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.

Unlike other substances, alcohol does not need to be digested before entering the bloodstream. It is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine, quickly reaching and affecting the brain.

Pavement is often especially slippery when it first begins to rain. The rainwater mixes with the oily deposits left by cars that have not yet washed off the road. When riding in rain, the best option is to ride in the tire tracks left by cars ahead of you.

Leather boots provide the best degree of protection when riding. They should be high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles.

When riding, you should choose pants and a jacket made of leather or another sturdy material. They should fit you snugly enough that they do not flap in the wind, but also loosely enough that they let you move freely.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that the roadway ahead is likely to be slippery when wet.

In Virginia, a person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered intoxicated. Any intoxicated person is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle.

When it starts to rain, the oily strip down the center of a lane is especially hazardous. Avoid this danger by riding in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track is often safest, but this can vary.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. It can provide at least 70 percent of a motorcycle's total stopping power.

If not carried in saddlebags, loads should be secured as low as possible. Attaching a load to a sissy bar can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and upset its balance.

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.

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

A motorcyclist who is towing a trailer should increase their following distance. The added weight of the trailer means that the motorcycle will require more time to stop than it would otherwise.

When riding in a group, use your mirrors to keep an eye on the riders behind you and to confirm that the group is staying together.

Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight, so wearing brightly-colored, reflective clothing while riding is advised no matter the time of day.

When it starts to rain, avoid riding in the center of the lane. Instead, ride in the tire tracks left by cars ahead of you. The left tire track is often best for riding, but this can vary based on traffic and other conditions.

Always look through a turn to where you want to go. Turn only your head to look, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

Tell passengers to avoid unnecessary conversation or movement while on a moving motorcycle. Passengers should get onto a motorcycle only after the engine is started. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding the operator.

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.

To avoid running into dangerous situations while riding, you should consistently scan the road well ahead of your motorcycle. Watch the road ahead to identify and react to potential hazards before meeting them.

It is best to change gears before starting a turn. Shifting gears while in the turn can cause a sudden change in power to the rear wheel, causing a skid. If you must change gears while in a turn, change gears smoothly to best prevent skidding.

Bright oranges, reds, yellows, and greens are the best colors for motorcyclists to wear. These colors can help other road users see motorcyclists.

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. To accommodate the change in handling when carrying a passenger, you should reduce your speed, begin slowing down earlier when you stop, and look for larger gaps when crossing, entering, or merging into traffic.

Motorcycle riders should use their brake lights to communicate with other road users. It is particularly important for a motorcyclist to flash their brake light before slowing down to make a tight, fast turn off of a high-speed roadway. Motorcyclists should flash their brake lights when slowing in any location where other drivers may not expect them to slow down.

The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to have your headlight turned on (as well as your running lights, if applicable). Use your high beam headlight both day and night, whenever it is legal and safe to do so.