Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight. To make yourself more visible to other drivers, you should always wear brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the day.

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.

Properly chosen clothing for riding provides a rider with protection in the event of a crash while keeping the rider comfortable and ensuring that they are visible to other road users.

Motorcyclists may pass on the right if there is unobstructed pavement with a width of at least eight feet to the right of the vehicle being passed. Motorcyclists, and other drivers, should never leave the road to pass another vehicle.

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.

As your motorcycle accelerates, you will need to shift into a higher gear.

In California, it is illegal for a person age 21 or older to operate a motorcycle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. For a person under the age of 21, it is illegal to operate a motorcycle with a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher. It may be unsafe to operate a motorcycle even if you are under the legal limit.

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.

When riding in a group, use your mirrors to keep an eye on the riders behind you and to confirm that the group is staying together.

Alcohol reaches the brain and begins affecting the drinker's riding abilities within minutes of being consumed. Operating any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal and dangerous.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise.

Long-term exposure to wind noise can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Using ear protection when you ride should protect you from the dangers of wind noise while still allowing you to hear important sounds, like sirens or car horns.

When riding, you should be seated so you can use your arms to steer rather than to hold yourself up. Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance.

Tell passengers to avoid unnecessary conversation or movement while on a moving motorcycle. Passengers should get onto a motorcycle only after the engine is started. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding the operator.

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.

When riding, your feet should be kept firmly on your motorcycle's footrests for balance. Your toes should not be pointed downward, as this may cause them to get caught between the road and the footrests.

When riding at night, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Visibility is lowered at night and you will need the additional time and space to react to upcoming hazards.

Long-term exposure to wind noise can permanently damage your hearing. Using proper ear plugs or other hearing protection when riding is recommended.

The best way to stop quickly is to apply controlled pressure to both the rear and front brakes at the same time. Be careful not to lock the brakes in the process.

On a slippery surface, any sudden change in speed or direction could result in a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears, turn, or brake on such a surface.

No matter the speed, riders who are not wearing helmets are three times more likely to die from head injuries than riders who are wearing helmets at the time of a crash.

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.

Intersections present the greatest potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles. Motorcyclists should exercise caution when approaching an intersection.

To stop quickly, apply controlled pressure to both the front and rear brakes at the same time.

In general, it is best for a group to ride in a staggered formation. Move into a single-file formation when taking a curve, making a turn, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.