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Motorcycle · Avoiding Hazards

What is the safest way to handle riding in the rain or on a wet road?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Slow down, increase following distance, brake and steer smoothly, and be aware that roads are most slippery just after rain begins

  1. A Slow down, increase following distance, brake and steer smoothly, and be aware that roads are most slippery just after rain begins
  2. B Brake hard to test traction
  3. C Ride in the center of the lane where oil collects
  4. D Ride faster to get through it quickly

Why this is the answer

Wet roads reduce traction, so the rider should slow down, increase following distance, and make all inputs — braking, steering, throttle — smooth and gradual to avoid breaking the tires' grip. Roads are often most slippery during the first few minutes of rain, when water mixes with oil and dust to form a slick film, so extra caution is needed then. The rider should also avoid painted lines, metal surfaces, and the center of the lane where oil drippings collect, and watch for hydroplaning in deep water. Gentle control and reduced speed preserve the limited traction available on wet pavement.
Source: MSF Basic RiderCourse, Adverse Conditions

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About this topic: Avoiding Hazards

Avoiding hazards questions cover scanning (SEE: search, evaluate, execute), lane positioning, following distance, road-surface hazards, intersections and the blind spots of other vehicles. This is one of 13 Motorcycle questions on avoiding hazards, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our Motorcycle exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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