Ask your passenger to wait to mount the motorcycle until after you have started the engine. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding you and firmly hold onto your waist, hips, or belt.

Motorcyclists may pass on the right if there is unobstructed pavement with a width of at least eight feet to the right of the vehicle being passed. Motorcyclists, and other drivers, should never leave the road to pass another vehicle.

Unlike other substances in food and drink, alcohol does not need to be digested. It is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine, enters the bloodstream, and quickly reaches the brain.

If your motorcycle begins to weave while riding over uneven rain grooves or bridge gratings, simply relax and proceed straight across the grooves at a steady speed. Steering in a zigzag pattern as you cross gratings is more dangerous than the weaving.

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.

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.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns of merging traffic ahead.

Taking a turn or curve too fast may cause a rider to lose control of their motorcycle. The motorcycle may cross into another lane of traffic or careen off the road.

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.

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.

At night, you should always ride at a lower speed than you would under similar conditions during the day. Doing so will give you a better chance of avoiding hazards. Additionally, increase your following distance and be flexible about your lane position.

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

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

Motorcyclists should maintain a minimum two-second following distance under normal conditions. Any time conditions are less than perfect, a larger following distance is recommended.

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.

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.

Motorcycles have blind spots, just like cars. You should always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

A passenger places extra weight on a motorcycle. Because of the added weight, the motorcycle will respond to the operator's movements more slowly than it would otherwise, taking more time to speed up, slow down, and turn. To accommodate the change in handling when carrying a passenger, you should reduce your speed, begin slowing down earlier when you stop, and look for larger gaps when crossing, entering, or merging into traffic.

Riding in the center portion of your lane can discourage other drivers from trying to squeeze into your lane to drive next to you. Additionally, riding in the center portion of your lane when traveling behind a car generally ensures that you will appear in the middle of the vehicle's rearview mirror, where the driver is most likely to notice you.

Riding directly alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you may be in the vehicle's blind spot and the driver will not know you are there. Additionally, the vehicle may block your route of escape if any hazards should arise.

If not carried in saddlebags, loads should be secured as low as possible. Attaching a load to a sissy bar can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and upset its balance.

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.

Wear brightly-colored clothing to maximize your visibility when riding, even during the daytime. Clothing made with reflective materials can also be helpful.

To swerve away from a hazard, apply a small amount of pressure to the handgrip located on the side of your intended escape.

Use hand signals when bright sunlight makes your mechanical signals difficult for other drivers to see. It is extremely important to clearly communicate with other road users.