Practice question

If you cannot avoid striking an obstacle, what should you ensure?

  1. Your wheels are straight
  2. To brake before impact
  3. To lean into the obstacle
  4. Your speed is reduced

Answer: A — Your wheels are straight

Ensuring that your wheels are straight when you cannot avoid striking an obstacle is crucial for maintaining control of your motorcycle and minimizing the risk of a crash. When your wheels are aligned straight, it provides the best chance for stability during the impact. This alignment helps the motorcycle to go through the obstacle in a more predictable manner and can prevent the bike from flipping or skidding sideways, which can lead to serious injuries. While other choices may seem viable, they don't prioritize control in the same way. Braking before impact can actually destabilize your bike if done abruptly, potentially leading to loss of control. Leaning into the obstacle may not always work and can create a dangerous situation depending on the nature of the impact. Reducing speed is often beneficial in many scenarios, but it isn’t as critical as ensuring wheel alignment during an unavoidable collision.

Practice more: Louisiana Motorcycle Permit Practice Test →