Hazard Avoidance and Emergency Maneuvers
Hazard Avoidance and Emergency Maneuvers
This domain tests the SEE strategy and two emergency skills: swerving and quick stopping. The exam separates them because trying to brake and swerve at the same time is a common fatal error.
SEE
- Search ahead and to the sides for hazards.
- Evaluate: predict what the hazard may do and choose a response.
- Execute: apply the throttle, brake, or swerve decisively.
Swerving
- Swerve only when braking distance is too short. Press the handgrip on the side you want to go and keep your head and eyes level.
- Do not brake hard while swerving; the tires need traction for the turn. Straighten, then brake if needed.
Quick stops
- Use both brakes. Squeeze the front progressively and press the rear. Keep the bike upright and the front wheel straight.
- If the front wheel skids, release the front brake and reapply. If the rear wheel locks, keep it locked and steer straight until stopped.
Worked example
A car pulls out from a driveway 50 feet ahead. There is not enough room to stop, but there is a gap to the right. The rider swerves right: press the right grip, look at the gap, stay off the brakes, then straighten and continue. Braking first would use the traction needed for the swerve.
Traps
- Braking and swerving at the same time.
- Looking at the hazard instead of the escape path.
- Using only the rear brake in a quick stop.
- Releasing a rear brake that has already locked.