Slow down so the tailgater can pass when clear

• Slow down so the tailgater can pass when clear.
Handling Dangerous Surfaces
A motorcycle is delicately balanced on two wheels. To stay upright, the two wheels
must have good traction. Any surface that a ff ects the motorcycle’s traction will a ff ect
its balance. Any slippery surface increases the chance of a rider falling. Dangerous
surfaces include:
• Slippery surfaces.
• Uneven surfaces.
• Grooves and gratings.
• Sloping surfaces.
Some slippery surfaces are caused by:
• Liquids.
• Sand/Gravel.
• Leaves.
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MOTORCYCLE MANUAL
THE NEW JERSEY DRIVER MANUAL

• Wet pavement, particularly just after the rain and before surface oil washes
to the side of the road.
• Gravel roads or places where sand and gravel have collected on paved
roads.
• Mud, snow, and ice.
• Wet lane markings and steel surfaces (manhole covers).
• Metal construction plates.
There are a number of precautions that riders can take to operate more safely on
slippery surfaces.
Reduce speed.
It takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces. Make up for this by
traveling at a slower speed. It is particularly important to reduce speed on curves.
Remember, speed limits posted on curves apply to good, dry surface conditions.
Use both brakes. The front brake is still more e ff ective than the back brake – even
on extremely slippery surfaces. On ice, riders should not brake at all.
Avoid sudden moves.
Any sudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid
on slippery surfaces. Therefore, turn, brake, accelerate, and change gears as little and
as gradually as possible. On a very slippery surface, such as on a patch of ice, do not
make changes until after passing it.
Avoid slippery areas.
It is important to find the best pavement. Riders should be
aware that:
• Oil from vehicles tends to build up in the center of the lane, particularly
near the intersections where vehicles slow down or stop. On wet pavement,
therefore, it is better to operate in the grooves created by the wheels of
moving vehicles. Some people suggest using the left wheel track all the
time. However, this may not always be a good idea. Instead, ride in the
portion of the lane where it is easiest to be seen.
• Oil spots when stopping or parking can cause riders to fall.
• Dirt and gravel tend to collect along the sides of the road. It is very import-
ant to stay away from the edge of the road when making sharp turns at
intersections, or entering and leaving freeways at high speed.
• Certain sections of the road dry faster after rain or melt faster after snow.
Try at all times to stay in the best part of the lane.
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It is almost impossible to maintain balance on ice, hard packed snow or wet slippery
surfaces. Avoid them if possible. If it is impossible to avoid them, proceed across them
in a straight line, but DO NOT adjust speed. Keep a center lane position and avoid the
slippery area by riding slightly to the left or right of the center. Pull in the clutch and
coast across. In some slippery areas, such as tollbooths, ride slightly to the left or right
of the center to avoid problem areas.