If your front wheel locks while you are making a quick stop, release the front brake immediately and then re-apply it firmly. Use both the front and rear brakes if you need to stop quickly.

A passenger places extra weight on a motorcycle. Because of the added weight, the motorcycle will respond to the operator's movements more slowly than it would otherwise, taking more time to speed up, slow down, and turn. To accommodate the change in handling when carrying a passenger, you should reduce your speed, begin slowing down earlier when you stop, and look for larger gaps when crossing, entering, or merging into traffic.

When riding at night, you should increase your following distance. Slow down and be flexible about your lane position.

Before setting out on a ride, you should make sure that your motorcycle's fuel supply valve is open. If the fuel valve is closed, the engine may still start with the fuel that is remaining in the lines from a previous ride, but it will stall once the lines are empty.

Many drugs, including legal prescription and over-the-counter medications, have side effects that can impair your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. Always talk to your doctor about how a new medication may affect your driving or riding abilities.

You should shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while stopped so you can move quickly, if needed.

Anticipate potential problems that can be created by factors on the roadway. Make a plan to reduce their risks.

A passenger places extra weight on a motorcycle. Because of the added weight, the motorcycle will respond to the operator's movements more slowly than it would otherwise, taking more time to speed up, slow down, and turn.

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.

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.

Your feet should remain on your footrests while riding to help you maintain proper balance.

A road is often very slippery when rain first begins to fall. When it starts to rain, ride in the tire tracks left by cars to get the best traction.

Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to be seen by other road users and where you can maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle. 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.

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 taking a long trip, be sure to schedule in frequent breaks to rest, even if you do not feel tired. Experienced operators seldom try to ride for longer than six hours a day. Wind, cold, and rain can make you tire quickly, so be sure to dress to protect yourself from the elements.

To reduce the risk of a collision, be sure to make yourself visible, clearly communicate your intentions, maintain an adequate space cushion, search your path of travel, and identify and separate hazards. Always be prepared to react to any hazard that could arise.

As little as one alcoholic drink can have a significant effect on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. It is never a safe choice to ride after consuming any amount of alcohol.

An expanded cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up your following distance.

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.

When it starts to rain, avoid riding in the center of the lane. Instead, ride in the tire tracks left by cars ahead of you. The left tire track is often best for riding, but this can vary based on traffic and other conditions.

Protection should be your first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides maximum protection for your entire face, including your eyes, in the event of a crash. A windshield is not an adequate substitute.

Compared to a car, a motorcycle requires more frequent attention. If something is wrong with a motorcycle, it is essential that the operator identify the problem before getting into traffic or operating the bike at freeway speeds.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. To maximize your chances of being seen, you should wear clothing with reflective material when riding, even during the day. Always wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.

In most cases, it is safest to ride straight within your lane to cross angled railroad or trolley tracks. Changing the angle of your path to cross tracks may send you into another lane, causing a collision with oncoming traffic.