Improper braking is a significant contributing factor to many motorcycle crashes. Using a proper braking technique is an important part of riding safely.

Choose a lane position that helps you avoid road hazards. Make sure you maintain a safe cushion of space around your motorcycle at all times.

While it is most important to be aware of what is ahead of you on the road, you cannot ignore what is behind you. You can keep track of the situation behind you by checking your mirrors consistently.

Googles will protect your eyes from the wind, but most windshields will not. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for goggles or a face shield.

The gearshift lever of a motorcycle is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the rider's left foot.

In a normal turn, the rider and the motorcycle should lean together at the same angle. In a slow, tight turn, the motorcycle should lean while the rider counterbalances by keeping their body upright.

Following too closely, or "tailgating," can be a major factor in collisions caused by motorcycles. When riding behind another vehicle, maintain a safe following distance.

Long-term exposure to wind noise can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Using ear protection when you ride should protect you from the dangers of wind noise while still allowing you to hear important sounds, like sirens or car horns.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides maximum protection for your entire face, including your eyes, in the event of a crash. A windshield is not an adequate substitute.

Pavement can be particularly slippery after it has just started to rain. Oil from vehicles will have not yet washed away from the surface of the road, forming a slippery mixture with the water.

Saddlebags should be loaded with approximately equal weights. If a load is distributed unevenly between bags, it may cause the motorcycle to drift to one side.

A passenger places extra weight on a motorcycle. Because of the added weight, the motorcycle will respond to the operator's movements more slowly than it would otherwise, taking more time to speed up, slow down, and turn.

You should always conduct a thorough safety inspection of your motorcycle before you ride. A small technical issue on a motorcycle can be more dangerous than a small technical issue on a car.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. To maximize your chances of being seen, you should wear clothing with reflective material when riding, even during the day. Always wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop. It is important to be able to brake quickly by using both brakes.

Protection should be your first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet. Look for a helmet that fastens securely, fits correctly, and is DOT-compliant.

Locking the brakes can cause control problems. If your front brake locks, you should release the brake then immediately re-apply it. If you lock your rear brake when stopping on a good traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped.

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.

When being passed, the center portion of the lane is generally the safest lane position for a motorcyclist. Riding on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases the risk of colliding with it. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle can also be dangerous because it may prompt the driver to return to your lane before it is safe to do so.

On a two-lane road, a group of motorcyclists should pass another vehicle one at a time. Each motorcyclist should complete the pass before another begins to pass.

To create more space and minimize the harm of any hazard, communicate your presence to other road users by using your horn, lights, and/or signals. Adjust your speed to be appropriate for the situation and adjust your lane position and/or direction of travel as needed.

As little as one alcoholic drink can have a significant effect on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. It is never a safe choice to ride after consuming any amount of alcohol.

To avoid becoming fatigued when riding your motorcycle on a long trip, limit how much time is spent riding each day and take frequent rest breaks. Avoid the use of artificial stimulants because you may experience extreme fatigue when they start to wear off.

Many drugs, including legal prescription and over-the-counter medications, have side effects that can impair your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. Always talk to your doctor about how a new medication may affect your driving or riding abilities.

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.