Hazard Awareness Flashcards

What is the main risk when riding through a ford (water across the road)?

Answer: The water depth may be greater than it appears, causing the engine to cut out or the front wheel to deflect, and wet brakes temporarily lose effectiveness

Fords can be deeper than they appear; sudden contact with deep water can flood the engine and cause a dangerous loss of momentum; wet brakes are also temporarily less effective after a water crossing.

What is the risk of following another vehicle too closely on a motorway?

Answer: Tailgating reduces the rider's view ahead and leaves no stopping distance — if the vehicle brakes suddenly the motorcyclist cannot stop in time

Following too closely (tailgating) removes the rider's view of the road ahead and eliminates the safety margin needed to stop; at motorway speeds the required stopping distance is well over 100 m.

When riding on a motorway, what specific risks should a motorcyclist prepare for?

Answer: Higher speeds increasing the severity of any collision, crosswinds affecting stability, and debris on the road surface

Motorway speeds mean greater injury severity in any collision; crosswinds from bridges and HGVs can destabilise a motorcycle; and road debris at speed is a significant puncture and crash risk.

What should a motorcyclist do when they feel a speed wobble (tank slapper) developing?

Answer: Grip the tank firmly with knees, ease off the throttle smoothly without braking and let the bike stabilise gradually

A speed wobble is a resonant oscillation of the front wheel; sharp inputs worsen it; the correct response is to grip with the knees (removing weight from bars), gently close the throttle and allow the oscillation to dampen.

At dusk and dawn, why are motorcyclists at increased risk from other drivers?

Answer: Low sun angle creates glare that makes motorcycles particularly hard for other drivers to see against

At dusk and dawn, low sun angles create intense glare in drivers' eyes; a motorcycle's small profile means it can disappear into this glare, making the rider invisible to oncoming or crossing traffic.

What should a motorcyclist check immediately after a road traffic collision that appears minor?

Answer: Themselves and the motorcycle for damage including structural damage not visible externally, fluid leaks and brake and steering function before riding on

Even a minor collision can damage the frame, steering geometry or brake lines in ways not visible externally; riding an undetected structurally compromised motorcycle is highly dangerous.