Wearing gloves while riding provides an improved grip and help protect your hands. You should use gloves that are full-fingered and made of a durable material.

Riding with your headlight activated is the best way to help other road users see your motorcycle. Always be sure your headlight works before starting your trip.

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

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.

If you are being followed by a tailgater, you should ride in a way that encourages them to pass you. Riding at a higher speed may only result in them tailgating you at a higher speed, increasing the danger.

Before mounting, you should ask your passenger to look over your shoulder in the direction of any turn or curve that you may take. Doing so will help you and your bike to lean in the appropriate direction.

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.

When riding over scored pavement in a work zone, keep your head and eyes up. Ride slowly, keep a steady throttle, and don't try to fight the handlebars.

Clothing made of sturdy leather or synthetic materials provide riders the best protection in the case of an accident. Riders should wear long pants and jackets while riding.

Most motorcycle crashes take place in broad daylight. You should always wear brightly-colored clothing to increase your visibility while riding, even during the day.

Wearing a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet can help protect you against head and neck injuries in the event of a crash. A jacket made of leather or sturdy synthetic material can also protect you against injuries.

Riding in a staggered formation is the best way to keep group ranks close while maintaining adequate space cushions for each individual rider. Motorcyclists should move into a single-file formation when turning, riding in a curve, or entering or leaving a roadway.

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.

When taking a turn, you should look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

All operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant motorcycle safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.

As with any other vehicle, the mirrors of a motorcycle have blind spots. Always turn your head to check for traffic in your blind spot before changing lanes.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that the right lane ends ahead.

All curves are different. When taking a curve, choose a lane position that is appropriate for conditions and adjust as needed.

Every bike is a little different, so don't start riding an unfamiliar motorcycle without first familiarizing yourself with how it operates. Do a safety and maintenance check; find out where everything is located; and work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times to learn its gear pattern.

It is illegal to ride a moped, motorized bicycle, or Class 3 electric bicycle on a bicycle path, equestrian trail, or hiking trail unless that path or trail is on or next to a road. However, permission for operators of these vehicles to use an otherwise restricted trail or roadway may still be granted under local law.

If you are being passed either from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing driver could place you both in a hazardous situation.

Exposure to engine and wind noise can damage your hearing, even if you are wearing a helmet. Wearing hearing protection while riding is always a good idea.

Taking a turn too fast may cause a rider to cross into another lane of traffic, or even leave the road entirely. It is important to slow down before entering a turn or curve.

Taking frequent rest breaks during a long trip can help reduce fatigue. Stimulants, such as caffeine, can ultimately increase the danger of fatigue because you may become extremely tired when they begin to wear off. Wind, rain, snow, and other elements can also increase levels of fatigue, so dress warmly (as needed) and invest in a windshield, especially if you plan to ride long distances.

When turning, look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn only your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon. Turning your shoulders may cause you to steer off course.

Factors that play an important role in determining a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) include the amount of alcohol consumed, how fast it was consumed, and the person's body weight.

After completing a turn or lane change, deactivate your turn signal. Leaving your signal on after moving to the right or left can confuse other road users.

A traffic signal displaying a solid red arrow has the same meaning as a red traffic light. Drivers must come to a complete stop and wait for a traffic signal that allows them to turn in their desired direction.

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.

On a slippery surface, any sudden change in speed or direction could cause a skid. Accelerate, shift gears, turn, and brake as smoothly as you can when riding on a slippery surface.