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.

Because a passenger will place additional weight on your motorcycle, you will probably need to add a few pounds of pressure to your tires before riding. Check your owner's manual for details regarding the appropriate pressure settings to use.

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.

There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. Vary your lane position as road and traffic conditions warrant.

The potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles is greatest at intersections.

Wearing brightly-colored or reflective clothing can increase your chances of being seen by other road users.

In comparison to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind you. They also make objects seem farther away than they actually are. Take the time to get used to your mirrors if your motorcycle is equipped with convex mirrors.

You will get the maximum protection from your helmet if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards, fits snugly all the way around, and has no obvious defects.

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

You should do a pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. This will usually take only a few minutes.

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.

Riding in the center portion of your lane can discourage other drivers from trying to squeeze into your lane to drive next to you. Additionally, riding in the center portion of your lane when traveling behind a car generally ensures that you will appear in the middle of the vehicle's rearview mirror, where the driver is most likely to notice you.

Wearing bright or reflective clothing can help make you more visible to other drivers and reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. Always maintain an awareness of surrounding drivers to better prepare yourself for their movements.

Before changing lanes, make sure no other drivers are going to be in your path. Do this by checking your mirrors and looking over your shoulder in the direction you want to move.

Avoid riding on oil and grease buildup. Because the oily strip in the center of a lane is usually no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to stay to the left or right side of the oil and still be in the center portion of the lane.

When parked on the road, a motorcycle should create an angle with the curb that is between 45 and 90 degrees. A wheel or fender should be touching the curb.

The greatest potential for conflict between motorcycles and other traffic is at intersections. Oncoming cars turning left in front of motorcyclists is the biggest danger.

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.

A primary cause of single-vehicle collisions is motorcyclists running too wide in a curve or turn. Taking a turn too wide can cause a motorcycle to leave the roadway or collide with an object.

Any time a motorcycle is leaning, such as in a turn or curve, there is less traction available for braking. Both brakes may still be used while a motorcycle is turning, but it must be done with great care.

Intersections present the greatest potential for conflict between motorcycles and other vehicles. When approaching an intersection, be sure you are riding in a lane position that makes you most visible to other road users.

Grabbing at the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake can cause the brakes to lock. This may result in control problems.

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 tailgaters is usually to change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by prompting them to continue tailgating you at the higher speed.

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

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.

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.

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.

If you lock the front wheel while braking, release the brake and immediately re-apply it.

Maintaining a space cushion helps to ensure that you will have enough time to react to the movements of others and enough room to maneuver safely.