Michigan Motorcycle Crash Avoidance and Special Situations Practice Test

What the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual says about crash avoidance and special situations

• Swerving

  To swerve, press firmly on the handgrip on the side you want to go, which makes the motorcycle lean quickly (the sharper the turn, the more it must lean), then press the opposite grip once past the obstacle to return to your path. p. 47

• Work zones

  Work zones are more hazardous for riders, who lack four-wheel stability, so reduce speed. p. 49

• Animals

  Dogs sometimes chase motorcycles. When you spot one coming, slow down and downshift until the dog is near, then accelerate away from it; keep control, look where you want to go, and don't kick at the dog, which makes the motorcycle hard to control. p. 50

• Motorcycles and deer

  Deer crashes happen year-round in urban, suburban and rural areas. p. 50

• Wind

  Strong, steady winds and the turbulence from trucks, buses and RVs can push a motorcycle around, especially in open or mountainous areas. p. 50

• Hand signals

  Be familiar with hand signals in case your motorcycle's turn signals stop working: for a left turn, extend your left arm straight out with the palm open; for a right turn, raise your left arm up with the palm open; to stop, extend your arm straight down with the palm facing back. p. 51

Where it is in the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual

• p. 46–48Section 7 · Roadway management and intersections
• p. 49–52Section 8 · Special riding situations

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