is:
> 20 mph.
Traffic Signals
When approaching a traffic signal displaying a steady yellow arrow, riders:
> Should slow to a stop, if it is safe to do so.
When approaching a traffic signal displaying a steady green arrow, riders:
> May turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians already in the intersection.
When approaching a steady red traffic light, riders should:
> Come to a complete stop.
When approaching a steady green traffic light, riders should:
> Continue riding, unless there are vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians already in the intersection.
A red arrow pointing to the right on a traffic light means you may:
> Not turn in that direction until the light turns green.
When approaching an intersection controlled by a flashing red traffic light, riders should:
> Treat the light like a stop sign.
If a traffic signal light turns solid yellow, you should:
> Prepare to stop.
What should a rider do when approaching a traffic control signal that is not in operation?
> Come to a full stop and yield the right-of-way before entering the intersection.
Right-of-Way
When two drivers arrive to a four-way stop:
> The driver to arrive first has the right-of-way.
If two drivers arrive at the same time to a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs:
> The driver on the right has the right-of-way.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians are crossing the road in a crosswalk ahead of you. You should:
> Stop, proceeding only when all the pedestrians have crossed.
You must yield to a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog:
> At all times.
Road Signs
Pentagonal signs indicate:
> School zones.
A diamond-shaped sign:
> Warns of existing or potential hazards.
An octagonal sign is always a:
> Stop sign.
Downward-facing triangular signs:
> Tell riders to yield.
Traffic Control
If a crossing guard is directing traffic in a school zone, you must:
> Follow the directions given by the crossing guard.
If an officer is directing traffic at a working traffic light, road users should:
> Follow the directions given by the officer.
If a flagger is directing traffic in a construction zone, you must:
> Follow the directions given by the flagger.
When may you legally ride around or under a lowered railroad crossing gate?
> Never.
When approaching a blind intersection, riders should:
> Stop at the stop line before moving forward to improve their view of cross traffic.
You should not start across an intersection if you know you will block the intersection when the light turns red:
> Under any circumstances.
School Buses
When a school bus is stopped on the road ahead to load or unload children, you must:
> Come to a complete stop until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.
Operating Under the Influence
Refusing to take an alcohol analysis test when under suspicion of Operating Under the Influence (OUI):
> Will result in license suspension.
Impairment from drinking alcohol occurs:
> Well below the legal limit.
Motorcycle Fit
A properly-fitted motorcycle:
> Allows the rider to touch the ground with their feet while seated.
Shifting Gears
When slowing or stopping a motorcycle, you should:
> Shift down through the gears.
Before starting a turn, a motorcyclist should change gears to:
> Prevent a change in power in the middle of the turn.
When downhill or shifting into first gear, you may need to:
> Use your brakes to slow down before downshifting safely.
Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:
> Using the brakes.
Lane Splitting
When other vehicles are slowed or stopped:
> A motorcyclist should not weave between lanes of traffic.
Fatigue
The best way to avoid fatigue when riding your motorcycle on a long trip is to:
> Take frequent breaks to rest.
To stay safe on a long trip, you should:
> Not use artificial stimulants.
Engine Cut-Off Switch
You should operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch when:
> The throttle is stuck and you cannot free it.
Face Shields
To be effective, a face shield should not:
> Be airtight.
Mirrors
Most motorcycles have rounded, or convex, mirrors. These mirrors:
> Make cars seem farther away than they actually are.
Saddlebags
If using saddlebags to carry a load, you should:
> Load the bags as evenly as possible.
If traveling with a load, the load should be:
> Secured as low as possible.
Night Riding
When riding at night, you should:
> Reduce your speed and increase your following distance.
When following a car at night, you can see the road more easily by:
> Using the headlights of the vehicle ahead.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Taking over-the-counter medication before riding:
> May affect your riding abilities and should be done with caution.
Being Passed
When being passed, do not move into the portion of the lane farthest from the passing vehicle because:
> The passing vehicle may re-enter your lane too early.
Eye Contact
Making eye contact with another driver:
> Doesn’t mean that they will properly yield to you.
Headlights
To improve your chances of being seen, you should:
> Always use your headlight.
Tailgaters
Usually, a good way to handle a tailgater is to:
> Change lanes and let them pass.
Stopping
When you are stopped, you:
> Should remain in first gear.
Changing Lanes
When changing lanes, you should:
> Signal, use your mirrors, and turn your head.
Motorcycle Control
To properly control a motorcycle, you should:
> Keep your knees against the gas tank.
Leaning
During normal turns:
> The motorcycle and rider should lean in the same direction.
Railroad Tracks
When approaching railroad tracks that cross your lane at an angle, it is usually:
> Safest to ride straight within your lane to cross the tracks.
Experience
More than half of all crashes:
> Involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles for less than six months.
It is important to flash your brake light when:
> Someone is following too closely.
ollowing too closely.
84. To swerve correctly, you should:
> Press the handle grip in the direction you plan to swerve.
85. If braking in a curve:
> You may have less traction as you lean into the curve.
86. When looking through a turn, you should:
> Turn just your head, not your shoulders.
87. To lean a motorcycle when making a turn, you should:
> Press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn.
88. After entering a turn, you should roll on the throttle and:
> Maintain a steady speed or accelerate gradually.
89. To help other drivers see you, you should wear:
> Brightly-colored clothes.
90. When approaching an object or uneven surface that you cannot avoid, you should:
> Rise slightly off the seat to allow your legs to absorb the shock.
91. When braking on a slippery surface, you should:
> Use both brakes.
92. Impairment from drinking alcohol occurs:
> Well below the legal limit.
93. A properly-fitted motorcycle:
> Allows the rider to touch the ground with their feet while seated.
94. When riding in a group, inexperienced riders should position themselves:
> Just behind the leader.
95. When riding downhill or shifting into first gear, you may need to:
> Use your brakes to slow down before downshifting safely.
96. If attempting to brake in a curve, you should:
> Brake more gradually than you would on a straightaway.
97. When entering a turn, a rider should:
> Reduce their speed.
98. In a slow, tight turn, the rider should:
> Counterbalance the leaning motorcycle by keeping their body upright.
99. Most motorcycles have rounded, or convex, mirrors. These mirrors:
> Make cars seem farther away than they actually are.
100. When riding with a passenger, you should:
> Ride a little more slowly than usual.
101. When a group of riders is passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, the riders should:
> Pass one at a time.
102. The single most effective thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving an
accident is:
> Wear a helmet.
103. In hot weather, wearing a riding jacket:
> Can help protect against heat exhaustion and dehydration.
104. When riding a motorcycle, you should:
> Assume other drivers can’t see you.
105. When cars are merging from an entrance ramp:
> A motorcyclist should never assume the entering drivers see them.
106. When traveling at night, it is:
> More difficult to judge distances than it is during the day.
107. An approved helmet:
> Allows the wearer to see as far to the sides as necessary.
108. To increase your line of sight when preparing to pass another vehicle on its left, you
should:
> Ride in the left portion of your lane.
109. On a motorcycle, a horn:
> Can be used to get someone’s attention quickly.
110. As weight transfers to the front of your bike while you are braking, you should:
> Gradually increase pressure to the front brake.
111. When crossing railroad tracks that are parallel to the road, you should:
> Try to cross the tracks at a 45-degree angle.
112. If you are being chased by a dog, you should:
> Approach the animal slowly, then quickly accelerate away from the dog as it
approaches.
113. Long-term exposure to wind noise:
> Can cause irreversible hearing damage.
114. You should pick a lane position that:
> Best increases your visibility and allows for a safe cushion of space.
115. Passengers should:
> Hold onto the rider’s hips, waist, or belt.
116. When riding, jackets and pants should:
> Be snug enough to keep from flapping in the wind.
117. If your motorcycle begins to wobble, you should:
> Grip the handlebars firmly and close the throttle gradually.
118. If traveling with a load, the load should be:
> Secured as low as possible.
119. To ride safely on slippery surfaces, you should:
> Reduce your speed.
120. When following a car at night, you can see the road more easily by:
> Using the headlights of the vehicle ahead.
121. Shifting into a lower gear causes an effect similar to:
> Using the brakes.
122. Your lane position should:
> Avoid other road users’ blind spots.
123. Your lane position should help you:
> Communicate your intentions to other drivers.
124. Using the front and rear brakes simultaneously:
> Allows for maximum braking power.
125. To stay safe on a long trip, you should:
> Not use artificial stimulants.
126. During normal turns:
> The motorcycle and rider should lean in the same direction.
127. When riding in a group, riders should:
> All maintain safe following distances.
128. Taking over-the-counter medication before riding:
> May affect your riding abilities and should be done with caution.
129. When being passed, do not move into the portion of the lane farthest from the passing
vehicle because:
> The passing vehicle may re-enter your lane too early.
130. Making eye contact with another driver:
> Doesn’t mean that they will properly yield to you.
131. To improve your chances of being seen, you should:
> Always use your headlight.
132. The best lane position:
> Varies based on road, weather, and traffic conditions.
133. Usually, a good way to handle a tailgater is to:
> Change lanes and let them pass.
134. When you are stopped, you:
> Should remain in first gear.
135. When changing lanes, you should:
> Signal, use your mirrors, and turn your head.
136. To properly control a motorcycle, you should:
> Keep your knees against the gas tank.
137. Your lane position should:
> Provide an escape route.
138. When carrying a passenger, you should:
> Equip and adjust your motorcycle to carry the passenger.
139. When being passed by another vehicle, you should:
> Ride in the center portion of your lane.
140. Riding directly alongside another vehicle is discouraged because:
> You may be in the other vehicle’s blind spot.
141. Riding gloves should:
> Be worn to provide a better grip on the handgrips.
142. When riding in a group, the best riding formation is generally:
> A staggered formation.
143. When passing a row of parked cars, a motorcycle operator should be prepared for:
> A motorist to unexpectedly pull out of a parking space and into traffic.
144. Motorcycles:
> Have blind spots that should be routinely checked.
145. If you are unable to avoid hitting an object in the roadway, you should:
> Slow down before contact.
146. When approaching railroad tracks that cross your lane at an angle, it is usually:
> Safest to ride straight within your lane to cross the tracks.
147. Which portion of the lane should be avoided?
> No portion of the lane should always be avoided.
148. Mirror checks:
> Should be part of your normal scanning routine.
149. When riding in rain or fog, you should:
> Use your low beam headlight.
150. You should conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle:
> Before every ride.