What should a motorcyclist do when they see a pothole?

When a motorcyclist encounters a pothole, adjusting their path early to avoid it is the safest and most effective response. This approach allows the rider to maintain control of the motorcycle while preventing a possible collision with the pothole, which could lead to a loss of stability or an accident. By anticipating the obstacle and making a deliberate maneuver, the motorcyclist minimizes risk and promotes overall safety on the road.

Other responses, such as ignoring the pothole or swerving suddenly, can lead to dangerous situations. Ignoring it puts the rider directly in harm's way, while swerving abruptly might cause loss of control, especially if other vehicles or road conditions are present. Accelerating to jump over the pothole, while it may sound like a quick fix, can actually result in a hard landing that destabilizes the motorcycle and jeopardizes the rider’s safety. Thus, the best course of action is to adjust the path early and navigate around the hazard smoothly.