When riding on slippery surfaces, reduce your speed, brake using both brakes, and avoid sudden moves. Avoid the center of the lane and instead follow tire tracks left by cars. Always keep an eye out for hazards that may make a road surface especially slippery, such as oil spots and loose gravel.

If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction surface, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. You should still be able to steer your motorcycle with a locked rear wheel.

Riding in close ranks is recommended over riding in a group that is spread out because the group will take up less space on the road, be easier for others to see, and be less likely to get separated at traffic lights and during passes.

Stay well behind the vehicle in front of you, even if you are both stopped. The vehicle could back up unexpectedly, or you may need space to get out of the way of another vehicle bearing down on you from behind.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield protects your entire face in a crash. Goggles protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for a face shield or goggles.

If your front wheel locks, immediately and completely release the front brake. Re-apply the brake smoothly.

You should use your low beam headlight when riding in snowy, rainy, or foggy weather. A high beam headlight can reflect off of these conditions and make it more difficult for a rider to see.

To be sure you are familiar with the specific type of motorcycle that you are planning to ride, read the owner's manual before riding it for the first time. This is particularly important if you are riding a borrowed motorcycle.

To reduce the risk of a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle. Always be ready to avoid an unexpected hazard.

To reduce the risk of being involved in a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle.

Wearing a helmet while riding greatly improves your chances of avoiding serious injury to your head or neck in the case of a crash. A DOT-approved helmet will not restrict your vision to the sides.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions.

In Colorado, all operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear approved helmets while riding. It is recommended that all motorcycle riders wear helmets.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to change lanes and let them pass you. Speeding up may cause them to tailgate you at a higher speed, only increasing the danger. Never ride on the shoulder of a road because drivers will never expect you to be there and may leave the road suddenly.

You should not carry a passenger unless your motorcycle has a seat that is large enough for two riders. The motorcycle should be equipped with footrests for the passenger. Your passenger should wear the same kind of protective gear that is recommended to operators.

Passing is prohibited in no passing zones. It is also prohibited to pass by riding off of the main-traveled portion of a roadway.

Riding next to parked cars presents a number of potential dangers. A driver might pull out of parking space and into your path without looking. Car doors may be opened into your lane and pedestrians may step out from between cars.

Because motorcycles are small in stature and have fewer and smaller lights than other vehicles, they can be difficult to see. For your safety, it is best to ride defensively and assume that others on the road do not see you.

Because a motorcycle handles differently when under the weight of a passenger, an operator should maintain a larger space cushion when transporting another person.

Using your high beam headlight during the day increases the likelihood that other drivers will see you. Use your high beam headlight any time you are not riding behind or approaching other vehicles.

On average, a person's body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. The amount of time required to lower a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) can vary, so it is safest not to operate a motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Your motorcycle will sit lower than normal under the additional weight of a passenger. To accommodate, you should ride a bit more slowly than usual, particularly when riding through curves, through corners, or over bumps. The extra weight also means that your motorcycle will take longer than usual to speed up, slow down, or stop, so you should maintain a larger space cushion when carrying a passenger.

If you can’t avoid a dangerously slippery surface, you should keep your motorcycle upright and proceed over the surface as slowly as possible.

To be effective, a face shield must be free of scratches; be resistant to penetration; allow clear views to both sides; fasten securely; permit air to pass through; and permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

In Colorado, all operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear approved helmets while riding. It is recommended that all motorcycle riders wear helmets.