A motorcycle needs to lean in order to turn. To make this happen, press on the handgrip in the direction you want to turn.

Most motorcycle crashes happen on trips that are shorter than five miles in length at speeds slower than 30 mph.

A properly chosen lane position should help you to see others and be seen by them. Avoid riding in another driver's blind spot for a long period of time.

While a two-second following distance is generally adequate, you should increase your following distance any time conditions would require a longer stopping distance, such as when the pavement is slippery due to poor weather conditions. Additionally, you should increase your following distance at night, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, and when traffic is heavy.

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

To be street-legal, a motorcycle should have at least a headlight, taillight, and brake light; front and rear brakes; turn signals; a horn; and two mirrors.

Braking in a turn is not as easy as braking on a straightaway. It is possible to use both brakes to brake in a turn, but the operator must know the proper technique and exercise great care.

When you are being passed from behind, stay in the center portion of your lane. This will discourage the other driver from re-entering your lane before it is safe.

In general, it is safest to simply proceed straight in your lane when crossing angled railroad tracks. Turning to approach tracks at a right angle can be dangerous because it may send you traveling into another lane.

When riding, you should be seated in a posture that allows you to use your arms to steer rather than to hold yourself up. You should not have to stretch to reach the handgrips and your arms should be slightly bent when holding them. You should keep your knees against the gas tank to maintain your balance.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. You should always be flexible about your lane position, especially when riding at night.

Because motorcyclists are more vulnerable than the drivers of cars and trucks, appropriate use of signals by motorcyclists is even more important than it is for other drivers.

Shifting your motorcycle into a lower gear causes an effect similar to applying the brakes. This is known as engine braking.

To brake, squeeze the front brake lever and press down on the rear brake pedal. Always use both brakes when slowing or stopping.

It is never safe to operate a motorcycle after consuming any amount of alcohol. Impairment of the skills needed to safely ride begins well below the legal limit.

When being passed, it is generally safest to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side of the lane nearest the passing driver increases the danger of a collision, and riding on the side farthest from the passing driver may tempt them to return to your lane too soon.

Most motorcycles have a manual transmission. Downshifting to a lower gear will slow you down.

A motorcycle will continue to ride like new if it is properly maintained and routine inspections become a part of its regular maintenance cycle.

When turning, look through the turn to where you want to go by turning only your head. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance while turning. Your arms should be slightly bent any time you are holding the handgrips.

To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time.

When being passed, it is generally a good idea to ride in the center portion of your lane. Being on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases your risk of a collision. Being on the side farthest from the passing vehicle may prompt the other driver to merge back into your lane before it is safe.

When traveling in a group, it is never recommended for motorcyclists to ride in pairs. Neither rider will have adequate room to maneuver to avoid hazards.

The best way to help other drivers see your motorcycle is to keep your headlight on whenever you ride. During the day, a motorcycle with its headlight on is twice as likely to be noticed.

Never rely on eye contact as an assurance that a driver will properly yield to you. It is common for drivers to look directly at motorcyclists and still fail to notice them.

Under normal conditions, the stopping distances for motorcycles is nearly the same as it is for cars. However, slippery pavement makes quick stops especially difficult for motorcycle operators.