NC Handbook Flashcards
Before taking off on any trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
- Wear the right gear.
- Become familiar with the motorcycle.
- Check the motorcycle equipment.
- Be a responsible rider.
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)
- An approved helmet.
- Face or eye protection.
- Protective clothing.
___ out of every ___ motorcycle crashes result in
One
Five
head or neck injuries.
North Carolina law requires the operator and all passengers to
wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
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)
- 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.
Most crashes happen
On short trips (less than five miles long), just a few minutes after starting out.
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.
30 mph
When selecting a helmet, they must: (3)
- 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.
True or False: A windshield is not a substitute for a faceshield or goggles.
True
True or False: You can wear tinted eye protection at night or any other time when little light is available.
False
Jacket and pants
should cover arms and legs completely.
Leather offers ____.
the most protection.
Wear a jacket even in warm weather to prevent ___.
dehydration
Boots or shoes should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ___ and give them support.
ankles
Your gloves should be made of ___ or similar durable material.
leather
Riding for long periods in cold weather can cause severe __ and __.
chill and fatigue
To make sure that your motorcycle won’t let you down: • Read ... • Start with ... • Be familiar with ... • Check ... • Keep it ... • Avoid ...
- 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.
At minimum, your street-legal motorcycle should have: (5)
- Headlight, taillight and brakelight.
- Front and rear brakes.
- Turn signals.
- Horn.
- Two mirrors.
Crashes are fairly common among
beginning riders — especially in the first months of riding.
Before mounting the motorcycle, make the following checks: (5)
- 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
More than half of all crashes
Involve riders who have ridden their motorcycles less than six months.
To lessen your chances of a crash occurring: (6)
- 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
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.
first
Make certain you are riding slowly enough when you shift into a lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will ___, and ___.
lurch, and the rear wheel may skid.
It is best to ___ before entering a turn.
change gears
The front brake is ___ and can provide ___ of your total stopping power.
more powerful
at least three-quarters
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.
What happens when you apply too much brake?
A skid.
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.
In normal turns, the rider and the motorcycle should …
lean together at the same angle.
In slow tight turns, you should
counterbalance by leaning the motorcycle only and keeping your body straight.
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.