Replace any helmet that has been worn during a crash.

Strategies for safely riding at night include reducing your speed, increasing your following distance, using the lights of the car ahead to help see farther down the road, using your high beam headlight (unless following or meeting another vehicle), and being flexible about your lane position.

When riding on slippery surfaces, you should reduce your speed. Make certain to use both brakes when braking and avoid making sudden moves.

When passing a row of parked cars, a motorcyclist should be prepared for a parked car to suddenly pull out of a parking space and into traffic. It is often safest for a motorcyclist to ride in the left portion of their lane when passing a row of parked cars on their right to create the most possible space between their motorcycle and any potential hazards.

A number of surfaces can provide poor traction for tires. Wet pavement; roads covered in loose gravel or sand; muddy, snowy, or icy areas; painted lane markings; and metal covers and plates in the road can be more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

Of the crashes involving both a motorcycle and a car, more than half are caused by the driver failing to properly yield right-of-way to the rider.

When riding at night, travel at a slower speed than you would during the day under similar weather and traffic conditions. It can be difficult to see potential hazards in the dark, so slowing down can increase your chances of avoiding any hazards.

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

Riding alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you could be riding in the vehicle's blind spot. The driver may enter your lane without warning if they can't see you. The vehicle will also block your route of escape if a hazard arises.

To maximize your chances of being seen by other road users, you should wear brightly-colored clothing with reflective materials, use your headlight at all times, and use your signals and brake light properly.

Riders in a group should overtake another vehicle one at a time. Each rider should complete their pass and resume their position in the group formation before the next rider begins to pass.

You will get the greatest amount of protection from a helmet if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards, fits snugly all the way around, and has no obvious defects. A helmet worn at the time of a crash should be replaced.

A plastic, impact-resistant face shield provides the greatest degree of protection for a wearer's eyes and face. Eyeglasses or sunglasses are not an adequate substitute. In Vermont, you are not legally required to wear eye or face protection if your motorcycle has a windshield, though it is recommended.

To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. Apply the brakes firmly and do not panic if the brakes lock.

Develop the habit of using both brakes every time you slow or stop. If you need to stop quickly, it is best to apply both brakes. It will be easier to apply both brakes in a quick stop if you have already developed this habit.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for your entire face in the event of a crash. Goggles will protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A windshield or eyeglasses are not a substitute for either goggles or a face shield.

Avoid pairing up with other riders. Riding in pairs is dangerous because the riders will block one another's escape routes if a hazard arises.

Because of the presence of oil deposits, the center strip of a lane can be hazardous when wet. When rain starts to fall, it is best to ride in the tire tracks left by cars. It is advisable to reduce your speed on wet surfaces.

To ride safely on a slippery surface, you should use both brakes when braking is necessary, reduce your speed, and avoid making sudden moves. Be especially alert to oily areas, shaded areas, dirt, gravel, and bridges, as these surfaces may provide less traction than others.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear one, providing at least 70 percent of the total stopping power. Always use both brakes any time you slow or stop.

When riding, you should wear sturdy footwear that is high enough to cover and support your ankles. Short-heeled footwear is best because taller heels may catch on rough surfaces. Laces should be tucked in so that they can't be caught on anything.

Shifting to a lower gear produces an effect similar to applying the brakes. This is known as engine braking.

You should wear appropriate protective clothing when riding. Protective garments include sturdy pants and jackets that entirely cover your arms and legs, boots or heavy shoes that cover and support your ankles, and sturdy gloves.

A number of surfaces can provide poor traction for tires. Wet pavement; roads covered in loose gravel or sand; muddy, snowy, or icy areas; and painted lane markings can be more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

The gearshift lever is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the left foot. To shift up to a higher gear, position your foot under the shift lever and lift. To downshift, press the shift lever down.