NC Handbook Flashcards
1
Q
Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
A
- Wear the right gear.
- Become familiar with the motorcycle.
- Check the motorcycle equipment.
- Be a responsible rider.
2
Q
When you ride, your gear is “right” if it protects you. In any crash, you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury if you wear: (3)
A
- An approved helmet.
- Face or eye protection.
- Protective clothing.
3
Q
___ out of every ___ motorcycle crashes result in
A
One
Five
head or neck injuries.
4
Q
North Carolina law requires the operator and all passengers to
A
wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
5
Q
Compliant safety helmets will have the symbol “DOT” permanently installed by the manufacturer on the back of the helmet. It will also have a label in the interior of the helmet that has (4)
A
- the manufacturer’s name or identification.
- It should have the precise model, size, and year of manufacture,
- type of shell and liner construction materials and
- an instruction label for cleaning and care of the helmet.
6
Q
Most crashes happen
A
On short trips (less than five miles long), just a few minutes after starting out.
7
Q
Most riders are riding slower than ___mph when a crash occurs. At these speeds, helmets can cut both the number and the severity of head injuries by half.
A
30 mph
8
Q
When selecting a helmet, they must: (3)
A
- Meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards.
- Fits snugly, all the way around.
- Has no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps.
9
Q
True or False: A windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles.
A
True
10
Q
True or False: You can wear tinted eye protection at night or any other time when little light is available.
A
False
11
Q
Jacket and pants
A
should cover arms and legs completely.
12
Q
Leather offers ____.
A
the most protection.
13
Q
Wear a jacket even in warm weather to prevent ___.
A
dehydration
14
Q
Boots or shoes should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ___ and give them support.
A
ankles
15
Q
Your gloves should be made of ___ or similar durable material.
A
leather
16
Q
Riding for long periods in cold weather can cause severe __ and __.
A
chill and fatigue
17
Q
To make sure that your motorcycle won’t let you down: • Read ... • Start with ... • Be familiar with ... • Check ... • Keep it ... • Avoid ...
A
- Read the owner’s manual first.
- Start with the right motorcycle for you.
- Be familiar with the motorcycle controls.
- Check the motorcycle before every ride.
- Keep it in safe riding condition between rides.
- Avoid add-ons and modifications that make your motorcycle harder to handle.
18
Q
At minimum, your street-legal motorcycle should have: (5)
A
- Headlight, taillight and brakelight.
- Front and rear brakes.
- Turn signals.
- Horn.
- Two mirrors.
19
Q
Crashes are fairly common among
A
beginning riders — especially in the first months of riding.
20
Q
Before mounting the motorcycle, make the following checks: (5)
A
- Tires - Pressure, wear, tear
- Fluids - levels and leakage
- Headlights and Taillight
- Turn Signals
- Brake Light
- Clutch - It should feel tight and smooth.
- Throttle - It should snap back when you let go.
- Mirrors
- Brakes
- Horn
21
Q
More than half of all crashes
A
Involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles less than six months.
22
Q
To lessen your chances of a crash occurring: (6)
A
- Be visible — wear proper clothing, use your headlight, ride in the best lane position to see and be seen.
- Communicate your intentions — use the proper signals, brake light, and lane position.
- Maintain an adequate space cushion
- Scan your path of travel 12 seconds ahead.
- Identify and separate multiple hazards.
- Be prepared to act
23
Q
Shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in ___ gear while you are stopped so that you can move out quickly if you need to.
A
first
24
Q
Make certain you are riding slowly enough when you shift into a lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will ___, and ___.
A
lurch, and the rear wheel may skid.
25
It is best to ___ before entering a turn.
change gears
26
The front brake is ___ and can provide ___ of your total stopping power.
more powerful
| at least three-quarters
27
Which brake should you use on a "normal" Stop?
Which Brake should you use in an emergency stop?
Both.
Use both brakes every time you slow or stop. Using both brakes for even “normal” stops will permit you to develop the proper habit or skill of using both brakes properly in an emergency. Squeeze the front brake and press down on the rear.
28
What happens when you apply too much brake?
A skid.
29
When approaching a turn, you should:
* SLOW — Reduce speed before the turn by closing the throttle and, if necessary, applying both brakes.
* LOOK — 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.
* PRESS — To turn, the motorcycle must lean. To lean the motorcycle, press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn. i.e. Press left — lean left — go left. Press right — lean right — go right. Higher speeds and/or tighter turns require the motorcycle to lean more.
* ROLL — Roll on the throttle through the turn to stabilize suspension. Maintain steady speed or accelerate gradually through the turn. This will help keep the motorcycle stable.
30
In normal turns, the rider and the motorcycle should ...
lean together at the same angle.
31
In slow tight turns, you should
counterbalance by leaning the motorcycle only and keeping your body straight.
32
The best protection you can have is distance — a “cushion of space” — all around your motorcycle. If someone else makes a mistake, distance permits you:
* Time to react.
| * Space to maneuver.
33
Your lane position should: (7)
* Increase your ability to see and be seen.
* Avoid other’s blind spots.
* Avoid surface hazards.
* Protect your lane from other drivers.
* Communicate your intentions.
* Avoid wind blast from other vehicles.
* Provide an escape route.
34
Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to ___ and you can ___. Change position as traffic situations change.
be seen
you can maintain a space
cushion around you.
35
Avoid riding on big buildups of oil and grease usually found at ___ or toll.
busy intersections
36
Normally, a minimum of ___ should be maintained behind the vehicle ahead.
two seconds distance
37
A two-second following distance leaves a minimum amount of space to:
* stop or swerve if the driver ahead stops suddenly.
| * It also permits a better view of potholes and other hazards in the road.
38
When behind a car, ride where the driver is most likely to see. Riding in the ___ portion of the lane should put your image in the middle of the ___ mirror.
center
| rearview
39
If the traffic situation allows, the ___ portion of the lane is usually the best place for you to be seen by the drivers ahead and to ___.
center
| prevent lane sharing by others
40
A better way to handle tailgaters is to ___.
get them in front of you.
41
When someone is following too closely, ___ and ___. If you can’t do this, you should...
change lanes
let them pass
slow down and open up extra space ahead of you to allow room for both you and the tailgater to stop.
42
What are the 4 steps that you should follow to pass?
1. Ride in the ___ portion of the lane at a safe following distance to increase your ___ and make you ___. ___ and ___. Use your ___ and ___ to look for traffic behind.
2. When safe, move into the ___ lane and ___. Select a lane position that doesn’t crowd the car you are passing and provides ___ to avoid ____ in your lane.
3. Ride through the ____ as ___ as possible.
4. ___ again, and complete ___ and ___ before returning to your original lane and then cancel the ___.
1. Ride in the left portion of the lane at a safe following distance to increase your line of sight and make you more visible. Signal and check for oncoming traffic. Use your mirrors and turn your head to look for traffic behind.
2. When safe, move into the left lane and accelerate. Select a lane position that doesn’t crowd the car you are passing and provides space to avoid hazards in your lane.
3. Ride through the blind spot as quickly as possible.
4. Signal again, and complete mirror and headchecks before returning to your original lane and then cancel the signal.
43
True or False: Lane sharing is usually prohibited.
True. It's always prohibited.
44
What should you do when merging cars?
Drivers on an entrance ramp may not see you on the highway. Give them plenty of room.
45
What is the three-step process used to make appropriate judgements, and apply them correctly in different traffic situations?:
* Search
* Evaluate
* Execute
46
What factors should you search when riding? (4)
Search for factors such as:
• Oncoming traffic that may turn left in front of you.
• Traffic coming from the left and right.
• Traffic approaching from behind.
• Hazardous road conditions.
47
While riding, What should you always be searching for?
Focus even more on finding potential escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas, school and construction zones.
48
When riding, What should you evaluate?
* Road and surface characteristics — Potholes, guardrails, bridges, telephone poles and trees won’t move into your path but may influence your riding strategy.
* Traffic control devices — Look for traffic signals, including regulatory signs, warning signs, and pavement markings, to help you evaluate circumstances ahead.
* Vehicles and other traffic — May move into your path and increase the likelihood of a crash.
49
When you execute your decision while riding, you should do the following in order to create more space and minimise harm for any hazard:
* Communicate your presence with lights and/or horn.
* Adjust your speed by accelerating, stopping or slowing.
* Adjust your position and/or direction.
50
In potential high-risk areas, such as intersections, shopping areas and school and construction zones, your should:
cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce the time you need to react.
51
The greatest potential for conflict between you and other traffic is at ___.
intersections
52
Over ___ of motorcycle/car crashes are caused by drivers entering a rider’s ___. Cars that turn ___ in front of you, including cars turning ___ from the lane to your
right, and cars on side streets that pull into your lane, are the biggest dangers.
one-half
right-of-way
left
left
53
To reduce your reaction time, you should:
Cover the clutch and both brakes.
54
Cars making a sudden ___ are the most dangerous. They may cut you off entirely, blocking the whole roadway and leaving you with no place to go. Since you can’t tell what a driver will do, ___, ___, ___, and ____.
```
U-turn
slow down
get the driver’s attention
Sound your horn
continue with caution
```
55
The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to
keep the headlight on at all times
56
If the situation will permit, help others notice you by flashing your brake light before you slow down. It is especially important to flash your brake light before:
You slow more quickly than others might expect
57
Some motorcycles have rounded ___ mirrors. These provide a ___ view of the road behind than do flat mirrors. They also make cars seem ___ than they really are.
convex
wider
farther away
58
True or False: Checking your mirrors is not enough, riders should also turn their head before changing lanes.
True
59
When riding at night, you should: (5)
* Reduce Your Speed
* Increase Distance — Open up a three-second following distance or more.
* Use the Car Ahead
* Use Your High Beam
* Be Flexible About Lane Position.
60
To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. If the front wheel locks, you should ____.
release the front brake immediately then reapply it firmly.
61
If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction surface, you should ___.
keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can control the motorcycle on a straightaway if it is upright and going in a straight line.
62
Always use both brakes at the same time to stop. The front brake can provide___% or more of the potential stopping power.
70%
63
If you must stop quickly while turning or riding a curve, the best technique is to ___ and then ___.
straighten the bike upright first
| brake
64
What is a swerve?
A swerve is any sudden change in direction. It can be two quick turns, or a rapid shift to the side.
65
What should you do on a swerve?
Apply a small amount of hand pressure to the handle-grip located on the side of your intended direction of escape. This will cause the motorcycle to lean quickly. The sharper the turn(s), the more the motorcycle must lean.
66
True or False: You can brake while swerving.
IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED, SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING. Brake before or after — never while swerving.
67
When taking a curve, What are the lane position best alternatives?
1. Change lane position depending on traffic, road conditions and curve of the road. If no traffic is present, start at the outside of a curve to increase your line of sight and the effective radius of the turn. As you turn, move toward the inside of the curve, and as you pass the center, move to the outside to exit. (1-3-1)
2. Another alternative is to move to the center of your lane before entering a curve — and stay there until you exit. This permits you to spot approaching traffic as soon as possible. (2-2-2)
68
Your chance of falling or being involved in a crash increases whenever you ride across (4):
* Uneven surfaces or obstacles.
* Slippery surfaces.
* Railroad tracks.
* Grooves and gratings.
69
If you have to ride over the obstacle, you should: (4)
* Slow down as much as possible before contact.
* Make sure the motorcycle is straight up.
* Rise slightly off the seat with your weight on the foot-pegs to absorb the shock with your knees and elbows, and avoid being thrown off the motorcycle.
* Just before contact, roll on the throttle slightly to lighten the front end.
70
```
Surfaces that provide poor traction include:
• Wet pavement
• Gravel roads
• Mud, snow, and ice.
• Lane markings
```
To ride safely on slippery surfaces, you should (3):
* Reduce Speed
* Avoid Sudden Moves
* Use Both Brakes
* Ride in the tire tracks left by cars when it starts to rain
* Watch for oil spots
* Dirt and gravel collect along the sides of the road
* Watch for patches of ice
71
True or False: Usually it is safer to take tracks head-on (at a 90° angle)
False
Usually it is safer to ride straight within your lane to cross tracks. Turning to take tracks head-on (at a 90° angle) can be more dangerous — your path may carry you into another lane of traffic.
72
Most wobbles can be traced to ___, unsuitable accessories, or ___.
improper loading
| incorrect tire pressure
73
Trying to “accelerate out of a wobble” will only make the
| motorcycle more unstable. Instead: (4)
* Grip the handlebars firmly, but don’t fight the wobble.
* Close the throttle gradually to slow down. Do not apply the brakes; braking could make the wobble worse.
* Move your weight as far forward and down as possible.
* Pull off the road as soon as you can to fix the problem.
74
What should you do when you are chased by an animal?
If you are chased by a small animal, downshift and approach the animal slowly. As you approach it, accelerate away and leave the animal behind.
For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle) brake and prepare to stop — they are unpredictable.
75
Even if your passenger is a motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions before you start. Tell your passenger to:
• Get on the motorcycle only after you have ___.
• Sit as far ___ as possible without crowding you.
• Hold firmly to your waist, hips, or belt.
• Keep both feet on the pegs, even ___.
• Keep legs away from the ___, chains or moving parts.
• Stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean.
• Avoid unnecessary talk or ___.
Also, tell your passenger to tighten his or her hold when you
• Approach surface problems,
• Are about to start from a stop,
• Warn that you will make a sudden move.
```
started the engine
forward
when stopped
muffler
motion
```
76
When carrying loads, you should:
```
Keep the load low
Keep the load forward
Distribute the load evenly
Secure the load
Check the load every so often
```
77
If you are riding in a group larger than four or five riders, you should...
divide it up into two or more smaller groups.
78
When riding in a group, you should: (6)
* Plan — The leader should look ahead for changes and signal early so “the word gets back” in plenty of time. Start lane changes early to permit everyone to complete the change.
* Put Beginners Up Front
* Follow Those Behind
* Know the Route
* Don't Pair Up — Never operate directly alongside another rider.
* Staggered Formation
79
Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal crashes. Studies show that ___ to___ of all riders killed in motorcycle crashes had been drinking. Only ___ of those riders had a blood alcohol concentration above legal limits.
40%
45%
1/3
80
In North Carolina, if your intoxication test shows an
alcohol concentration of ___ % or more (___or more, if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle), your driving privilege will be revoked immediately for a minimum of ___ days.
0.08 %
0.04 %
30
81
If you are convicted of riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may receive any of the following penalties: (4)
* License Suspension
* Fines
* Community Service
* Costs
82
If you wait an hour for each drink before riding:
A. You cannot be arrested for drinking and riding.
B. Your riding skills will not be affected.
C. Side effects from the drinking may still remain.
D. You will be okay as long as you ride slowly.
C. Side effects from the drinking may still remain.
