Crash Avoidance, Hazards, and Sharing the Road
Hazard response
This domain tests crash avoidance and sharing the road. The exam asks how to brake, swerve, cross surface hazards, and ride near trucks without creating a new hazard.
Core rules
- Braking. Practice progressive braking with both brakes. Squeeze the front brake firmly but smoothly; do not grab. If the bike has ABS, keep firm pressure and let the system prevent lockup.
- Swerving. To avoid an object, press the handlebar to countersteer around it. Do not brake hard and swerve at the same time unless ABS and traction allow it; separate the actions when possible.
- Surface hazards. Gravel, sand, wet leaves, painted lines, and metal grates reduce traction. Slow before them, hold a steady line, and avoid leaning or hard braking on the hazard.
- Railroad tracks. Cross at as close to 90 degrees as you can. If tracks are wet, reduce speed and avoid braking on the rails.
- Trucks. Stay out of blind spots, allow extra following distance, and never pass on the right when a truck may be turning right.
Worked example
You enter a curve and see loose gravel across your path. Correct response: do not grab the front brake and stare at the gravel. Straighten the bike as much as possible, slow smoothly before the gravel if there is room, keep the bars steady, and look to the exit. Target fixation on the hazard is what pulls you into it.
Traps that cost marks
Braking hard on gravel; swerving while leaned over; following a truck too closely; crossing railroad tracks at a shallow angle; and staring at the pothole or debris instead of the escape path.