What should you do if you encounter a stuck throttle while slowing down for traffic?

If you encounter a stuck throttle while slowing down for traffic, hitting the engine cutoff switch and pulling in the clutch is the most effective course of action. This method immediately disengages the engine from the rear wheel, which takes away the power that is causing the motorcycle to accelerate uncontrollably. By pulling in the clutch, you can also prevent the bike from stalling, allowing you to still maneuver the motorcycle safely.

Taking this action allows you to maintain better control of the motorcycle while you figure out your next steps, such as pulling off to the side of the road. It’s a critical safety response to help mitigate a potentially dangerous situation without risking a loss of control.

Other options, while they may seem reasonable, could lead to unsafe outcomes. For instance, braking hard might lead to skidding or loss of control, and twisting the throttle back and forth does not address the underlying issue of the throttle being stuck. Shifting to a lower gear may not be effective if the throttle remains stuck, as it doesn't reduce the power being delivered to the wheels in the way that disengaging the engine does. Thus, the best option in a stuck throttle scenario is to eliminate the power by using the engine cutoff switch and disengaging the clutch.