California DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test (M1)Hazard Avoidance and Emergency ManeuversHard
You are riding at night and suddenly encounter an unlit pothole that you cannot avoid. What is the best action to minimize the impact and maintain control?
- AApply the rear brake firmly and lean back.
- BAccelerate slightly just before impact to lighten the front wheel.
- CMaintain speed, grip the handlebars loosely, and stand slightly on your footpegs.
- DBrake hard and swerve at the last second.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Maintain speed, grip the handlebars loosely, and stand slightly on your footpegs.
If you cannot avoid a pothole, the best strategy is to minimize its impact. Maintaining speed (not accelerating or braking) keeps the suspension active. Gripping loosely allows the handlebars to move with the impact, and standing slightly on the footpegs lets your legs absorb shock, preventing you from being thrown off.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Applying the rear brake firmly can cause a skid, and leaning back excessively can reduce control over the front wheel.
- B. Accelerating can cause the front wheel to 'nose dive' into the hole, worsening the impact.
- D. Braking or swerving at the last second can cause a loss of control or put you into a worse situation.
Unavoidable Pothole
A technique for safely riding over an unexpected and unavoidable road hazard to minimize impact and maintain control.
- Maintain speed, don't brake or accelerate.
- Stand slightly on footpegs.
- Grip handlebars loosely to allow movement.
Memory trick: Pothole surprise? Stand and flow, loose grip, steady go.