Hazard Avoidance and Emergency Maneuvers
Emergency-maneuver questions test whether you have a plan before the emergency: a swerve that does not end in a skid, a quick stop that does not end with the front wheel tucked, and eyes that go to the escape route instead of the hazard.
Swerving versus stopping
Braking and swerving are separate skills. If the obstacle blocks your lane and you have room to the side, swerve: press the grip on the side of the escape path, keep your head and eyes level and pointed at the gap, and stay off both brakes during the swerve. If you must brake and swerve, brake first, release, then swerve - a hard brake while leaned will slide the front. If the obstacle is directly ahead and stopping distance is short, straighten the bike and squeeze both brakes progressively.
Quick stops
Apply both brakes, front progressively harder, keeping the bike straight. If the rear locks, keep it locked until you stop; releasing a skidding rear wheel can pitch the bike. If the front locks, release it immediately and reapply smoothly.
Surface hazards
Gravel, sand, wet leaves, painted lines, steel plates and tar snakes all cut traction. Cross railroad tracks and pavement grooves at close to 90 degrees, rise slightly off the seat, and roll over rather than brake or turn on them.
Worked example
A car noses out 60 feet ahead. You have a clear gap to its left and cannot stop in time. Reasoning: braking alone ends in the door; the gap is the answer. Press left, hold throttle, ride through the gap, then brake once upright. Staring at the car's bumper is what closes the gap.
Traps
Braking mid-swerve; looking at the hazard; grabbing a handful of front brake on wet paint; swerving into oncoming traffic to dodge a pothole.