If you are being followed by a tailgater, you should ride in a way that encourages them to pass you. Riding at a higher speed may only result in them tailgating you at a higher speed, increasing the danger.

Just like any other vehicle, motorcycles have blind spots. A rider should always turn their head to check for traffic in their blind spot before changing lanes. It is a good idea for a rider to make head checks a part of their normal routine.

SIPDE is a five-step process that experienced riders use to make judgements and take action while traveling. The letters in SIPDE stand for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute.

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

In comparison to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind you. They also make objects seem farther away than they actually are. Take the time to get used to your mirrors if your motorcycle is equipped with convex mirrors.

If you accidentally lock your rear wheel while stopping on a straightaway, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can usually control your motorcycle if it is upright and traveling in a straight line.

To lessen the chances of a crash occurring, you should make yourself visible, communicate your intentions to others, maintain adequate space cushions, search your path of travel at least 12 seconds ahead, identify and separate hazards, and be prepared to react to changing conditions.

When being passed, the center portion of the lane is generally the safest lane position for a motorcyclist. Riding on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases the risk of colliding with it. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle can also be dangerous because it may prompt the driver to return to your lane before it is safe to do so.

On a slippery surface, any sudden change in speed or direction could cause a skid. Accelerate, shift gears, turn, and brake as smoothly as you can when riding on a slippery surface.

When approaching a blind intersection that is controlled by a stop line or stop sign, you must first stop where indicated. You may then edge forward and stop again just short of where the cross traffic lane meets your lane. From that position, lean your body forward and look around buildings, parked cars, or bushes to see if anything is approaching. Make sure your front wheel stays out of the crossroad while you are looking.

It is important to maintain a cushion of space around your motorcycle at all times. This way, if a hazard arises, you will have more time to respond to the hazard and more space to safely maneuver.

Unlike other substances, alcohol does not need to be digested before entering the bloodstream. It is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine, quickly reaching and affecting the brain.

Alcohol reaches the brain and begins affecting the drinker's riding abilities within minutes of being consumed. Operating any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal and dangerous.

While the center strip of the road can be oily, it usually provides enough traction for safe riding, unless it is raining. The oily strip is usually no more than two feet wide, so motorcyclists can generally ride on either side of the strip and still be in the center portion of the lane.

There is no single lane position that is best at all times. Choose the lane position that allows the most visibility and space around you. Change your lane position as traffic situations change.

It can be difficult to judge the speed and distance of a small vehicle, such as a motorcycle. Do not assume that drivers of larger vehicles will be able to accurately understand your speed and location.

Perform safety checks before every motorcycle ride. Test your brake controls individually to make sure each one activates the brake lights.

A motorcycle does not fit a rider unless the rider's feet can reach the ground while they are seated and the controls are easy for them to reach and operate. Riding a motorcycle that does not fit is unsafe.

In Idaho, a person who is below the legal drinking age of 21 is deemed to be legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.02 percent or higher. A person who is age 21 or older is deemed to be legally intoxicated if their BAC is 0.08 percent or higher. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Before mounting, you should ask your passenger to look over your shoulder in the direction of any turn or curve that you may take. Doing so will help you and your bike to lean in the appropriate direction.

When riding at night, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Visibility is lowered at night and you will need the additional time and space to react to upcoming hazards.

It is best to change gears before starting a turn. However, if you must shift while turning, shift smoothly. A sudden change in power to the rear wheel can cause a skid.

Clothing for riding should provide protection while keeping you comfortable. Jackets and pants should be snug enough that they do not flap in the wind, but not so snug that they restrict your movements.

Frequent mirror checks should be part of your normal scanning routine. Additionally, make a special point of using your mirrors before changing lanes, when stopping at an intersection, and before slowing down.

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.