Practice question

What should you do if you begin to skid on a motorcycle?

  1. Brake harder to regain control
  2. Turn in the direction of the skid
  3. Accelerate to try to regain traction
  4. Stay straight and let go of the handlebars

Answer: B — Turn in the direction of the skid

When you begin to skid on a motorcycle, turning in the direction of the skid is crucial for regaining control. This technique helps to align the motorcycle with the path it's sliding on, allowing the tires to regain traction more effectively. Steering into the skid helps to stabilize the bike because it shifts the weight back over the rear tire, which is essential for both balance and control. In contrast, other actions like braking harder can lead to further loss of control, as it may lock up the wheels, particularly in a skid scenario. Accelerating may feel counterintuitive, as it can increase the wheel spin and complicate regaining traction. Finally, staying straight and letting go of the handlebars can disengage the rider's control over the motorcycle, leading to even more dangerous results. Thus, turning in the direction of the skid is the proper response to manage a skid effectively.

Practice more: Missouri Motorcycle Permit Practice Test →