To reduce your chances of being involved in a collision, always allow yourself an adequate cushion of space. Maintain your space cushion when following another vehicle, being followed by another vehicle, passing, being passed, or lane sharing.

Traction may be poor on surfaces such as wet, snowy, icy, or muddy pavement; gravel roads; lane markings; and steel plates and utility hole covers.

A motorcyclist who is towing a trailer should increase their following distance. The added weight of the trailer means that the motorcycle will require more time to stop than it would otherwise.

A helmet will provide a rider with the best protection if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards; fits snugly all the way around; and has no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

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

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.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to allow them to pass you. Speeding up may result in them continuing to tailgate you, just at a higher speed.

Locking the brakes can cause control problems. If your front brake locks, you should release the brake then immediately re-apply it. If you lock your rear brake when stopping on a good traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped.

Wearing brightly-colored clothing while riding will make it easier for others on the road to see you. This is true regardless of the time of day.

Because it can be difficult to judge distances in the dark, ride with a following distance of at least three seconds when traveling at night.

Riding in a staggered formation is the best way to keep group ranks close while maintaining adequate space cushions for each individual rider. Motorcyclists should move into a single-file formation when turning, riding in a curve, or entering or leaving a roadway.

You should shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while stopped so you can move quickly, if needed.

Clothing made of sturdy leather or synthetic materials provide riders the best protection in the case of an accident. Riders should wear long pants and jackets while riding.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides maximum protection for your entire face, including your eyes, in the event of a crash. A windshield is not an adequate substitute.

You should always wear a sturdy jacket with long sleeves when riding a motorcycle, even if the weather is warm.

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.

To avoid becoming fatigued when riding your motorcycle on a long trip, limit how much time is spent riding each day and take frequent rest breaks. Avoid the use of artificial stimulants because you may experience extreme fatigue when they start to wear off.

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 a tire goes flat while you are riding, hold onto the handgrips firmly and concentrate on maintaining a straight course. Brake only if you are sure which tire is flat. Exit the roadway once your motorcycle has slowed considerably.

If you are passing a row of parked vehicles to your right and there is no oncoming traffic to your left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. This will help you avoid hazards, such as car doors that are opening and pedestrians who are stepping out from between vehicles. If there is oncoming traffic, it is best to remain in the center portion of your lane to maximize the amount of space around you.