Hazard Avoidance, Braking, and Crash-Avoidance Skills
Braking
Apply both brakes together. The front brake provides most of the stopping power, so squeeze it progressively rather than grabbing. Keep the motorcycle upright during a maximum straight-line stop. On gravel, wet leaves, painted lines, or metal surfaces, use less lean and gentler brake pressure.
Swerving and hazard response
Treat a hard swerve and a hard brake as separate inputs because traction is limited. Look at the escape path, not the hazard. Cross railroad tracks as close to a right angle as possible. Cover the brakes in traffic and scan for escape routes.
Worked example
A car pulls out from a side street. If a straight-line stop is possible, use both brakes smoothly. If stopping distance is insufficient, maintain speed, swerve around the car, then brake after clearing it. Grabbing the front brake while swerving can lock the wheel and cause a skid.
Traps that cost marks
- Using only the rear brake in an emergency.
- Staring at the hazard instead of the escape path.
- Braking hard on gravel or painted lines.
- Braking and swerving simultaneously when traction is already limited.
- Swerving into oncoming traffic without checking the space.