On a slippery surface, any sudden change in speed or direction could result in a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears, turn, or brake on such a surface.

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.

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

Convex mirrors are installed on many motorcycles. Compared to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road. However, convex mirrors can also make approaching vehicles seem farther away than they actually are.

It is best to change gears before starting a turn. Shifting gears while in the turn can cause a sudden change in power to the rear wheel, causing a skid. If you must change gears while in a turn, change gears smoothly to best prevent skidding.

All motorcycles are at least somewhat different. Before riding a motorcycle that is new to you, take the time to learn where all of the controls are. Ride the motorcycle in a controlled area to get used to it before taking it out on the road.

Many drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can impair your ability to ride safely. Some medications become even more dangerous when combined with alcohol.

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 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.

Leather boots provide the greatest degree of foot protection when riding. Boots should be high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles.

A solid yellow traffic light warns that the signal is about to change to red. You must slow and come to a stop before the intersection if it is safe to do so. If you are already within the intersection when the light turns yellow, continue through the intersection.

If you are being passed either from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing driver could place you both in a hazardous situation.

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop. It is important to be able to brake quickly by using both brakes.

If your motorcycle begins to weave when riding over grooves or gratings, simply maintain a steady speed and proceed straight across the surface. Trying to compensate for the weave by riding at an angle forces you to zigzag to stay in your lane, which is more dangerous.

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 passing a truck, you should only return to your original lane when you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror.

The more weight being carried by a motorcycle, the more time the motorcycle takes to accelerate and decelerate. Your motorcycle will respond to your commands more slowly when carrying a passenger than it will when you are the only person on the bike.

When traveling in a group, less experienced riders should be placed near the front of the group behind the leader. This way, more experienced riders can lead the way and watch the inexperienced riders at the same time.

Keep your feet firmly on the footrests for balance. The motorcycle should be equipped with passenger footrests. Firm footing prevents your passenger from falling off and pulling you off, too.

Intersections present the greatest potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles. Motorcyclists should exercise caution when approaching an intersection.