Florida Motorcycle Handbook 2008

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2. Ride within your Abilities

• 2.1. Basic Vehicle Control
• 2.2. Keeping your Distance
• 2.3. SEE
• 2.4. Intersections
• 2.5. Increasing Conspicuity
• 2.6. Crash Avoidance
• 2.7. Handling Dangerous Surfaces
• 2.8. Mechanical Problems
• 2.9. Animals
• 2.10. Flying Objects
• 2.11. Getting Off the Road
• 2.12. Carrying Passengers and Cargo
• 2.13. Group Riding

Listen to this chapter: Listen

ANIMALS

Naturally, you should do everything you safely can to avoid hitting an animal. If you are in traffic, however, remain in your lane. Hitting something small is less dangerous to you than hitting something big — like a car.

Motorcycles seem to attract dogs. If you are chased, downshift and approach the animal slowly. As you approach it, accelerate away and leave the animal behind. Don't kick at an animal. Keep control of your motorcycle and look to where you want to go.

For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle) brake and prepare to stop - they are unpredictable.

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