Hazard Avoidance and Emergency Maneuvers
Hazard Avoidance and Emergency Maneuvers
This domain tests what to do when a hazard appears: stop quickly, swerve, or cross a bad surface without losing control.
Quick stops
Apply both brakes together, with the front brake doing most of the work. Keep the front wheel straight, look ahead, and squeeze the lever progressively rather than grabbing. If the front wheel locks, release the lever briefly and reapply. If the rear locks, keep it locked until stopped if the bike is straight.
Swerving
A swerve is a rapid change of direction around an obstacle. Press the grip on the side you want to go, then press the other grip to straighten. Do not brake and swerve at the same time if you can avoid it: brake first, release, then swerve, or swerve and then brake once upright.
Worked example
A dog runs into the rider's path with little time to stop. Reasoning: the rider's speed and the remaining distance make a stop unlikely, so the correct choice is a controlled swerve around the animal, then straighten and slow. Staring at the dog would cause target fixation.
Traps
Grabbing the front brake, looking at the obstacle, and trying to brake while leaned over. The exam prefers both brakes, straight up, eyes on the escape path.