California DMV Motorcycle Knowledge Test (M1)Hazard Avoidance and Emergency ManeuversHard
You are riding your motorcycle at night and encounter a patch of black ice on a curve. You cannot avoid it. What is the most effective strategy to minimize risk?
- ADownshift rapidly to use engine braking and lean heavily into the curve.
- BApply both brakes firmly and try to steer through the curve.
- CAccelerate slightly to increase traction and get through the ice patch faster.
- DMaintain a steady throttle, keep the motorcycle upright, and steer gently through the curve.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Maintain a steady throttle, keep the motorcycle upright, and steer gently through the curve.
Black ice offers virtually no traction. The safest approach is to minimize any input that could cause a loss of grip: maintain a steady, light throttle or roll off, keep the motorcycle as upright as possible (avoid leaning), and make only the most gentle steering adjustments. Braking, accelerating, or leaning will almost certainly lead to a fall.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Rapid downshifting and heavy leaning will cause a severe loss of traction and control on black ice.
- B. Braking on black ice guarantees a skid and fall.
- C. Accelerating on black ice will cause the rear wheel to spin out immediately.
Black Ice Navigation
Techniques for attempting to safely traverse a patch of black ice when avoidance is not possible.
- Steady throttle, no braking
- Keep motorcycle upright
- Gentle steering inputs
Memory trick: Steady, Upright, Gentle Glide.