Alaska Motorcycle Practice Test 11

Experienced riders use a SIPDE strategy while riding to make safe judgements. “SIPDE” stands for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute.

Maintaining a space cushion helps to ensure that you will have enough time to react to the movements of others and enough room to maneuver safely.

A helmet will provide a rider with the best protection if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards; fits snugly all the way around; and has no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

Engines seize when they are low on oil. Without oil, the engine’s moving parts cannot move smoothly against each other and the engine overheats.

It is important to consistently check vehicles approaching your motorcycle from behind to determine if drivers are paying attention to you and your movements. Use your mirrors when stopping at an intersection to make sure approaching drivers are responding appropriately to your actions.

If steering suddenly feels heavy, it is possible that your front tire has gone flat. Stop riding and check your tires as soon as possible.

Following too closely, or “tailgating,” can be a major factor in collisions caused by motorcycles. When riding behind another vehicle, maintain a safe following distance.

A motorcyclist who is towing a trailer should increase their following distance. The added weight of the trailer means that the motorcycle will require more time to stop than it would otherwise.

A person who is under the legal drinking age of 21 will have their license suspended if they are operating a motorcycle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 percent or higher. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers’ blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise.

Motorcycles often seem to attract dogs. If you are being chased by a dog, downshift and approach it slowly. Then, as you approach the dog, accelerate and leave it behind.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that the roadway ahead is likely to be slippery when wet.

Maintaining an adequate space cushion ensures that you will have time to respond if another driver makes a mistake. A cushion of space also allows you the space you need to safely maneuver your motorcycle.

Wear brightly-colored clothing to maximize your visibility when riding, even during the daytime. Clothing made with reflective materials can also be helpful.

Compared to a car, a motorcycle requires more frequent attention. If something is wrong with a motorcycle, it is essential that the operator identify the problem before getting into traffic or operating the bike at freeway speeds.

When riding, you should choose pants and a jacket made of leather or another sturdy material. They should fit you snugly enough that they do not flap in the wind, but also loosely enough that they let you move freely.

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Wearing bright or reflective clothing can help make you more visible to other drivers and reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. Always maintain an awareness of surrounding drivers to better prepare yourself for their movements.

The mirrors of motorcycles have blind spots, just like those of cars. Always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

All passes must be completed within the posted speed limits and only in areas where passing is permitted.

Motorcycle passengers should always sit behind the operator and hold firmly and securely onto the operator’s waist, hips, or midsection. They may instead choose to hold onto handgrips, provided that the motorcycle is equipped with them. Passengers should never ride sidesaddle.

A “wobble” is when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side to side. Most wobbles are a result of improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.

When being passed on your left, you should ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding in the right portion of the lane can be dangerous as it may tempt the passing driver to re-enter your lane too quickly.

A group of riders should usually travel in a staggered formation in order to maintain close ranks while still allowing each rider an adequate space cushion. Less experienced riders should ride toward the front of the group, just behind the leader, so that more experienced riders can keep an eye on them from behind. Small groups are safer for traveling than larger groups.

You should increase your following distance if it will take your motorcycle longer than normal to stop, if you can’t see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and other vehicles are likely to try to squeeze in front of you.