What action should a rider take if they encounter a slippery surface?

When a rider encounters a slippery surface, reducing speed and using smooth movements is the best course of action. Slippery surfaces can be caused by rain, ice, gravel, or oil, all of which can drastically reduce traction. By slowing down, the rider lowers the risk of losing control, as a lower speed allows for greater responsiveness to changes in traction.

Using smooth movements is crucial because abrupt actions—such as hard braking, aggressive steering, or sudden acceleration—can lead to loss of stability. Smooth inputs allow the bike to maintain its balance and allow tires to maintain some level of contact with the ground, helping to prevent skidding or falling.

The other options suggest actions that could severely compromise safety and control. Speeding up could lead to a higher likelihood of skidding out, braking hard can lock the wheels and cause a loss of control, and aggressive steering can destabilize the motorcycle on a slippery surface. Therefore, the recommended approach emphasizes caution and controlled handling to navigate such conditions safely.