Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sincerely,
BEING IN SHAPE
TO RIDE
WHY THIS INFORMATION IS
IMPORTANT ......................................41
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN
MOTORCYCLE OPERATION ...............41
ALCOHOL IN THE BODY .....................41
Blood Alcohol
Concentration .................................42
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW ...................43
Consequences of
Conviction ......................................43
MINIMIZE THE RISKS .........................43
Don’t Drink .......................................43
STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS .........44
FATIGUE ..............................................44
EARNING
YOUR LICENSE
Knowledge Test ................................45
On-Motorcycle Skill Test ..................46
MICHIGAN’S DRIVER knowingly encourages, facilitates
or participates in improper, illegal
TESTING PROGRAM or fraudulent driver testing is also
State and federal laws mandate subject to criminal prosecution.
driver testing for residents wishing to • Any person found to have been
obtain a license or endorsement to improperly, illegally or fraudulently
drive an automobile, a commercial tested must take the appropriate
vehicle or a motorcycle. The tests again. The fee for retesting
Department of State administers the may be charged to the applicant.
written driver knowledge tests at its • Improper, fraudulent or unlawful
branch offices. Driving skills tests driver’s license tests result in
are provided only through a third- illegal license applications.
party testing program. This program
uses a statewide network of
authorized public and private UNDER THE MICHIGAN
organizations to conduct driving VEHICLE CODE (PUBLIC ACT
skills tests. The Department of State 300 OF 1949), IT IS A FELONY:
is committed to assuring that the • To make a false certification
procedures for testing drivers are regarding any driver’s license
administered in a fair and reliable application.
manner by qualified examiners. • To bribe or attempt to corrupt a
Names and phone numbers of person or agency that conducts a
third-party testing organizations are driving test with the intent to
available from the Department of influence the opinion or decision
State Web site at of the tester.
www.Michigan.gov/sos or any • For an examining officer who
Secretary of State office. conducts a driving test under an
agreement entered into with the
TESTING IMPROPRIETIES Department of State to vary from,
Michigan law mandates that: shorten or in any other way change
the method or examination criteria
• Any third-party testing organization prescribed under that agreement.
or examiner who intentionally
misrepresents a driving skills test • For a person to forge, counterfeit
by omitting any testing requirement or alter a driving test certification
or procedure, or participates in any issued by a designated examining
illegal activity related to driver officer.
licensing, is subject to severe A felony committed under these laws
penalties. Those include loss of the is punishable by one to five years in
testing authorization, criminal prison and a maximum $5,000 fine
prosecution and restitution for for the first offense. Subsequent
monetary damages to the test convictions result in additional
applicant, the department or both. penalties.
• Any person, including the
examiner or applicant, who
1
BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS FOR Department of State. Please be sure
THIRD-PARTY TESTING to include the names of the people
ORGANIZATIONS and organizations involved, the date
Third-party testing organizations of the incident and a detailed
must adhere to certain business description of the activities observed
practices and administer driving or discussed. All legitimate reports
skills tests according to established will be investigated. A written
standards and procedures contained statement may be required. This
in a formal, legal agreement with the information should be submitted to
department. Among many contract the:
requirements, third-party testing Michigan Department of State
organizations must: Driver Programs Division
• Be approved by the department Richard H. Austin Building
before testing services are offered. 430 W. Allegan, 3rd Floor
• Maintain an established place of Lansing, MI 48918
business and obtain written Phone (517) 241-6850
permission to use all approved test Fax (517) 373-0964
sites. ThirdPartyTesting@Michigan.gov
• Respond to all driver-testing
service inquiries by the next OPERATING YOUR
business day. MOTORCYCLE IN MICHIGAN
• Publish a printed fee and refund Before traveling, make sure you
policy and provide receipts. Test are aware of any state laws that affect
fees are set by the third-party the operation of a motorcycle.
testing organization and are not Michigan has several laws concerning
regulated by law. registration, motorcycle endorsements
• Maintain a surety bond. and safe riding equipment – as well
• Ensure examiners attend and pass as traffic laws – that motorcyclists are
all required training and obtain required to obey.
department authorization before
administering tests. THE DEFINITION OF A
MOTORCYCLE
REPORTING IMPROPER, A motorcycle is a two- or three-
ILLEGAL OR FRAUDULENT wheeled motor vehicle with a saddle
TEST ACTIVITIES or seat that produces more than 2.0
If you are aware of any improper, brake horsepower and can attain
illegal or fraudulent testing activities, speeds greater than 30 mph on a
report them immediately to the level surface. Some vehicles, such as
2
“pocket rockets” or “mini OBTAINING A MOTORCYCLE
choppers,” may meet this definition, ENDORSEMENT
but do not have all of the equipment
To operate a motorcycle on
required by Michigan law to legally
public roads, you must possess a valid
drive them on public roads and will
Michigan driver’s license with a
not be registered by the Department
motorcycle endorsement. The cost of
of State.
the motorcycle endorsement is added
to the regular driver’s license fee.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
To obtain a motorcycle
Under Michigan law, motorcycle endorsement, you will need to pass a
registrations are issued for one year vision screening and a written
and expire on the owner’s birthday. knowledge test as well as a motorcycle
You must register your motorcycle at safety course or a motorcycle skills
a Secretary of State office if you plan test. The requirements for obtaining a
to operate it on public roads. When motorcycle endorsement differ for
registering, you will need to provide: teens and adults.
• Proof of insurance for at least
$20,000/$40,000 public liability TEENS
and $10,000 property damage
To apply for a motorcycle
coverage.
endorsement, teens must be at least
• For an original registration, your 16 and:
motorcycle title. For a renewal
• Possess a valid Level 2 or Level 3
registration, your renewal notice
Graduated Driver License.
or last year’s registration.
• Successfully complete an approved
motorcycle safety course.
RENEWING YOUR
• Pass the written knowledge test
MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATION
administered at a Secretary of
You can skip the trip to a State office.
branch office by renewing your
motorcycle registration online at the ADULTS
Department of State’s Web site at
www.Michigan.gov/sos. Payment To apply for a motorcycle
is by credit card. Registrations may endorsement, adults 18 or older must:
also be renewed by touch-tone • Possess a valid driver’s license.
telephone and mail or in person at a • Pass the written knowledge test
branch office. Your license plate administered at a Secretary of
tabs will arrive within seven days. State office.
For more information, please refer • Pass the motorcycle skills test
to your renewal notice, visit the given by a third-party testing
department’s Web site or contact a organization approved by the
Secretary of State office. Department of State OR pass a
motorcycle safety course approved
by the Department of State.
3
• If you have a valid motorcycle completion of an approved
license or endorsement from motorcycle safety course. Riders
another state, the requirement to who want to extend a motorcycle
pass a motorcycle skills test or TIP beyond 180 days must make a
motorcycle safety course may new application.
be waived.
• Adults 18 or older are required MOTORCYCLE SKILLS TEST
to take a motorcycle safety
course if they fail the The motorcycle skills test
motorcycle skills test twice. should include all the components as
described in this manual. Provided
Contact your local Secretary of below are the required skills test
State office or visit the department’s elements and approximate times for
Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos the test. The allotted times are
for more information and the estimated minimums.
motorcycle safety course nearest you.
Motorcycle Skills Test
THE MOTORCYCLE • Vehicle inspection – 5 minutes,
not scored.
TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION
PERMIT • Basic control skills on range – 10
minutes, scored.
The Department of State issues During the motorcycle skills
the motorcycle Temporary test, certified examiners must
Instruction Permit (TIP). A always:
motorcycle TIP allows applicants to
practice riding on public roads under • Read standard instructions to each
the constant visual supervision of a applicant for each part of the test
licensed motorcycle operator age 18 (a list of instructions is provided
or older. You may not ride at night to the examiner for this purpose).
or carry passengers when using a • Use only department-approved,
motorcycle TIP. Riders apply for a off-street exercises.
TIP before taking the motorcycle Before taking the skills test, you
skills test to give them an must have a legally equipped and
opportunity to practice riding under registered motorcycle. To drive a
supervision. motorcycle to your skills test, you
The motorcycle TIP is valid for must have a valid motorcycle TIP
180 days from the issue date. To and be under the constant visual
apply, you must have a valid supervision of a licensed motorcycle
operator’s or chauffeur’s license, operator at least age 18.
pass a written test, and pay the The motorcycle skills test
endorsement fee. Teens ages 16-17 approved by the Department of State
must have a valid Level 2 or Level 3 has seven exercises that gauge your
Graduated Driver License and ability to handle a motorcycle,
present proof of enrollment in or including starting, accelerating, turning
and braking.
4
• Engine stall: This is scored LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND
during the entire test. Points are SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR
assessed each time you stall the OPERATING A MOTORCYCLE
engine during any exercise. Michigan law requires the
• Sharp turn: You ride a short path following when you operate your
and then make a sharp left turn at motorcycle:
low speed while staying inside a • Wear a properly fastened safety
5-foot path. helmet on your head. It must meet
• Normal stop: You must make a U.S. Department of Transportation
smooth stop without skidding, standards and be properly labeled.
with the front tire of your Passengers must also wear a
motorcycle in a painted box. properly fastened and approved
• Cone weave: You must weave safety helmet.
through a series of five cones that • Use shatterproof goggles, a face
are placed 15 feet apart with a 3- shield or windshield to protect
foot offset. your eyes when riding at speeds of
• U-Turn: You must make a right 35 mph or more. Eye protection is
U-turn in a marked area. Those recommended when riding at any
operating motorcycles over 500 cc speed.
are allowed more room to complete • Sit on a regular, permanently
the U-turn. Motorcycles of 500 cc attached seat.
or less have a smaller U-turn area. • Never carry any package, bundle
• Quick stop: You accelerate along or article that prevents you from
a straight path. At the end of the keeping both hands on the
path (marked by cones), you must handlebars of the vehicle.
stop your motorcycle as quickly • Never let anyone without a valid
and safely as possible. driver’s license and motorcycle
• Obstacle swerve: You accelerate endorsement operate your
along a straight path. At the end motorcycle.
of the path (marked by cones), you • Never attach your motorcycle to
must swerve to avoid an obstacle another vehicle for a “tow.”
line and then swerve to avoid the
• Never operate a motorcycle on
sidelines of the exercise.
sidewalks, more than two side-by-
After you have successfully passed side on a public road, between
the motorcycle skills test, you will lanes of traffic, between traffic
be given a certificate that must be and the curb or on a bicycle path.
presented at a Secretary of State
Keep the following points in
office when you apply for your
mind when traveling by motorcycle
motorcycle endorsement.
in Michigan:
• Lane use – When operating your
motorcycle, you are entitled to use
a full lane.
5
• Freeways or limited access and hand straight out for a left
highways – Motorcycles with turn; and left arm and hand bent
engines smaller than 125 cc are down for a slow or stop.
not allowed on freeways or • Passengers – Motorcycles with
limited access highways. extra foot pegs and seating space
• Equipment – Your motorcycle may be used to carry a passenger.
must have the following If your motorcycle has this
equipment, which must be in good equipment, it does not necessarily
condition: front- and rear-wheel mean that a passenger can be
brakes, headlight, taillight, carried legally or safely. If in
stoplight, muffler, horn, rearview doubt, check with a motorcycle
mirror and permanently attached manufacturer or dealer. A
seat. motorcycle operator may never
• Handlebars – Your motorcycle carry more than one passenger.
handlebars must be positioned so • Starting on a hill – Use the front
that there are no more than 15 brake to hold the motorcycle
inches between the lowest point of while you start the engine and
the (unoccupied) seat to the shift into first gear. Change to the
highest point of the handle grips. foot brake to hold your vehicle
• Signaling turns – Signaling when while you operate the throttle with
you are turning or changing lanes your right hand. Slowly open the
is not only a courtesy, it’s the law. throttle for more power and
slowly release the clutch. If you
• Before stopping or turning, see
release it too quickly, the front
if it is safe. Then, let other
wheel may lift off the ground or
drivers know of your intention
the engine may stall. Ease off the
to turn by using your turn signal
foot brake as the engine slows
or the appropriate hand and arm
down and engages.
signals.
• Start your signal at least 100
BE EXTRA CAREFUL OF:
feet before you turn. In heavy
traffic or on freeways, signal • Animals crossing the road,
sooner so drivers behind you especially at night.
have time to change their speed • Ice in the winter, early spring and
or position. late fall.
• Make sure your turn signal light • Approaching livestock being
has stopped blinking after you ridden, driven or led so as not to
have turned. startle the person or animals.
• Always use turn signals to alert • Pedestrians crossing, including
other drivers when you plan to blind pedestrians and joggers.
change lanes. You must yield the right of way.
• The proper hand and arm • Bicyclists who may cross roads
signals are: left arm and hand without warning. Be prepared to
bent up for a right turn; left arm stop or avoid them.
6
DRINKING AND DRIVING IN • Do not allow hardship appeals for
MICHIGAN habitual alcohol offenders.
It is illegal to operate a motor • Require a $125 reinstatement fee
vehicle in Michigan: if your driver’s license was
• While intoxicated or impaired by suspended, revoked or restricted.
alcohol, illegal drugs and certain • Require a Driver Responsibility
prescribed medications. Fee of $1,000 for two consecutive
• With a bodily alcohol content of years for driving while
0.08 or more. intoxicated, and a $500 fee for
two consecutive years for driving
• With the presence of a Schedule 1
while impaired, with the presence
drug or cocaine. Schedule 1 drugs
of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine,
have no medical uses and present
under the Zero Tolerance law or
a high risk for abuse. Included in
for child endangerment.
this group are marijuana, Ecstasy,
hallucinogens, designer
amphetamines and heroin. GENERAL DRIVER’S LICENSE
RENEWAL INFORMATION
Drunken drivers face swift and
tough action under Michigan’s Your driver’s license is valid for
drunken driving laws. The laws: four years. The license expiration
date is shown on the upper right
• Require courts to decide drunken corner. The Department of State
driving cases within 77 days after sends a renewal notice about 45 days
an arrest. before your license expires. Plan to
• Require a six-month driver’s renew at least two weeks before it
license suspension, even for a first expires. If your renewal notice does
conviction. Drivers may be not arrive or is lost, do not let your
eligible to receive a restricted driver’s license expire. Go to a
license after serving 30 days of Secretary of State office and renew it.
the suspension.
• Require five days to one year of jail PROVIDING A SOCIAL
time, 30 to 90 days of community SECURITY NUMBER
service, or both, for a second Anyone applying for or
conviction of drunken driving. renewing a Michigan driver’s
• Include a felony for a conviction license must provide a Social
for drunken driving that causes Security number before the
death. application can be processed. The
• Include a felony for a conviction federal Welfare Reform Act requires
for drunken driving that causes a states to collect Social Security
serious injury to another. numbers for use in child-support
• Require fines for a conviction of enforcement.
driving while a driver’s license is A person who has never been
suspended or revoked of up to issued a Social Security number
$500 for a first offense and $1,000 must certify to that fact on an
for an additional offense. application obtained at a Secretary
7
of State office. Individuals who CHANGE OF ADDRESS
make a false statement on the Michigan law requires that your
application are subject to driver’s license address, which is
imprisonment for one to five years, your place of residence, matches the
a fine of $500 to $5000, or both. address on your voter registration
The individual’s license or permit card. You may submit a change of
will also be suspended. address at any Secretary of State
office or by mail. There is no fee
RENEWING YOUR DRIVER’S for this service. If you go to a
LICENSE branch office, a change-of-address
When you renew your driver’s sticker will be provided for the back
license at a branch office, you will of your license. Mail-in forms are
be required to take a vision available from the department’s Web
screening. A new photograph will site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.
be taken. You may pay the renewal Failure to notify the Department of
fee with cash, money order or State of a change of address may
personal check. Credit card result in a driver’s license
payment at the counter is offered at suspension.
Secretary of State PLUS offices and
SUPER!Centers.* OFFICE HOURS
*At the time of this printing, only Discover • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
credit cards are accepted at PLUS offices Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
and SUPER!Centers. • Wednesdays – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Offices in city centers are open
RENEWING YOUR DRIVER’S from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LICENSE BY MAIL • Secretary of State PLUS offices
You may be eligible to renew your and SUPER!Centers provide
driver’s license by mail if you: extended Wednesday hours from
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Renewed in person the last time.
• SUPER!Centers also offer
• Do not have a commercial driver’s
Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to
license.
noon.
• Are not listed on the sex offender
• Smaller offices may close for a
registry.
lunch hour, and all branches are
If you have had a change in closed on state holidays.
your physical condition during the
past six months, you must renew in
person. You may need to submit a
physician’s statement to renew.
8
PREPARING TO RIDE
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward
determining whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely.
Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
1. Wear the right gear.
2. Become familiar with the motorcycle.
3. Check the motorcycle equipment.
4. Be a responsible rider.
9
HELMETS
HELMET USE
10
CLOTHING KNOW YOUR
CLOTHING
The right clothing protects you MOTORCYCLE
in a collision. It also provides There are plenty of things on the
comfort, as well as protection from highway that can cause you trouble.
heat, cold, debris and hot and moving Your motorcycle should not be one of
parts of the motorcycle. them. To make sure that your
• Jacket and pants should cover motorcycle won’t let you down:
arms and legs completely. They • Read the owner’s manual first.
should fit snugly enough to keep • Start with the right motorcycle for
from flapping in the wind, yet you.
loosely enough to move freely.
Leather offers the most protection. • Be familiar with the motorcycle
Sturdy synthetic material provides controls.
a lot of protection as well. • Check the motorcycle before
Wear a jacket even in warm every ride.
weather to prevent dehydration. • Keep it in safe riding condition
11
KNOW YOUR MOTORCYCLE At minimum, your street-legal are licensed and know how to ride
motorcycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic.
• Headlight, taillight and No matter how experienced you
brakelight. may be, ride extra carefully on any
• Front and rear brakes. motorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar
to you. More than half of all crashes
• Turn signals. occur on motorcycles ridden by the
• Horn. operator for less than six months.
• Two mirrors.
GET FAMILIAR WITH THE
BORROWING AND LENDING MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
Borrowers and lenders of Make sure you are completely
motorcycles, beware. Crashes are familiar with the motorcycle before
fairly common among beginning you take it out on the street. Be sure
riders — especially in the first to review the owner’s manual. This is
months of riding. Riding an particularly important if you are
unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the riding a borrowed motorcycle.
problem. If you borrow a motorcycle, If you are going to use an
get familiar with it in a controlled unfamiliar motorcycle:
area. And if you lend your
motorcycle to friends, make sure they
MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS
Light Switch (high/low) Engine Cut-Off
Choke (varies) Switch
Turn-Signal Electric
Switch Start
Button
Ignition Key
(varies)
12
• Make all the checks you would • Brake Light — Try both brake
13
KNOW YOUR • Be visible — wear proper
KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
RESPONSIBILITIES clothing, use your headlight, ride
in the best lane position to see and
“Accident” implies an be seen.
unforeseen event that occurs without
• Communicate your intentions —
anyone’s fault or negligence. Most
use the proper signals, brake light
often in traffic, that is not the case. In
and lane position.
fact, most people involved in a crash
can usually claim some responsibility • Maintain an adequate space
for what takes place. cushion — following, being
followed, lane sharing, passing
Consider a situation where
and being passed.
someone decides to try to squeeze
through an intersection on a yellow • Scan your path of travel 12
light turning red. Your light turns seconds ahead.
green. You pull into the intersection • Identify and separate multiple
without checking for possible hazards.
latecomers. That is all it takes for the • Be prepared to act — remain
two of you to tangle. It was the alert and know how to carry out
driver’s responsibility to stop. And it proper crash-avoidance skills.
was your responsibility to look
Blame doesn’t matter when
before pulling out. Neither of you
someone is injured in a crash. There
held up your end of the deal. Just
is rarely a single cause of any crash.
because someone else is the first to
The ability to ride aware, make
start the chain of events leading to a
critical decisions and carry them out
crash, it doesn’t leave any of us free
separates responsible riders from all
of responsibility.
the rest. Remember, it is up to you to
As a rider you can’t be sure that keep from being the cause of, or an
other operators will see you or yield unprepared participant in, any crash.
the right of way. To lessen your
chances of a crash occurring:
14
RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
BODY POSITION
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed or balance.
That’s something you can learn only through practice. But control begins with
knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and
obeying the rules of the road.
SHIFTING GEARS
than to hold yourself up. • Feet — Keep your feet firmly on
• Seat — Sit far enough forward so the footrests to maintain balance.
that arms are slightly bent when Don’t drag your feet. If your foot
you hold the handlegrips. Bending catches on something, you could
your arms permits you to press on be injured and it could affect your
the handlebars without having to control of the motorcycle. Keep
stretch. your feet near the controls so you
• Hands — Hold the handlegrips can get to them fast if needed.
firmly to keep your grip over Also, don’t let your toes point
rough surfaces. Start with your downward — they may get caught
right wrist flat. This will help you between the road and the footrests.
keep from accidentally using
SHIFTING GEARS
HOLDING HANDLEGRIPS There is more to shifting gears
than simply getting the motorcycle to
RIGHT pick up speed smoothly. Learning to
use the gears when downshifting,
turning or starting on hills is
important for safe motorcycle
operation.
Shift down through the gears
with the clutch as you slow or stop.
Remain in first gear while you are
WRONG stopped so that you can move out
quickly if you need to.
15
BRAKING Make certain you are riding Also, using the front brake
slowly enough when you shift into a incorrectly on a slippery surface
lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will may be hazardous. Use caution
lurch, and the rear wheel may skid. and squeeze the brake lever, never
When riding downhill or shifting into grab.
first gear you may need to use the • Some motorcycles have integrated
brakes to slow enough before braking systems that activate the
downshifting safely. Work toward a front and rear brakes together
smooth, even clutch release, when applying the rear brake
especially when downshifting. pedal. (Consult the owner’s
It is best to change gears before manual for a detailed explanation
entering a turn. However, sometimes on the operation and effective use
shifting while in the turn is necessary. of these systems.)
If so, remember to do so smoothly. A
sudden change in power to the rear
TURNING
wheel can cause a skid. Riders often try to take curves or
turns too fast. When they can’t hold
TURNING
16
• ROLL — Roll on the throttle 2 Test Yourself
LANE POSITIONS
through the turn to stabilize the When riding, you should:
suspension. Maintain steady speed A. Turn your head and shoulders to
or accelerate gradually through the look through turns.
turn. This will help keep the B. Keep your arms straight.
motorcycle stable. C. Keep your knees away from the
gas tank.
In normal turns, the rider and the
D. Turn just your head and eyes to
motorcycle should lean together at look where you are going.
the same angle. Answer - page 45
LANE POSITIONS
In some ways the size of the
motorcycle can work to your
advantage. Each traffic lane gives a
In slow tight turns, counterbalance motorcycle three paths of travel, as
by leaning the motorcycle only and indicated in the illustration (next page).
keeping your body straight. Your lane position should:
• Increase your ability to see and be
SLOW, TIGHT TURNS seen.
• Avoid others’ blind spots.
• Avoid surface hazards.
• Protect your lane from other
drivers.
• Communicate your intentions.
• Avoid wind blast from other
vehicles.
• Provide an escape route.
Select the appropriate path to
maximize your space cushion and
make yourself more easily seen by
others on the road.
17
LANE POSITIONS
18
FOLLOWING
BEING FOLLOWED
traffic is heavy and someone may
squeeze in front of you, open up a BEING FOLLOWED
three-second or more following
Speeding up to lose someone
distance.
following too closely only ends up
Keep well behind the vehicle with someone tailgating you at a
ahead even when you are stopped. higher speed.
This will make it easier to get out
A better way to handle tailgaters
of the way if someone bears down on
is to get them in front of you. When
you from behind. It will also give you
someone is following too closely,
a cushion of space if the vehicle
change lanes and let them pass. If
ahead starts to back up for some
you can’t do this, slow down and
reason.
open up extra space ahead of you to
When behind a car, ride where allow room for both you and the
the driver can see you in the rearview tailgater to stop. This will also
mirror. Riding in the center portion encourage them to pass. If they don’t
of the lane should put your image pass, you will have given yourself
in the middle of the rearview mirror and the tailgater more time and space
— where a driver is most likely to to react in case an emergency does
see you. develop ahead.
Riding at the far side of a lane
may permit a driver to see you in a PASSING AND BEING PASSED
sideview mirror. But remember that
Passing and being passed by
most drivers don’t look at their
another vehicle is not much different
sideview mirrors nearly as often as
than with a car. However, visibility is
they check the rearview mirror. If the
more critical. Be sure other drivers
traffic situation allows, the center
see you, and that you see potential
portion of the lane is usually the best
hazards.
place for you to be seen by the
19
PASSING PASSING stay in the center portion of your
1. Ride in the left portion of the lane. Riding any closer to them could
lane at a safe following distance put you in a hazardous situation.
to increase your line of sight and Avoid being hit by:
make you more visible. Signal • The other vehicle — A slight
and check for oncoming traffic. mistake by you or the passing
Use your mirrors and turn your driver could cause a sideswipe.
head to look for traffic behind.
• Extended mirrors — Some
2. When safe, move into the left lane drivers forget that their mirrors
and accelerate. Select a lane hang out farther than their fenders.
position that doesn’t crowd the
• Objects thrown from windows
car you are passing and pro-
— Even if the driver knows you’re
vides space to avoid hazards in
there, a passenger may not see you
your lane.
and might toss something on you
3. Ride through the blind spot as or the road ahead of you.
quickly as possible.
• Blasts of wind from larger
4. Signal again, and complete mirror vehicles — They can affect your
BEING PASSED
and headchecks before returning control. You have more room for
to your original lane and then error if you are in the middle
cancel the signal. portion when hit by this blast
Remember, passes must be than if you are on either side of
completed within posted speed limits, the lane.
and only where permitted. Know your
signs and road markings!
Do not move into the portion
of the lane farthest from the
BEING PASSED passing vehicle. It might invite the
When you are being passed from other driver to cut back into your lane
behind or by an oncoming vehicle, too early.
20
LANE SHARING another lane if one is open. If there is
LANE SHARING
no room for a lane change, adjust
Cars and motorcycles need a full
speed to open up space for the
lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is
merging driver.
usually prohibited.
Riding between rows of stopped CARS ALONGSIDE
or moving cars in the same lane can
leave you vulnerable to the Do not ride next to cars or trucks
unexpected. A hand could come out in other lanes if you do not have to.
of a window; a door could open; a car You might be in the blind spot of a
could turn suddenly. Discourage lane car in the next lane, which could
sharing by others. Keep a center- switch into your lane without
portion position whenever drivers warning. Cars in the next lane also
might be tempted to squeeze by you. block your escape if you come upon
Drivers are most tempted to do this: danger in your own lane. Speed up or
drop back to find a place clear of
• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic on both sides.
traffic.
• When they want to pass you. BLIND SPOTS
• When you are preparing to turn at
an intersection.
• When you are moving into an exit
lane or leaving a highway.
MERGING CARS
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway. Give
them plenty of room. Change to
MERGING
3 Test Yourself
Usually, a good way to handle
tailgaters is to:
A. Change lanes and let them pass.
B. Use your horn and make obscene
gestures.
C. Speed up to put distance between
you and the tailgater.
D. Ignore them.
Answer - page 45
21
SEE SEE
Good experienced riders remain • Road and surface characteristics
aware of what is going on around — Potholes, guardrails, bridges,
them. They improve their riding telephone poles and trees won’t
strategy by using SEE, a three-step move into your path but may
process used to make appropriate influence your riding strategy.
judgments, and apply them correctly • Traffic control devices — Look
in different traffic situations: for traffic signals, including
• Search regulatory signs, warning signs,
• Evaluate and pavement markings, to help
• Execute you evaluate circumstances
ahead.
Let’s examine each of these steps.
• Vehicles and other traffic —
May move into your path and
SEARCH increase the likelihood of a crash.
Search aggressively ahead, to the Think about your time and space
sides and behind to avoid potential requirements in order to maintain a
hazards even before they arise. How margin of safety. You must leave
assertively you search, and how yourself time to react if an
much time and space you have, can emergency arises.
eliminate or reduce harm. Focus even
more on finding potential escape
routes in or around intersections, EXECUTE
shopping areas and school and Carry out your decision.
construction zones. To create more space and
Search for factors such as: minimize harm from any hazard:
• Oncoming traffic that may turn • Communicate your presence with
left in front of you. lights and/or horn.
• Traffic coming from the left and • Adjust your speed by
right. accelerating, stopping or slowing.
• Traffic approaching from behind. • Adjust your position and/or
• Hazardous road conditions. direction.
Be especially alert in areas with Apply the old adage “one step
limited visibility. Visually “busy” at a time” to handle two or more
surroundings could hide you and hazards. Adjust speed to permit two
your motorcycle from others. hazards to separate. Then deal with
them one at a time as single hazards.
Decision-making becomes more
EVALUATE complex with three or more hazards.
Think about how hazards can Weigh the consequences of each and
interact to create risks for you. give equal distance to the hazards.
Anticipate potential problems and
have a plan to reduce risks.
22
In potential high-risk areas, such INTERSECTIONS
INTERSECTIONS
as intersections, shopping areas and The greatest potential for
school and construction zones, cover conflict between you and other traffic
the clutch and both brakes to reduce is at intersections. An intersection
the time you need to react. can be in the middle of an urban area
or at a driveway on a residential
street — anywhere traffic may cross
your path of travel. Over one-half of
motorcycle/car crashes are caused by
4 Test Yourself drivers entering a rider’s right-of-
To reduce your reaction time, you way. Cars that turn left in front of
should: you, including cars turning left from
A. Ride slower than the speed limit. the lane to your right, and cars on
B. Cover the clutch and the brakes. side streets that pull into your lane,
C. Shift into neutral when slowing. are the biggest dangers. Your use
D. Pull in the clutch when turning. of SEE [p. 22] at intersections
Answer - page 45 is critical.
There are no guarantees that
others see you. Never count on “eye
contact” as a sign that a driver will
yield. Too often, a driver looks right
at a motorcyclist and still fails to
“see” him or her. The only eyes that
you can count on are your own. If a
car can enter your path, assume that it
will. Good riders are always “looking
for trouble” — not to get into it, but
to stay out of it.
Increase your chances of being
seen at intersections. Ride with your
headlight on in a lane position that
provides the best view of oncoming
traffic. Provide a space cushion
around the motorcycle that permits
you to take evasive action.
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
23
LARGE INTERSECTIONS
As you approach the intersec- cross street can see him as soon as
tion, select a lane position that possible.
increases your visibility to the driver.
Cover the clutch and both brakes to LARGE INTERSECTIONS
reduce reaction time.
Reduce your speed as you
approach an intersection. After
entering the intersection, move away
from vehicles preparing to turn. Do
not change speed or position
radically. The driver might think that
you are preparing to turn.
BLIND INTERSECTIONS
If you approach a blind
intersection, move to the portion of
the lane that will bring you into
another driver’s field of vision at the
earliest possible moment. In this Remember, the key is to see as
picture, the rider has moved to the much as possible and remain visible
left portion of the lane — away from to others while protecting your space.
the parked car — so the driver on the
24
STOP SIGNS PARKED CARS
PARKED CARS
If you have a stop sign or stop
line, stop there first. Then edge
forward and stop again, just short of
where the cross-traffic lane meets
your lane. From that position, lean In either event, the driver might
your body forward and look around cut into your path. Slow down or
buildings, parked cars or bushes to change lanes to make room for
see if anything is coming. Just make someone cutting in.
sure your front wheel stays out of the Cars making a sudden U-turn are
cross lane of travel while you’re the most dangerous. They may cut
looking. you off entirely, blocking the whole
PASSING PARKED CARS roadway and leaving you with no
place to go. Since you can’t tell what
When passing parked cars, stay
a driver will do, slow down and get
toward the left of your lane. You can
the driver’s attention. Sound your
avoid problems caused by doors
horn and continue with caution.
opening, drivers getting out of cars or
people stepping from between cars. If PARKING AT THE ROADSIDE
oncoming traffic is present, it is Park at a 90˚ angle to the curb with
usually best to remain in the center- your rear wheel touching the curb.
lane position to maximize your space
cushion.
A bigger problem can occur if PARKING AT CURBS
the driver pulls away from the curb
without checking for traffic behind.
Even if he does look, he may fail to
see you.
5 Test Yourself
Making eye contact with other drivers:
A. Is a good sign they see you.
B. Is not worth the effort it takes.
C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will
yield.
D. Guarantees that the other driver will
yield to you.
Answer - page 45
25
CLOTHING INCREASING Reflective material on a vest and
CONSPICUITY on the sides of the helmet will help
drivers coming from the side to spot
In crashes with motorcyclists, you. Reflective material can also be a
drivers often say that they never saw big help for drivers coming toward
the motorcycle. From ahead or you or from behind.
behind, a motorcycle’s outline is
much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s
HEADLIGHT
hard to see something you are not
looking for, and most drivers are not The best way to help others see
looking for motorcycles. More likely, your motorcycle is to keep the
they are looking through the skinny, headlight on — at all times
two-wheeled silhouette in search of (although new motorcycles sold in
cars that may pose a problem to the USA since 1978 automatically
them. have the headlights on when
running). Studies show that, during
Even if a driver does see you
the day, a motorcycle with its light
coming, you aren’t necessarily safe.
LIGHTS
CLOTHING
Most crashes occur in broad
daylight. Wear bright-colored
clothing to increase your chances of
SIGNALS
26
However, due to a rider’s added • You slow where others may not
27
HEAD CHECKS USING MIRRORS HEAD CHECKS
Checking your mirrors is not
enough. Motorcycles have “blind
spots” like cars. Before you change
lanes, turn your head, and look to the
side for other vehicles.
On a road with several lanes,
check the far lane and the one next
to you. A driver in the distant lane
may head for the same space you
plan to take.
Frequent head checks should
be your normal scanning routine,
also. Only by knowing what is
happening all around you are you
fully prepared to deal with it.
HORN
HORN
Some motorcycles have rounded Be ready to use your horn to
(convex) mirrors. These provide a get someone’s attention quickly.
wider view of the road behind than
do flat mirrors. They also make cars It is a good idea to give a quick
seem farther away than they really beep before passing anyone that
are. If you are not used to convex may move into your lane.
mirrors, get familiar with them. Here are some situations:
(While you are stopped, pick out a • A driver in the lane next to you is
parked car in your mirror. Form a driving too closely to the vehicle
mental image of how far away it is. ahead and may want to pass.
Then, turn around and look at it to • A parked car has someone in the
see how close you came.) Practice driver’s seat.
with your mirrors until you become a
good judge of distance. Even then, • Someone is in the street, riding a
allow extra distance before you bicycle or walking.
change lanes. In an emergency, press the horn
button loud and long. Be ready to
stop or swerve away from the danger.
Keep in mind that a motorcycle’s
horn isn’t as loud as a car’s —
therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it.
Other strategies may be appropriate
along with the horn.
28
RIDING AT NIGHT CRASH AVOIDANCE
NIGHT RIDING
At night it is harder for you to No matter how careful you are,
see and be seen. Picking your there will be times when you find
headlight or taillight out of the car yourself in a tight spot. Your chances
lights around you is not easy for other of getting out safely depend on your
drivers. To compensate, you should: ability to react quickly and properly.
• Reduce Your Speed — Ride even Often, a crash occurs because a rider
slower than you would during the is not prepared or skilled in crash-
day — particularly on roads you avoidance maneuvers.
don’t know well. This will increase
your chances of avoiding a hazard. Know when and how to stop or
swerve, two skills critical in avoiding
• Increase Distance — Distances
a crash. It is not always desirable or
are harder to judge at night than
during the day. Your eyes rely possible to stop quickly to avoid an
upon shadows and light contrasts obstacle. Riders must also be able to
to determine how far away an swerve around an obstacle. Deter-
object is and how fast it is coming. mining which skill is necessary for
CRASH AVOIDANCE
These contrasts are missing or dis- the situation is important as well.
torted under artificial lights at Studies show that most crash-
night. Open up a three-second fol- involved riders:
lowing distance or more. And
allow more distance to pass and • Underbrake the front tire and
be passed. overbrake the rear.
• Use the Car Ahead — The • Did not separate braking from
headlights of the car ahead can swerving or did not choose
give you a better view of the road swerving when it was appropriate.
than even your high beam can.
Taillights bouncing up and down The following information offers
can alert you to bumps or rough some good advice.
pavement.
• Use Your High Beam — Get all QUICK STOPS
the light you can. Use your high To stop quickly, apply both
beam whenever you are not brakes at the same time. Don’t be shy
following or meeting a car. Be about using the front brake, but don’t
QUICK STOPS
visible: Wear reflective materials “grab” it, either. Squeeze the brake
when riding at night. lever firmly and progressively. If the
• Be Flexible About Lane Position. front wheel locks, release the front
Change to whatever portion of the brake immediately then reapply it
lane is best able to help you see, be
firmly. At the same time, press down
seen and keep an adequate space
cushion. on the rear brake. If you accidentally
lock the rear brake on a good traction
6 Test Yourself surface, you can keep it locked until
Reflective clothing should: you have completely stopped; but,
A. Be worn at night. even with a locked rear wheel, you
B. Be worn during the day. can control the motorcycle on a
C. Not be worn. straightaway if it is upright and going
D. Be worn day and night in a straight line.
Answer - page 45
29
SWERVING STOPPING DISTANCE in the last few feet of stopping. The
motorcycle should then be straight up
and in balance.
SWERVING OR TURNING
QUICKLY
Sometimes you may not have
enough room to stop, even if you use
both brakes properly. An object
might appear suddenly in your path.
Always use both brakes at the Or the car ahead might squeal to a
same time to stop. The front brake stop. The only way to avoid a crash
can provide 70% or more of the may be to turn quickly, or swerve
potential stopping power. around it.
If you must stop quickly while A swerve is any sudden change
turning or riding a curve, the best in direction. It can be two quick
technique is to straighten the bike turns, or a rapid shift to the side.
upright first and then brake. Apply a small amount of hand
However, it may not always be pressure to the handlegrip located on
possible to straighten the motorcycle the side of your intended direction of
and then stop. If you must brake escape. This will cause the
while leaning, apply light brakes and motorcycle to lean quickly. The
reduce the throttle. As you slow, you sharper the turn(s), the more the
can reduce your lean angle and apply motorcycle must lean.
more brake pressure until the Keep your body upright and
motorcycle is straight and maximum allow the motorcycle to lean in the
brake pressure is possible. You direction of the turn while keeping
should “straighten” the handlebars your knees against the tank and your
30
feet solidly on the footrests. Let the CORNERING
CORNERING
motorcycle move underneath you. A primary cause of single-
Make your escape route the target of vehicle crashes is motorcyclists
your vision. Press on the opposite running wide in a curve or turn and
handlegrip once you clear the colliding with the roadway or a fixed
obstacle to return you to your original object.
direction of travel. To swerve to the
left, press the left handlegrip, then Every curve is different. Be alert
press the right to recover. To swerve to whether a curve remains constant,
to the right, press right, then left. gradually widens, gets tighter or
involves multiple turns.
IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, Ride within your skill level and
SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING. posted speed limits.
Brake before or after — never while
swerving. Your best path may not always
follow the curve of the road.
31
DANGEROUS SURFACES Change lane position depending on HANDLING DANGEROUS
traffic, road conditions and curve of SURFACES
the road. If no traffic is present, start
Your chance of falling or being
at the outside of a curve to increase
involved in a crash increases
your line of sight and the effective
whenever you ride across:
radius of the turn. As you turn, move
toward the inside of the curve, and as • Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
you pass the center, move to the • Slippery surfaces.
outside to exit. • Railroad tracks.
Another alternative is to move to • Grooves and gratings.
the center of your lane before
entering a curve — and stay there UNEVEN SURFACES AND
until you exit. This permits you to OBSTACLES
spot approaching traffic as soon as Watch for uneven surfaces such
possible. You can also adjust for as bumps, broken pavement, potholes
traffic “crowding” the center line, or or small pieces of highway trash.
debris blocking part of your lane.
Try to avoid obstacles by
slowing or going around them. If you
must go over the obstacle, first
determine if it is possible. Approach
it at as close to a 90˚ angle as
possible. Look where you want to go
7 Test Yourself to control your path of travel. If you
The best way to stop quickly is to: have to ride over the obstacle, you
A. Use the front brake only. should:
B. Use the rear brake first. • Slow down as much as possible
C. Throttle down and use the front before contact.
brake.
D. Use both brakes at the same time.
• Make sure the motorcycle is
Answer - page 45 straight.
OBSTACLES
32
• Rise slightly off the seat with your brake lever gradually to avoid
weight on the footrests to absorb locking the front wheel.
the shock with your knees and Remember, gentle pressure on the
elbows, and avoid being thrown off rear brake.
the motorcycle. • The center of a lane can be
• Just before contact, roll on the hazardous when wet. When it
throttle slightly to lighten the front starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks
end. left by cars. Often, the left tire
track will be the best position,
If you ride over an object on the
depending on traffic and other
street, pull off the road and check
road conditions as well.
your tires and rims for damage before
riding any farther. • Watch for oil spots when you put
your foot down to stop or park.
SLIPPERY SURFACES You may slip and fall.
Motorcycles handle better when • Dirt and gravel collect along the
ridden on surfaces that permit good sides of the road — especially on
traction. Surfaces that provide poor curves and ramps leading to and
traction include: from highways. Be aware of what’s
on the edge of the road,
• Wet pavement, particularly just particularly when making sharp
after it starts to rain and before turns and getting on or off
surface oil washes to the side of freeways at high speeds.
the road.
• Rain dries and snow melts faster
• Gravel roads, or where sand and on some sections of a road than
gravel collect. on others. Patches of ice tend to
• Mud, snow, and ice. develop in low or shaded areas
• Lane markings (painted lines), and on bridges and overpasses.
steel plates and manhole covers, Wet surfaces or wet leaves are just
especially when wet. as slippery. Ride on the least
slippery portion of the lane and
To ride safely on slippery
reduce speed.
surfaces:
Cautious riders steer clear of
• Reduce Speed — Slow down
roads covered with ice or snow. If you
before you get to a slippery
can’t avoid a slippery surface, keep
surface to lessen your chances of
your motorcycle straight up and
skidding. Your motorcycle needs
proceed as slowly as possible. If you
more distance to stop. And it is
encounter a large surface so slippery
particularly important to reduce
that you must coast, or travel at a
speed before entering wet curves.
walking pace, consider letting your
• Avoid Sudden Moves — Any feet skim along the surface. If the
sudden change in speed or motorcycle starts to fall, you can
direction can cause a skid. Be as catch yourself. Be sure to keep off the
smooth as possible when you brakes. If possible, squeeze the clutch
speed up, shift gears, turn or brake. and coast. Attempting this maneuver
• Use Both Brakes — The front at anything other than the slowest of
brake is still effective, even on a speeds could prove hazardous.
slippery surface. Squeeze the
33
TRACKING GRATINGS CROSSTRACKS-RIGHT enough away from tracks, ruts, or
pavement seams to cross at an angle
of at least 45˚. Then, make a quick,
sharp turn. Edging across could catch
your tires and throw you off balance.
GROOVES AND GRATINGS
Riding over rain grooves or
CROSSTRACKS-WRONG bridge gratings may cause a
motorcycle to weave. The uneasy,
wandering feeling is generally not
hazardous. Relax, maintain a steady
speed and ride straight across.
Crossing at an angle forces riders to
zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzag
is far more hazardous than the
RAILROAD TRACKS, TROLLEY wandering feeling.
TRACKS AND PAVEMENT SEAMS
Usually it is safer to ride straight GRATE CROSSINGS-RIGHT
within your lane to cross tracks.
Turning to take tracks head-on (at a
90˚ angle) can be more dangerous —
your path may carry you into another
lane of traffic.
For track and road seams that run
parallel to your course, move far
GRATE CROSSINGS-WRONG
PARALLEL TRACKS-RIGHT
34
MECHANICAL STUCK THROTTLE
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
PROBLEMS Twist the throttle back and forth
several times. If the throttle cable is
You can find yourself in an
stuck, this may free it. If the throttle
emergency the moment something
stays stuck, immediately operate the
goes wrong with your motorcycle. In
engine cut-off switch and pull in the
dealing with any mechanical
clutch at the same time. This will
problem, take into account the road
remove power from the rear wheel,
and traffic conditions you face. Here
though engine sound may not
are some guidelines that can help you
immediately decline. Once the
handle mechanical problems safely.
motorcycle is “under control,” pull
off and stop.
TIRE FAILURE
After you have stopped, check
You will seldom hear a tire go the throttle cable carefully to find the
flat. If the motorcycle starts handling source of the trouble. Make certain
differently, it may be a tire failure. the throttle works freely before you
This can be dangerous. You must be start to ride again.
able to tell from the way the
motorcycle reacts. If one of your tires
suddenly loses air, react quickly to
WOBBLE
keep your balance. Pull off and check A “wobble” occurs when the
the tires. front wheel and handlebars suddenly
start to shake from side to side at any
If the front tire goes flat, the
speed. Most wobbles can be traced to
steering will feel “heavy.” A
improper loading, unsuitable
front-wheel flat is particularly
accessories or incorrect tire pressure.
hazardous because it affects your
If you are carrying a heavy load,
steering. You have to steer well to
lighten it. If you can’t, shift it. Center
keep your balance.
the weight lower and farther forward
If the rear tire goes flat, the back on the motorcycle. Make sure tire
of the motorcycle may jerk or sway pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks
from side to side. and dampers are at the settings
If either tire goes flat recommended for that much weight.
while riding: Make sure windshields and fairings
• Hold handlegrips firmly, ease off are mounted properly.
the throttle, and keep a straight Check for poorly adjusted
course. steering; worn steering parts; a front
• If braking is required, however, wheel that is bent, misaligned, or out
gradually apply the brake of the of balance; loose wheel bearings or
tire that isn’t flat, if you are sure spokes; and worn swingarm bearings.
which one it is. If none of these is determined to be
the cause, have the motorcycle
• When the motorcycle slows, edge
checked out thoroughly by a qualified
to the side of the road, squeeze the
professional.
clutch and stop.
35
Trying to “accelerate out of a ENGINE SEIZURE
wobble” will only make the When the engine “locks” or
motorcycle more unstable. Instead: “freezes” it is usually low on oil. The
• Grip the handlebars firmly, but engine’s moving parts can’t move
don’t fight the wobble. smoothly against each other, and the
• Close the throttle gradually to engine overheats. The first sign may
slow down. Do not apply the be a loss of engine power or a change
brakes; braking could make the in the engine’s sound. Squeeze the
wobble worse. clutch lever to disengage the engine
from the rear wheel. Pull off the road
• Move your weight as far forward and stop. Check the oil. If needed, oil
and down as possible. should be added as soon as possible
• Pull off the road as soon as you or the engine will seize. When this
can to fix the problem. happens, the effect is the same as a
locked rear wheel. Let the engine
9 Test Yourself cool before restarting.
If your motorcycle starts to wobble:
A. Accelerate out of the wobble. ANIMALS
B. Use the brakes gradually.
C. Grip the handlebars firmly and
Naturally, you should do
close the throttle gradually. everything you safely can to avoid
D. Downshift. hitting an animal. If you are in traffic,
Answer - page 45
however, remain in your lane. Hitting
something small is less dangerous to
CHAIN PROBLEMS you than hitting something big —
A chain that slips or breaks while like a car.
you’re riding could lock the rear Motorcycles seem to attract
wheel and cause your cycle to skid. dogs. If you are chased, downshift
Chain slippage or breakage can be and approach the animal slowly. As
avoided by proper maintenance. you approach it, accelerate away and
• Slippage — If the chain slips leave the animal behind. Don’t kick
when you try to speed up quickly at an animal. Keep control of your
or ride uphill, pull off the road. motorcycle and look to where you
Check the chain and sprockets. want to go.
Tightening the chain may help. If For larger animals (deer, elk,
the problem is a worn or stretched cattle) brake and prepare to stop —
chain or worn or bent sprockets, they are unpredictable.
replace the chain, the sprockets or
both before riding again.
10 Test Yourself
• Breakage — You’ll notice an If you are chased by a dog:
instant loss of power to the rear A. Kick it away.
wheel. Close the throttle and brake B. Stop until the animal loses interest.
to a stop. C. Swerve around the animal.
D. Approach the animal slowly, then
speed up.
Answer - page 45
36
FLYING OBJECTS CARRYING PASSENGERS
FLYING OBJECTS
From time to time riders are AND CARGO
struck by insects, cigarettes thrown Only experienced riders should
from cars or pebbles kicked up by the carry passengers or large loads. The
tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are extra weight changes the way the
wearing face protection, it might get motorcycle handles, balances, speeds
smeared or cracked, making it up and slows down. Before taking a
difficult to see. Without face passenger or a heavy load on the
protection, an object could hit you in street, practice away from traffic.
the eye, face or mouth. Whatever
happens, keep your eyes on the road EQUIPMENT
and your hands on the handlebars.
To carry passengers safely:
When safe, pull off the road and
repair the damage. • Equip and adjust your
motorcycle to carry passengers.
GETTING OFF THE ROAD • Instruct the passenger before you
37
CARRYING PASSENGERS INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS • Ride a little slower, especially
when taking curves, corners or
Even if your passenger is a
bumps.
motorcycle rider, provide complete
instructions before you start. Tell • Start slowing earlier as you
your passenger to: approach a stop.
• Get on the motorcycle only after • Open up a larger cushion of
you have started the engine. space ahead and to the sides.
• Wait for larger gaps to cross,
• Sit as far forward as possible
enter or merge in traffic.
without crowding you.
Warn your passenger of special
• Hold firmly to your waist, hips,
conditions — when you will pull out,
belt, or to the bike’s passenger
stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over
handholds.
a bump. Turn your head slightly to
• Keep both feet on the footrests, make yourself understood, but keep
even when stopped. your eyes on the road ahead.
• Keep legs away from the
muffler(s), chains or moving parts. CARRYING LOADS
• Stay directly behind you, leaning Most motorcycles are not
as you lean. designed to carry much cargo. Small
• Avoid unnecessary talk or loads can be carried safely if
motion. positioned and fastened properly.
Also, tell your passenger to • Keep the Load Low — Fasten
tighten his or her hold when you: loads securely, or put them in
saddlebags. Piling loads against a
• Approach surface problems. sissybar or frame on the back of
• Are about to start from a stop. the seat raises the motorcycle’s
• Warn that you will make a center of gravity and disturbs its
sudden move. balance.
• Keep the Load Forward — Place
RIDING WITH PASSENGERS the load over, or in front of, the
rear axle. Tankbags keep loads
Your motorcycle will respond forward, but use caution when
more slowly with a passenger on loading hard or sharp objects.
board. The heavier your passenger, Make sure the tankbag does not
the longer it will take to slow down interfere with handlebars or
and speed up — especially on a light controls. Mounting loads behind
motorcycle. the rear axle can affect how the
11 Test Yourself motorcycle turns and brakes. It can
also cause a wobble.
Passengers should:
A. Lean as you lean. • Distribute the Load Evenly —
B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat. Load saddlebags with about the
C. Sit as far back as possible. same weight. An uneven load can
D. Never hold onto you. cause the motorcycle to drift to
Answer - page 45
one side.
38
• Secure the Load — Fasten the down a little to stay with the
GROUP RIDING
load securely with elastic cords tailender.
(bungee cords or nets). Elastic • Know the Route — Make sure
cords with more than one everyone knows the route. Then,
attachment point per side are more if someone is separated they won’t
secure. A tight load won’t catch in have to hurry to keep from getting
the wheel or chain, causing it to lost or taking a wrong turn. Plan
lock up and skid. Rope tends to frequent stops on long rides.
stretch and knots come loose,
permitting the load to shift or fall. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
• Check the Load — Stop and Maintain close ranks but at the
check the load every so often to same time keep a safe distance to
make sure it has not worked loose allow each rider in the group time
or moved. and space to react to hazards. A close
group takes up less space on the
GROUP RIDING highway, is easier to see and is less
If you ride with others, do it in a likely to be separated. However, it
way that promotes safety and doesn’t must be done properly.
interfere with the flow of traffic. • Don’t Pair Up — Never operate
directly alongside another rider.
KEEP THE GROUP SMALL There is no place to go if you have
Small groups make it easier and to avoid a car or something on the
safer for car drivers who need to get road. To talk, wait until you are both
around them. A small number isn’t stopped.
separated as easily by traffic or red
lights. Riders won’t always be • Staggered Formation — This is
hurrying to catch up. If your group is the best way to keep ranks close
larger than four or five riders, divide yet maintain an adequate space
it up into two or more smaller groups.
STAGGERED FORMATION
KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER
• Plan — The leader should look
ahead for changes and signal early
so “the word gets back” in plenty
of time. Start lane changes early to
permit everyone to complete the
change.
• Put Beginners Up Front — Place
inexperienced riders just behind
the leader. That way the more
experienced riders can watch them
from the back.
• Follow Those Behind — Let the
tailender set the pace. Use your
mirrors to keep an eye on the
person behind. If a rider falls
behind, everyone should slow
39
cushion. The leader rides in the left open up room for the next rider.
side of the lane, while the second Some people suggest that the
rider stays one second behind in leader should move to the right
the right side of the lane. side after passing a vehicle. This
A third rider maintains in the left is not a good idea. It encourages
position, two seconds behind the first the second rider to pass and cut
rider. The fourth rider would keep a back in before there is a large
two-second distance behind the enough space cushion in front of
second rider. This formation keeps the passed vehicle. It’s simpler
the group close and permits each and safer to wait until there
rider a safe distance from others is enough room ahead of the
ahead, behind and to the sides. passed vehicle to allow each rider
to move into the same position
• Passing in Formation — Riders
held before the pass.
in a staggered formation should
pass one at a time. • Single-File Formation — It is best
to move into a single-file formation
• First, the lead rider should pull
when riding curves, turning,
out and pass when it is safe. After
entering or leaving a highway.
passing, the leader should return to
the left position and continue 12 Test Yourself
riding at passing speed to open When riding in a group,
room for the next rider. inexperienced riders should
• After the first rider passes position themselves:
safely, the second rider should A. Just behind the leader.
move up to the left position and B. In front of the group.
watch for a safe chance to pass. C. At the tail end of the group.
After passing, this rider should D. Beside the leader.
Answer - page 45
return to the right position and
40
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
42
– Four drinks over the span of two If you are convicted of riding
MINIMIZE RISKS
Impairment of judgment and skills
begins well below the legal limit. to pay, lost work time spent in
court or alcohol-education
ALCOHOL AND THE LAW programs, public transportation
Nationwide, a person with a costs (while your license is
BAC of 0.08 or above is considered suspended) and the added
intoxicated. It doesn’t matter how psychological costs of being
sober you may look or act. The tagged a “drunk driver.”
breath or urine test is what usually
determines whether you are riding
MINIMIZE THE RISKS
legally or illegally. Your ability to judge how well
Your chances of being stopped you are riding is affected first.
for riding under the influence of Although you may be performing
alcohol are increasing. Law more and more poorly, you think you
enforcement is being stepped up are doing better and better. The result
across the country in response to the is that you ride confidently, taking
senseless deaths and injuries caused greater and greater risks. Minimize
by drinking drivers and riders. the risks of drinking and riding by
taking steps before you drink.
CONSEQUENCES OF Control your drinking or control
CONVICTION your riding.
Years ago, first offenders had a
good chance of getting off with a DON’T DRINK
small fine and participation in Don’t Drink — Once you start,
alcohol-abuse classes. Today the laws your resistance becomes weaker.
of most states impose stiff penalties Setting a limit or pacing yourself
on drinking operators. And those are poor alternatives at best. Your
penalties are mandatory, meaning ability to exercise good judgment is
that judges must impose them.
43
FATIGUE one of the first things affected by It helps to enlist support from
alcohol. Even if you have tried to others when you decide to step in.
drink in moderation, you may not The more people on your side, the
realize to what extent your skills have easier it is to be firm and the harder
suffered from alcohol’s fatiguing it is for the rider to resist. While
effects. you may not be thanked at the
time, you will never have to say,
Or Don’t Ride — If you haven’t
“If only I had ...”
controlled your drinking, you must
control your riding. FATIGUE
• Leave the motorcycle — Riding a motorcycle is more
so you won’t be tempted to ride. tiring than driving a car. On a long
Arrange another way to get home. trip, you’ll tire sooner than you would
• Wait — If you exceed your in a car. Avoid riding when tired.
limit, wait until your system Fatigue can affect your control of the
eliminates the alcohol and its motorcycle.
fatiguing effects.
• Protect yourself from the
STEP IN TO elements — Wind, cold, and rain
make you tire quickly. Dress
PROTECT FRIENDS warmly. A windshield is worth its
People who have had too much to cost if you plan to ride long
drink are unable to make a responsible distances.
decision. It is up to others to step in
• Limit your distance — Experi-
and keep them from taking too great a
risk. No one wants to do this — it’s enced riders seldom try to ride
uncomfortable, embarrassing and more than about six hours a day.
thankless. You are rarely thanked for • Take frequent rest breaks —
your efforts at the time. But the Stop and get off the motorcycle at
alternatives are often worse. least every two hours.
There are several ways to keep • Don’t drink or use drugs —
friends from hurting themselves: Artificial stimulants often result in
• Arrange a safe ride — Provide extreme fatigue or depression
alternative ways for them to when they start to wear off. Riders
get home. are unable to concentrate on the
• Slow the pace of drinking — task at hand.
Involve them in other activities.
• Keep them there — Use any 13 Test Yourself
excuse to keep them from getting If you wait one hour per drink for the
on their motorcycle. Serve them alcohol to be eliminated from your
food and coffee to pass the time. body before riding:
Explain your concerns for their A. You cannot be arrested for drinking
and riding.
risks of getting arrested or hurt
B. Your riding skills will not be
or hurting someone else. Take their affected.
key, if you can. C. Side effects from the drinking may
• Get friends involved — Use peer still remain.
pressure from a group of friends D. You will be okay as long as you ride
slowly.
to intervene. Answer - page 45
44
EARNING YOUR LICENSE
KNOWLEDGE TEST
your brake light when: B. Shift your weight toward the good
tire.
A. Someone is following too closely.
C. Brake on the good tire and steer to
B. You will be slowing suddenly.
the side of the road.
C. There is a stop sign ahead.
D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.
D. Your signals are not working.
5. The car below is waiting to enter
2. The FRONT brake supplies how
the intersection. It is best to:
much of the potential stopping
power? A. Make eye contact with the driver.
B. Reduce speed and be ready to
A. About one-quarter.
react.
B. About one-half.
C. Maintain speed and position.
C. About three-quarters.
D. Maintain speed and move right.
D. All of the stopping power.
3. To swerve correctly:
A. Shift your weight quickly.
B. Turn the handlebars quickly.
C. Press the handlegrip in the
direction of the turn.
D. Press the handlegrip in the
opposite direction of the turn.
_____________________________________
Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)
1-D, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B, 5-C, _____________________________________
6-D 7-D, 8-C, 9-C, 10-D, Answers to above Knowledge Test:
11-A, 12-A, 13-C 1-B, 2-C, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B
45
ON-MOTORCYCLE • Adjust speed and position to the
SKILL TEST traffic situation.
• Stop, turn and swerve quickly.
Basic vehicle control and
crash-avoidance skills are included in • Make critical decisions and carry
on-motorcycle tests to determine them out.
your ability to handle normal and Examiners may score on
hazardous traffic situations. factors related to safety such as:
You may be tested for your • Selecting safe speeds to perform
ability to: maneuvers.
• Know your motorcycle and your • Choosing the correct path and
riding limits. staying within boundaries.
• Accelerate, brake and turn • Completing normal and quick
safely. stops.
• See, be seen and communicate • Completing normal and quick
with others. turns or swerves.
Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only
and are not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distances.
46
ABOUT THIS BOOK
47
48
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MOTORCYCLES MAKE SENSE –
SO DOES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
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