Page 31 - Final GA Motorcycle Operators Manual Updated June 2021

SECTION 5 : STREET STRATEGIES

slow down. This will hopefully discourage the brake lever gradually to avoid locking the
them from tailgating and warn them of hazards front wheel. Remember, apply gentle pres-
ahead they may not see. sure on the rear brake.
Surfaces that provide poor traction include:
Horn
• Wet surfaces – Particularly, just after it starts
Be ready to use your horn to get someone’s
attention quickly. Keep in mind that a motor- to rain and before surface oil washes to the
cycle’s horn isn’t as loud as a car’s, therefore, use side of the road. When it starts to rain, ride in
it, but don’t rely on it. Other strategies may be the tire tracks left by cars and avoid pooled
appropriate along with the horn. water and highway ruts. Often, the left tire
track will be the best position, depending
on traffic and other road conditions as well.
5.7 – Speed Management
• Ice or snow covered surfaces – Snow
melts faster on some sections of a road than
Handling Dangerous Surfaces on others. Patches of ice can occur in low or
shaded areas and on bridges and overpasses.
• Slippery surfaces
It is recommended you avoid snow and ice
• Railroad tracks covered surfaces.
tracks, ruts, or pavement seams to cross at an
• Grooves and gratings • Shiny surfaces – Metal covers, steel plates, angle of at least 45. Then, make a quick, sharp
bridge gratings, train tracks, lane markings,
Slippery Surfaces leaves and wood can be very treacherous turn. Edging across could catch your tires and
throw you off balance.
when wet.
On slippery surfaces, you should use added
caution. Motorcycles handle better when ridden • Dirt and gravel – On curves and ramps Railroad Crossings
on surfaces with good traction. Maintaining leading to and from highways, dirt and
balance and cycle control are difficult on slip- gravel can collect along the sides of the road. • Trains and motorcycles don’t mix. Never
pery surfaces. Choose a lane position that minimizes the race a train to the crossing — even if you
To reduce your risk, you can take certain risk of injury. tie, you lose.
preventative measures: • The train you see is closer and faster moving
• Oil spots – Watch for these when you put than you think. If you see a train approach-
• Reduce Speed – Slow down before you get your foot down to stop or park. You may slip ing, wait for it to go by before you proceed
to a slippery surface to lessen your chances and fall. Securing the proper footing will across the tracks.
of skidding and increase your following dis- help you from losing your balance or falling.
tance. Your motorcycle needs more distance • Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
to stop. And, it is particularly important to Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracks Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a
reduce speed before entering wet curves. and Pavement Seams freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can
take a mile or more to stop once the emer-
• Avoid Sudden Moves – Any sudden Usually, it is safer to ride straight within your
changes in speed or direction can cause a lane to cross tracks. Turning to take tracks at a gency brakes are applied. That’s 18 football
skid. Be as smooth as possible when you 90 degree angle can be more dangerous – your fields!
speed up, shift gears, turn or brake. path may carry you into another lane of traffic. • Never drive around lowered gates — it’s
For track and road seams that run parallel illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is
• Use Both Brakes – The front brake is still to your course, move far enough away from malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted
effective, even on a slippery surface. Squeeze

Wet Surfaces Crossing Parallel Tracks Crossing Tracks

Georgia Motorcycle Operators Manual 29