Because tires have less traction when a motorcycle is leaning than when it is upright, always try to position your motorcycle in an upright position before braking. If you must brake while in a curve, apply the brakes more smoothly and gradually than if your motorcycle was traveling on a straightaway.

An increased following distance is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up to a longer following distance.

When passing a row of parked cars, a motorcyclist should be prepared for a parked car to suddenly pull out of a parking space and into traffic. It is often safest for a motorcyclist to ride in the left portion of their lane when passing a row of parked cars on their right to create the most possible space between their motorcycle and any potential hazards.

Jackets and pants made of leather offer the greatest degree of protection to those riding motorcycles.

If your rear wheel locks while braking, do not release the brake. Instead, keep it locked until you come to a full stop.

To ensure that you are getting as much protection as possible, choose a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. Helmets should fit snugly all the way around.

A staggered formation is the best way to keep ranks close while still maintaining an adequate space cushion for all riders. Ride in a single-file line when riding in curves, turning, or entering or leaving a highway. Never ride side-by-side with another rider.

A number of surfaces can provide poor traction for tires. Wet pavement; roads covered in loose gravel or sand; muddy, snowy, or icy areas; painted lane markings; and metal covers and plates in the road can be more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

The single most effective action you can take to improve your chances of surviving a crash is to wear a high-quality helmet that is securely fastened.

If a tailgater is following you too closely, it is advisable to flash your brake light before you begin to decelerate. The tailgater may be concentrating on you and may not be aware of hazards farther down the road that you are slowing to avoid.

As little as one alcoholic drink can affect a person's ability to ride. It is both illegal and dangerous to ride a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol.

A properly chosen lane position can optimize a number of safety factors. Your lane position should keep you out of other vehicles’ blind spots, increase your ability to see and be seen, help you avoid surface hazards, help you avoid wind blasts from other vehicles, and provide you with an escape route from any hazards that might arise. You should be positioned in a way that discourages other drivers from trying to share your lane.

Even with three wheels on the ground, a sidecar can tip over if it is being turned too sharply or is moving too fast for a corner.

If a dog is chasing your motorcycle, downshift and slowly approach the dog. Once you have gotten close to the animal, accelerate and leave it behind. Do not attempt to kick it.

For riding, choose boots or heavy shoes that are tall and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Heels should be low so that they won't catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in long laces so that they don't catch on the motorcycle's moving parts.

Motorcycles generally have two brakes, one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel.

The minimum number of drinks remaining in a person's system can be estimated by subtracting the number of hours since their last drink from the total number of drinks consumed. For example: a person who has consumed seven drinks in three hours would have a minimum of four drinks remaining in their system three hours later.

An expanded cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up to a larger following distance.

Oily drippings from cars and trucks build up in the center of each lane. Unless the road is wet, this strip usually still provides enough traction more a motorcycle to operate safely. The strip is generally narrow enough that you can ride to either side of it and still be in the center portion of the lane.

Most motorcycle crashes happen on trips that are shorter than five miles in length at speeds slower than 30 mph.

You can achieve maximum stopping power by using both the front and rear brakes. You should use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

Because of the additional weight added by cargo or a passenger, motorcycles may take longer to accelerate and stop than they would if only transporting the operator.

When preparing to pass another vehicle on its left, you should ride in the left portion of the lane to increase your line of sight and make yourself more visible to oncoming traffic.

You should clean and adjust both mirrors before starting your motorcycle. Adjust your mirrors so you can see the lane behind you and as much as possible of the lane next to you.

Never let someone ride if they have had too much to drink. Do whatever you can to prevent them from riding, including taking their keys, if necessary. Arrange an alternative way for them to get home.