Intersections present the greatest potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles. Motorcyclists should exercise caution when approaching an intersection.

Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to be seen by other road users and where you can maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle. There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. A responsible rider adjusts their position as conditions change.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to allow them to pass you. Speeding up may result in them continuing to tailgate you, just at a higher speed.

Motorcycles have blind spots, just like cars. You should always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

When approaching a blind intersection that is controlled by a stop line or stop sign, you must first stop where indicated. You may then edge forward and stop again just short of where the cross traffic lane meets your lane. From that position, lean your body forward and look around buildings, parked cars, or bushes to see if anything is approaching. Make sure your front wheel stays out of the crossroad while you are looking.

Long-term exposure to wind and engine noise can damage your hearing, even if you wear a helmet. It is a good idea to use hearing protection every time you ride to help prevent hearing damage.

A rider should always maintain a cushion of space appropriate for conditions. Motorcycles need as much room to stop as other vehicles.

Check your clutch and throttle before riding your motorcycle. The throttle should snap back when you let go and the clutch should feel tight and smooth.

When being passed, it is generally safest to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest the passing driver increases the danger of colliding with them, and riding on the side farthest from the driver may tempt them to return to your lane too soon.

At night, you should always ride at a lower speed than you would under similar conditions during the day. Doing so will give you a better chance of avoiding hazards. Additionally, increase your following distance and be flexible about your lane position.

A helmet will provide a rider with the best protection if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards; fits snugly all the way around; and has no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

Traction may be poor on surfaces such as wet, snowy, icy, or muddy pavement; gravel roads; lane markings; and steel plates and utility hole covers.

If you must both swerve and brake to avoid a hazard, you should separate the actions. Brake then swerve, or swerve then brake, but do not perform both actions at the same time.

Make sure your motorcycle's transmission is in neutral before you start the engine. Most motorcycles have a neutral indicator on the speedometer that lights up when the ignition switch is on and the cycle is in neutral.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This warning sign indicates a divided roadway ahead.

Many drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can impair your ability to ride safely. Some medications become even more dangerous when combined with alcohol.

Impairment of your ability to ride safely begins with the first drink you take. You can be convicted of riding impaired even if you are below the legal blood alcohol limit.

Your feet should remain on your footrests while riding to help you maintain proper balance.

If you accidentally lock the rear tire on a good traction surface, leave it locked until you can come to a complete stop. Even with a locked rear wheel, you will be able to control a motorcycle on a surface with good traction as long as the motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line.

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.

On a slippery surface, you should reduce your speed, avoid making sudden moves, and brake by using both brakes.

When preparing to pass another vehicle on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane.

To remain aware of your surroundings, it is not enough to rely only on your mirrors. Motorcycles have blind spots just like any other vehicle.

If the rear tire of a motorcycle goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from side to side. If you experience this movement when riding your motorcycle, you should stop riding and check your tires as soon as possible.

Taking a turn or curve too fast may cause a rider to lose control of their motorcycle. The motorcycle may cross into another lane of traffic or careen off the road.