When riding, you should choose pants and a jacket made of leather or another sturdy material. They should fit you snugly enough that they do not flap in the wind, but also loosely enough that they let you move freely.

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.

An expanded cushion of space 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 minimum four-second following distance.

Regulatory signs are white signs with red and black markings that inform drivers of specific traffic laws in the indicated area. This sign indicates that right turns are prohibited.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead.

Passing must be completed within posted speed limits. Only pass another vehicle where it is safe and legal to do so.

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.

The potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles is greatest at intersections.

The only way to sober up after drinking is to give your body the time it needs to remove the alcohol. There are no techniques that will speed up this process.

If you are following a car, the driver is most likely to notice you if you position yourself behind them in the center of your lane. This lane position places you in the driver's rearview mirror. Most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than their side mirrors.

To get the best possible protection, choose a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. It should fit snugly all the way around and be free of obvious defects, like cracks, loose padding, and frayed straps.

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.

It is best to change gears before entering a turn. If you must change gears while in a turn, be sure to do so smoothly.

The front brake provides about three-quarters of a motorcycle's total stopping power. Use both the front and rear brakes every time you stop.

Footwear for riding should be high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Heels should be low enough that they won't catch on rough surfaces. Shoelaces should be tucked in to keep them from catching on the motorcycle.

To avoid running into dangerous situations while riding, you should consistently scan the road well ahead of your motorcycle. Watch the road ahead to identify and react to potential hazards before meeting them.

If you can do so safely, change lanes and let the tailgater pass. Speeding up may only result in them continuing to tailgate you at a higher speed, increasing the danger.

Taking a turn too fast may cause a rider to cross into another lane of traffic, or even leave the road entirely. It is important to slow down before entering a turn or curve.

If traffic allows, the center lane position is usually the best position for a motorcyclist to take when following a car because the center position will place them in the driver's rearview mirror. A motorcyclist should always be prepared to change positions if traffic or conditions require it.

You should do a pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. This will usually take only a few minutes.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. Wearing bright colors and reflective materials is always recommended when riding, even during the day.

Most drivers do not look at their side mirrors as often as they look at their rearview mirror. Therefore, when following a car, it is generally most advantageous to ride in the center portion of the lane where you are most likely to be visible in the driver's rearview mirror.

A “wobble” is when the front wheel and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side to side. Most wobbles are a result of improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.

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.

Any time a motorcycle is leaning, such as in a turn or curve, there is less traction available for braking. Both brakes may still be used while a motorcycle is turning, but it must be done with great care.