If not carried in saddlebags, loads should be secured as low as possible. Attaching a load to a sissy bar can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and upset its balance.

When riding, you should be positioned so that you are able to easily operate all controls. Sit with your arms slightly bent and use your arms to steer rather than to hold up your body. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance during turns.

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.

It is possible to use both brakes while turning, but it must be done with great care. Some of the usual traction is being used to make the turn while the motorcycle is leaning, so less traction is available for stopping.

The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to have your headlight turned on (as well as your running lights, if applicable). Use your high beam headlight both day and night, whenever it is legal and safe to do so.

The best thing to do to help others see your motorcycle is to keep your headlight on at all times. Motorcycles sold in the United States after 1978 automatically have the headlight activated while running, but be sure that the headlight works properly before every ride.

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.

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.

Impairment of your ability to ride safely begins with the first drink you take. You can be convicted of riding impaired even if you are below the legal blood alcohol limit.

Always allow merging cars plenty of space and never assume that the drivers see you. Change lanes away from the entering traffic, if possible. If there is no room for a lane change, adjust your speed to allow for safe merging.

To determine upcoming road conditions when riding at night, use the vehicle ahead of you. For example, the headlights of the vehicle may provide a better view of the road than your own high beam. If the vehicle's taillights bounce up and down, this indicates the presence of bumps on the road.

Clothing made of leather or sturdy synthetic materials provide the greatest degree of protection for those riding motorcycles.

You should increase your following distance if it will take your motorcycle longer than normal to stop, if you can't see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and other vehicles are likely to try to squeeze in front of you.

The main factors that determine a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) are the person's body weight, how much alcohol is consumed, and how quickly the alcohol was consumed. It is always safest to not ride after consuming alcohol in any amount.

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.

To create more space and minimize the harm of any hazard, communicate your presence to other road users by using your horn, lights, and/or signals. Adjust your speed to be appropriate for the situation and adjust your lane position and/or direction of travel as needed.

Your motorcycle’s brake light is usually not as noticeable as that of a larger vehicle, especially when the taillight is on. Be aware that surrounding drivers may not notice your brake light.

Some motorcycles have integrated braking systems that link the front and rear brakes together when the rider applies the rear brake pedal. It is important to consult your owner's manual for details on your specific motorcycle's braking system.

If traffic allows, the center lane position is usually the best position for a motorcyclist to take when following a car because the center position will place them in the driver's rearview mirror. A motorcyclist should always be prepared to change positions if traffic or conditions require it.

It can be difficult to judge the speed and distance of a small vehicle, such as a motorcycle. Do not assume that drivers of larger vehicles will be able to accurately understand your speed and location.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to allow them to pass you. Speeding up may only result in them continuing to tailgate you at the higher speed, which is even more dangerous.

There is no single lane position that is best at all times. Choose the lane position that allows the most visibility and space around you. Change your lane position as traffic situations change.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that a stop sign is ahead.

The greatest potential for conflict between motorcycles and other traffic is at intersections. Oncoming cars turning left in front of motorcyclists is the biggest danger.

Before changing lanes, make sure no other drivers are going to be in your path. Do this by checking your mirrors and looking over your shoulder in the direction you want to move.