Riding alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you could be riding in the vehicle's blind spot. The driver may enter your lane without warning if they can't see you. The vehicle will also block your route of escape if a hazard arises.

For your protection, you should always wear a long-sleeved jacket when riding, even in warm weather when you may not think you need a jacket. It can help protect you against the sun and dehydration in hot weather.

On a two-lane highway, a group of riders should pass another vehicle one at a time. The second rider should not begin to pass until the first rider has safely re-entered the original lane. Riders should continue in this pattern until they have all safely passed the vehicle.

Lengthen your following distance when traveling on a slippery surface. If it will take longer than usual for your motorcycle to stop, open up to a longer following distance.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to get them ahead of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by encouraging them to continue tailgating you at a higher speed.

Before riding with a heavy load, you should make sure your tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks, and dampers are at the settings recommended for the relevant weight.

All motorcycles are slightly different, so you should check the controls and make sure you know the gear pattern before riding an unfamiliar motorcycle. Work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times prior to riding.

To prevent any dangerous situations caused by technical issues, you should perform a thorough inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. Compared to a car, small technical problems can have more serious consequences on a motorcycle.

All passes must be completed within the posted speed limits and only in areas where passing is permitted.

When preparing to pass another vehicle on its left, you should ride in the left portion of the lane to increase your line of sight and make yourself more visible to oncoming traffic.

Maximum straight-line braking is accomplished by fully applying both the front and rear brakes without locking either wheel. You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

If your front wheel locks as a result of braking, you should release the front brake immediately and re-apply the brake smoothly.

Under normal conditions, you should allow at least two seconds of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than ideal.

An increased following distance is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up to a longer following distance.

In a group of motorcyclists, riders with less experience should be positioned toward the front of the group, just behind the leader. This will allow more experienced riders behind them to keep an eye on them.

It is recommended that you frequently check your mirrors to be aware of potential hazards behind you.

Trying to enter a curve or turn at a speed that is too fast for conditions may cause you to cross into another lane of traffic or leave the road entirely.

While riding in a staggered formation is usually best, a group should switch into a single-file formation when turning, taking curves, or entering or exiting a highway.

The gearshift lever of a motorcycle is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the rider's left foot.

You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

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

If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction surface, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. You should still be able to steer your motorcycle with a locked rear wheel.

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

Oily drippings from cars collect in a strip in the center of a traffic lane. Unless the road is wet, this area will generally still provide enough traction for motorcyclists to ride safely. Because the strip is usually no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to ride to one side of the strip and still be in the center portion of the lane.

The engine cut-off switch is generally located next to the right handgrip. It is important to know where all of your motorcycle's controls are located before starting out.