MSF BASIC ECOURSE BASIC STREET STRATEGIES
UPDATED ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
Question 1.
Positioning - Lane Choice
ANSWER
If there is more than one lane, pick the lane where you do not have to change lanes a lot and
can see ahead while being visible to others.
Maintain a space cushion all around and ride at the speed of traffic in your lane to help reduce
potential conflicts. Consider shoulders and medians as possible escape paths.
On freeways, keep right except to pass, and use a middle lane if there are more than two lanes
so you can reduce conflicts at entrance and exit points. When you change lanes, be sure
someone else two lanes over is not aiming for the same space.
Question 2.
Positioning - Lane Position
ANSWER
As a motorcyclist, you can divide your lane into three portions: left, middle, and right. Your
best lane position (LP) within a lane changes with conditions. Consider what is going on ahead,
behind and to the sides. Leaving room ahead for others helps you have space for yourself.
Change lane positions to avoid hazards, to avoid bad road conditions, and to see and be seen.
Presentation is a term that means to use a lane position where others have a better chance to
see you, especially at an intersection, or as you approach a line of oncoming vehicles.
Use your eyes and mind to determine how and when to adjust position as situations unfold.
Imagine a bird's-eye view from high above to see how traffic conditions might affect you, so
you are ready to change lane position or speed.
Use the left third (LP1):
As a start (or default) position for seeing and being seen.
To see a car backing out of a driveway ahead on the right.
To keep drivers from sharing your lane.
To see better when approaching a right-hand curve.
To increase your line of sight down the road.
To avoid doors opening from parked cars.
To be more visible at an intersection with a limited view to the right.
To avoid the dark strip of oil, debris, or manhole covers often found in the middle of a lane.
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, Use the middle third (LP2):
To help with hazards on both sides, such as cars parked on the right and traffic in the other
lane.
To see and be seen at the crest of a hill.
To be visible at an intersection with a limited view on both sides.
Use the right third (LP3): To avoid windblast from an oncoming truck.
To see and be seen when there is a line of oncoming cars.
To see better when approaching a left-hand curve.
To be visible at an intersection with a limited view to the left.
To avoid the dark strip of oil, debris, or manhole covers often found in the middle of a lane.
Question 3.
Being Visible
ANSWER
It is your responsibility to make sure drivers have the best chance to see you.
Distracted driving is on the rise
Motorcycles are small and narrow
Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet during the day. Have reflective material on
your clothing and helmet for riding at night.
Be sure the headlight is on during the daytime; it may come on automatically. Consider when
to use the high beam for extra visibility, but don't blind other motorists.
Use your turn signals to let others know what you plan to do. Be sure to cancel your signal
once you've completed your action.
Flash the brake light before stopping (except for emergency stops) and as needed while
waiting at stops to alert other motorists.
Use your horn to gain attention, but do not rely on it. Others may not be able to hear it over
loud music or for other reasons.
Consider adding reflective material and additional lights to your motorcycle.
Question 4.
RiderRadar
ANSWER
RiderRadar is about looking ahead, but don't forget to check for hazards behind in the rear
view mirrors. Search far and near as well as from side to side. Factors in front make up most of
the hazards that affect you. You want to be able to identify them as early as possible so you
can respond well ahead of time and do not have to react to an emergency at the last possible
moment.
2/8
UPDATED ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
Question 1.
Positioning - Lane Choice
ANSWER
If there is more than one lane, pick the lane where you do not have to change lanes a lot and
can see ahead while being visible to others.
Maintain a space cushion all around and ride at the speed of traffic in your lane to help reduce
potential conflicts. Consider shoulders and medians as possible escape paths.
On freeways, keep right except to pass, and use a middle lane if there are more than two lanes
so you can reduce conflicts at entrance and exit points. When you change lanes, be sure
someone else two lanes over is not aiming for the same space.
Question 2.
Positioning - Lane Position
ANSWER
As a motorcyclist, you can divide your lane into three portions: left, middle, and right. Your
best lane position (LP) within a lane changes with conditions. Consider what is going on ahead,
behind and to the sides. Leaving room ahead for others helps you have space for yourself.
Change lane positions to avoid hazards, to avoid bad road conditions, and to see and be seen.
Presentation is a term that means to use a lane position where others have a better chance to
see you, especially at an intersection, or as you approach a line of oncoming vehicles.
Use your eyes and mind to determine how and when to adjust position as situations unfold.
Imagine a bird's-eye view from high above to see how traffic conditions might affect you, so
you are ready to change lane position or speed.
Use the left third (LP1):
As a start (or default) position for seeing and being seen.
To see a car backing out of a driveway ahead on the right.
To keep drivers from sharing your lane.
To see better when approaching a right-hand curve.
To increase your line of sight down the road.
To avoid doors opening from parked cars.
To be more visible at an intersection with a limited view to the right.
To avoid the dark strip of oil, debris, or manhole covers often found in the middle of a lane.
1/8
, Use the middle third (LP2):
To help with hazards on both sides, such as cars parked on the right and traffic in the other
lane.
To see and be seen at the crest of a hill.
To be visible at an intersection with a limited view on both sides.
Use the right third (LP3): To avoid windblast from an oncoming truck.
To see and be seen when there is a line of oncoming cars.
To see better when approaching a left-hand curve.
To be visible at an intersection with a limited view to the left.
To avoid the dark strip of oil, debris, or manhole covers often found in the middle of a lane.
Question 3.
Being Visible
ANSWER
It is your responsibility to make sure drivers have the best chance to see you.
Distracted driving is on the rise
Motorcycles are small and narrow
Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet during the day. Have reflective material on
your clothing and helmet for riding at night.
Be sure the headlight is on during the daytime; it may come on automatically. Consider when
to use the high beam for extra visibility, but don't blind other motorists.
Use your turn signals to let others know what you plan to do. Be sure to cancel your signal
once you've completed your action.
Flash the brake light before stopping (except for emergency stops) and as needed while
waiting at stops to alert other motorists.
Use your horn to gain attention, but do not rely on it. Others may not be able to hear it over
loud music or for other reasons.
Consider adding reflective material and additional lights to your motorcycle.
Question 4.
RiderRadar
ANSWER
RiderRadar is about looking ahead, but don't forget to check for hazards behind in the rear
view mirrors. Search far and near as well as from side to side. Factors in front make up most of
the hazards that affect you. You want to be able to identify them as early as possible so you
can respond well ahead of time and do not have to react to an emergency at the last possible
moment.
2/8
