Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

What is the best position for traction while riding in the rain?

1. Oncoming lane

2. Tracks left by other drivers

3. Edge of the road

4. Middle of the lane

The correct answer is: Tracks left by other drivers

The best position for traction while riding in the rain is on the tracks left by other drivers. When vehicles travel on a wet road, they tend to push the water aside, creating slightly drier patches in their wake. Riding within these tracks can offer better traction compared to the surrounding areas where water may be pooling or where the surface may be slick from oil and debris that can accumulate on the road. Choosing the tracks left by other vehicles can help a motorcyclist maintain better control and stability, thus reducing the risk of skidding or losing grip on the road. This strategy is especially important in slick conditions brought about by rain, where road surfaces can be unpredictable. Positions like the edge of the road or the middle of the lane may expose a rider to uneven surfaces or more water accumulation, which can increase the risk of losing traction. Similarly, riding in the oncoming lane is not safe and does not provide a tactical advantage for traction, as it places the rider in harm's way and does not utilize the drier areas created by other vehicles effectively.