Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. Wearing bright colors and reflective materials is always recommended when riding, even during the day.

When turning, you should always lean in the direction of the turn. Slow down before entering the turn.

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.

In California, the legal drinking age is 21. For persons below this age, it is illegal to operate any motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher. It may be unsafe to ride a motorcycle after consuming any amount of alcohol, even if the rider is under the legal limit.

Some motorcycles have integrated braking systems that link the front and rear brakes together when the rider applies the rear brake pedal. It is important to consult your owner's manual for details on your specific motorcycle's braking system.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can protect your face in the event of a crash. It also provides protection against more routine hazards, such as pebbles thrown up from other vehicles, wind, dust, dirt, rain, and insects.

Oil drippings and debris from cars and trucks often collect in the center portion of a lane.

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

It is almost always more difficult to judge distances when traveling in the dark than it is when traveling in daylight. Shadows and light contrasts are important cues to the distance of an object. When you must rely on artificial lighting to see the roadway at night, natural contrasts and shadows may be distorted or entirely absent.

In general, a staggered formation is the best way for a group of riders to maintain close ranks while allowing adequate space cushions for each rider. A single-file formation is best when taking curves, turning, entering a highway, or exiting a highway.

If you accidentally lock the rear wheel while stopping on a surface with good traction, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can control your motorcycle if it is upright and traveling in a straight line.

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.

Georgia law requires riders to wear U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets every time they ride. A helmet is a rider's best defense against head and neck injuries in the event of an accident.

When making a normal, non-emergency stop, use the front and rear brakes simultaneously and downshift.

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.

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.

After riding over an object on the roadway, you should pull off the road to check your tires and rims for damage before traveling any farther. Ensure that nothing is caught in the drive chain or belt before proceeding.

The only way to sober up after drinking is to give your body the time it needs to remove the alcohol. There are no techniques that will speed up this process.

A motorcycle that is carrying a passenger will handle differently than usual due to the added weight of the additional rider. An operator should ride at slower speeds and allow more time and distance to slow down and stop. A passenger should hold firmly and securely onto the motorcycle's passenger handgrips or onto the operator's waist, hips, or midsection.

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.

When passing a truck, you should only return to your original lane when you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror.

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.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns of merging traffic ahead.

On a slippery surface, any sudden change in speed or direction could result in a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears, turn, or brake on such a surface.

Long-term exposure to engine and wind noise while riding can lead to hearing damage, even if you wear a full-face helmet. Using hearing protection is advised to prevent damage.

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.

Always allow merging cars plenty of space and never assume that the drivers see you. Change lanes away from the entering traffic, if possible. If there is no room for a lane change, adjust your speed to allow for safe merging.

When inspecting your motorcycle before a ride, be sure to check the tires, controls, lights, signals, mirrors, brakes, oil, fluids, chassis, and stands.

Look through every turn by turning just your head, not your shoulders, and keeping your eyes level with the horizon.

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.