Hazard Awareness Flashcards

Which road surface is most hazardous for motorcyclists when wet?

Answer: Painted road markings, metal drain covers and wet leaves which drastically reduce grip

Painted surfaces, metal and wet leaves all become extremely slippery when wet, offering a fraction of the dry grip; motorcycles are particularly vulnerable because they rely on only two small tyre contact patches.

What is the recommended observation technique when approaching a bend?

Answer: Use the limit point of vision to assess the bend's sharpness and adjust speed before entering — looking through and beyond the bend

The limit point technique uses the furthest visible point of the road to judge the curvature and whether speed needs to be adjusted before or within the bend, ensuring the rider can stop within the visible distance.

Why is a diesel spillage on the road particularly dangerous for motorcyclists?

Answer: Diesel reduces tyre grip to near zero even when the road appears dry, causing sudden and unpredictable loss of traction

Diesel is extremely slippery and nearly invisible on a dry road surface; a motorcycle's limited contact patch means hitting a diesel patch can cause immediate and unrecoverable front or rear wheel slip.

What should a motorcyclist do when they see a vehicle waiting to emerge from a side road on their right?

Answer: Cover the brake and horn, reduce speed and make eye contact or otherwise confirm the driver has seen them before proceeding

A waiting vehicle may not have seen the motorcycle; covering the controls (brake and clutch) reduces reaction time, reduced speed gives more time to react, and eye contact confirms mutual awareness.

What hazard should a motorcyclist be especially aware of when riding near large vehicles?

Answer: Being in the lorry's blind spot — the motorcyclist may be completely unseen and at risk from the vehicle changing lanes

HGVs and buses have significant blind spots on both sides and the rear; a motorcyclist following or riding alongside a large vehicle may be completely invisible to the driver and at severe risk from lane changes.

Why should motorcyclists take particular care on roads near farms?

Answer: Mud, slurry and debris on the road surface, wide slow-moving vehicles and animals may be present beyond blind corners

Rural roads near farms frequently have mud or debris reducing grip, wide agricultural vehicles that may be concealed beyond bends, and animals such as cattle crossing, all requiring reduced speed and heightened anticipation.