What are the two critical crash avoidance skills a motorcycle rider must learn?

The two critical crash avoidance skills that a motorcycle rider must learn primarily revolve around effectively managing the motorcycle's position and movement in potentially hazardous situations. Stopping quickly allows a rider to reduce speed or come to a complete halt when necessary, which is essential in emergencies where a quick response can prevent a crash. This involves not only using the brakes effectively but also understanding the dynamics of weight transfer and stopping distances.

Swerving is equally important as it provides an alternative to stopping when obstacles are in the forefront. By learning how to quickly and safely maneuver the motorcycle around an object, a rider can avoid collisions that may otherwise occur if they were simply applying brakes without the option to steer. Mastery of these skills allows a motorcyclist to respond dynamically to unforeseen dangers, making them fundamental to riding safety.

While other skills like turning, accelerating, braking, shifting gears, controlling speed, and observation are all important aspects of riding, the focus here is specifically on actions that can be taken to avoid a crash when faced with imminent danger, making stopping quickly and swerving critical in emergency scenarios.