A person who is of legal drinking age with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered legally intoxicated. It is both illegal and unsafe to ride a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol.

On average, a person's body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. However, it is still possible for alcohol to accumulate in a person's system even if they consume only one drink per hour. This accumulation can still affect their ability to ride safely.

To reduce the risk of injury, riders should wear a helmet, eye protection, heavy shoes or boots, full-length pants, a jacket, and full-fingered gloves. Clothing should be made of durable materials to best protect the wearer.

Instead of or in addition to mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is extended straight out to the left, it means the operator plans to turn left or change lanes to the left.

Do not try to accelerate out of a wobble because doing so will only make the motorcycle more unstable. Instead, grip the handlebars firmly, slow down by gradually closing the throttle, move your weight as far forward and downward as possible, and pull off the road as soon as you can. Avoid applying the brakes, as this may also worsen the wobble.

When making a turn, you should look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

Choose riding boots or shoes that are high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Choose footwear with soles made of hard, durable, slip-resistant material.

While some people believe that a helmet will limit their vision, this is not the case. Any U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet will allow the wearer to see as far as is needed for safe riding.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can provide protection for your entire face in the event of a crash. Goggles can protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A face shield also provides routine protection from dirt, dust, insects, rain, and pebbles.

When passing a row of parked cars, it is generally best to stay on the side of your lane that is not directly next to the cars. This will help to protect you from potential hazards like car doors being opened or people stepping out from between the cars. If there is traffic coming from the opposite direction, it is a good idea to stay in the center portion of the lane.

Motorcycles have blind spots, just like any other vehicle. Always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes. Head checks should be a regular part of your scanning routine.

If your front wheel locks, immediately and completely release the front brake. Re-apply the brake smoothly.

The extra weight of a passenger means that your motorcycle will need more time than usual to speed up, slow down, and turn. To accommodate the added weight, you should reduce your speed; start slowing earlier than normal; increase your following distance; and seek out larger gaps when crossing, entering, or merging with traffic.

You should select a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation and state standards; fits snugly all the way around; and has no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

A skidding rear tire is a dangerous condition that can result in a violent crash and serious injury or death. Too much rear brake pressure can cause the rear wheel to lock. As soon as the rear wheel locks, your ability to change direction is lost. To regain control, the brake must be released.

Riding safely at night is challenging because it is harder to see and be seen than it is during the day. The absence of normal shadows and light contrasts makes it harder to judge distances.

Never let someone ride if they have had too much to drink. Do whatever you can to prevent them from riding, including taking their keys, if necessary. Arrange an alternative way for them to get home.

Adjust your mirrors so you can see the lane behind you and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder, but it’s the road behind you and to the side of you that is most important.

Some motorcycles are equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). ABS is designed to prevent skidding and wheel lock-up when motorcyclists are stopping in straight-line, panic situations. ABS operates when maximum pressure is applied to both the front and rear brake controls. If electronic sensors detect the possibility of a wheel lock, brake hydraulic pressure is released then re-applied to maintain maximum braking effectiveness.

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 prevent someone from drinking and driving, it is a good idea to arrange an alternative way for them to get home, involve them in other activities to slow the pace of their drinking, use any available excuse to keep them from leaving, and recruit friends to help apply peer pressure.

Replace any helmet that has been worn during a crash.

When making a turn, look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn only your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

In warm weather, a riding jacket will help prevent dehydration in addition to serving the basic protective function that it provides at all times. Many jackets are designed to protect riders against overheating, even in warm weather.

After mounting your motorcycle, you should make sure the clutch, throttle, horn, and brakes all work properly. Clean and adjust the mirrors and make sure that the fuel supply valve is open.