The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. It can provide three-fourths of the bike's total stopping power.

A motorcycle's single brake light is not as noticeable as the two larger brake lights of a car or truck. It can be a good idea to flash your brake light to help others notice it, especially when you need to slow down more quickly than surrounding drivers may expect.

In a group of motorcyclists, riders with less experience should be positioned toward the front of the group, just behind the leader. This will allow more experienced riders behind them to keep an eye on them.

Using your high beam headlight during the day increases the likelihood that other drivers will see you. Use your high beam headlight any time you are not riding behind or approaching other vehicles.

Choose a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. It should fit you snugly all the way around and be free of obvious defects.

When riding in a group, you should maintain close ranks but still keep an adequate space cushion around each rider.

Loads should kept low, either fastened securely or in saddlebags. Piling loads against a sissy bar or frame on the back of a seat is dangerous because it can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and change the balance of the motorcycle. Loads should be equally distributed on both sides of the motorcycle.

Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight. Increasing your visibility by wearing bright colors and reflective materials is a good idea at all times.

When preparing to pass on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. This lane position will increase your line of sight and make your more visible to oncoming traffic.

Maximum straight-line braking is accomplished by fully applying both the front and rear brakes without locking either wheel. You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

When approaching a potentially dangerous area, such as an intersection, you should cover the clutch lever and both brakes in order to reduce the amount of time you will need to react to any hazards.

To be effective, eye protection and face shields must be free of scratches; be resistant to penetration; give a clear view to either side; fasten securely; permit air to pass through; and permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses to be worn underneath.

Sturdy boots or shoes that are high enough to support the ankles can provide the best protection for motorcyclists. Laced up boots are best, but high-top boots or heavy shoes are fine. If a motorcyclist wears shoes that have long laces, they should be sure to securely tuck the laces away before riding.

Instead of mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is extended straight out to the left, it means the operator plans to turn left or change lanes to the left.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise.

To apply the front brake, firmly and smoothly squeeze the brake lever with all four fingers, applying progressively more force.

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 minimum three-second following distance.

Oily drippings from cars and trucks collect in a strip in the center portion of a lane. This strip usually still provides enough traction for motorcyclists to operate safely, except when the road is wet. The strip is usually narrow enough that you can ride to its side and still be in the center portion of the lane.

If your front wheel locks while braking, you should release the brake lever until the tire regains traction and re-apply the brake.

While some people believe that a helmet will limit their vision, this is not the case. Any U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet will allow the wearer to see as far as is needed for safe riding.

A motorcycle carrying a passenger will sit differently than usual due to the additional weight. You may need to adjust the tire pressure, suspension, shocks, headlight, and mirrors to compensate for the shift.

In South Carolina, passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet and eye protection, though it is recommended that all motorcycle riders wear helmets and eye protection. Passengers should avoid wearing loose clothing that might catch on the motorcycle and should always lean with the operator when turning. Passengers should never be allowed to ride sidesaddle.

To increase your visibility, you can wear clothing that is brightly-colored or that contains reflective materials. Adding auxiliary lights to your motorcycle, using your turn signals, and flashing your brake light when appropriate are also good ways to get the attention of other road users.

High-quality rain suits designed for motorcycle riding will resist tearing and ballooning when a rider travels at high speeds.

In the state of Kentucky, a person with a minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent is considered legally intoxicated. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

To minimize your chances of being in a crash, you should make yourself as visible as possible by wearing brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the day.

When riding over a rough surface, hold onto the handgrips firmly to ensure that you will maintain directional control over your motorcycle.

When riding directly behind a car, it is usually safest to ride in the center portion of your lane. If you are riding in the center of the lane, you are most likely to be visible in the rearview mirror of the vehicle ahead. Most drivers check their rearview mirror more frequently than they check their side mirrors.

Almost all drugs, including over-the-counter medications, have the potential to impact the abilities you need to ride safely. Make sure you understand the side effects of any drug before combining it with riding.

Wet pavement is especially slippery when it first begins to rain. Deposits of oil left by cars will not yet have washed off the roadway. If it is raining, it is safest to ride in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track will often be your best choice, although this may vary.