You will get the most head and neck protection from a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. The single most effective thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving a crash is wear a properly secured, good-quality helmet.

Use both brakes every time you slow down or stop. If you use only the rear brake when stopping normally, you may not develop the habit or the skill to use the front brake properly when you really need to stop quickly.

It is a good idea to get into the habit of using both the front and rear brakes every time you slow or stop.

If the throttle becomes stuck and you are unable to free it, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This will remove power from the rear wheel until you are able to safely leave the road and stop.

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

While riding in a staggered formation is generally advisable, a group of motorcyclists should switch to a single-file formation when riding in curves, turning, and entering or leaving a highway.

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.

Under normal conditions, you should maintain a minimum following distance of two seconds. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than ideal.

Factors that play an important role in determining a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) include the amount of alcohol consumed, how fast it was consumed, and the person's body weight.

Most motorcycle crashes take place in broad daylight. You should always wear brightly-colored clothing to increase your visibility while riding, even during the day.

Because it can be difficult to judge distances in the dark, ride with a following distance of at least three seconds when traveling at night.

If you must both swerve and brake to avoid a hazard, you should separate the actions. Brake then swerve, or swerve then brake, but do not perform both actions at the same time.

Look through every turn by turning just your head, not your shoulders, and keeping your eyes level with the horizon.

To make yourself more visible to other road users, it is best if you choose to wear bright orange, red, yellow, or green clothing. Avoid wearing drab or dark colors while riding.

If you see a dog approaching your motorcycle, slow down and downshift until you are close to the dog. Quickly accelerate away from the animal as it approaches.

A “wobble” is when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side to side. Most wobbles are a result of improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.

If you approach an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or roadside assistance vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing, you must change lanes to allow the vehicle extra space and proceed with caution. Always slow down and be prepared to stop when you approach an emergency scene.

Passing must be completed within posted speed limits. Only pass another vehicle where it is safe and legal to do so.

All passes must be completed within legal speed limits. Riders should pass only where it is safe and legal to do so.

Protection should be your first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet. Look for a helmet that fastens securely, fits correctly, and is DOT-compliant.

Loads should be kept over, or in front of, the rear axle. Only experienced riders should carry loads on their motorcycle.

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.

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.

After riding over an object on the roadway, you should pull off the road to check your tires and rims for damage before traveling any farther. Ensure that nothing is caught in the drive chain or belt before proceeding.

Loads should be secured low in order to avoid upsetting the motorcycle's balance.