Alaska Motorcycle Practice Test 6

Wearing brightly-colored or reflective clothing can increase your chances of being seen by other road users.

When taking a turn, you should look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

To stop quickly, apply controlled pressure to both the front and rear brakes at the same time.

The potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles is greatest at intersections.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to allow them to pass you. Speeding up may only result in them continuing to tailgate you at the higher speed, which is even more dangerous.

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.

Because a motorcycle’s brake light is not as noticeable as the brake lights of a car, it is usually a good idea to flash your brake light when slowing or stopping so others will be more likely to notice that you are decelerating. This is particularly important if you are slowing down more quickly than others might expect.

In a normal turn, the rider and the motorcycle should lean together at the same angle. In a slow, tight turn, the motorcycle should lean while the rider counterbalances by keeping their body upright.

Googles will protect your eyes from the wind, but most windshields will not. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for goggles or a face shield.

The gearshift lever of a motorcycle is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the rider’s left foot.

If you approach an intersection that is not marked with signs or traffic lights at the same time as another driver, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

When it starts to rain, the oily strip down the center of a lane is especially hazardous. Avoid this danger by riding in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track is often safest, but this can vary.

Riding between rows of stopped or slowly moving vehicles can be dangerous. Vehicles may change lanes, doors may open, or arms may be stuck out of vehicles’ windows. Despite their size, motorcycles need the full width of a lane to operate safely.

Leather boots provide the best degree of protection when riding. They should be high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles.

Perform safety checks before every motorcycle ride. Test your brake controls individually to make sure each one activates the brake lights.

Ensure that the paint is shiny.

If your motorcycle begins to weave while riding over uneven rain grooves or bridge gratings, simply relax and proceed straight across the grooves at a steady speed. Steering in a zigzag pattern as you cross gratings is more dangerous than the weaving.

In general, it is best for a group to ride in a staggered formation. Move into a single-file formation when taking a curve, making a turn, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.

While it is most important to be aware of what is ahead of you on the road, you cannot ignore what is behind you. You can keep track of the situation behind you by checking your mirrors consistently.

Protection should be your first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet. Look for a helmet that fastens securely, fits correctly, and is DOT-compliant.

Motorcyclists may pass on the right if there is unobstructed pavement with a width of at least eight feet to the right of the vehicle being passed. Motorcyclists, and other drivers, should never leave the road to pass another vehicle.

Bright oranges, reds, yellows, and greens are the best colors for motorcyclists to wear. These colors can help other road users see motorcyclists.

When turning, look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn only your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon. Turning your shoulders may cause you to steer off course.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for your entire face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for a good face shield.

You will get the maximum protection from your helmet if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards, fits snugly all the way around, and has no obvious defects.