Impairment of riding skills begins with the first drink. If you have consumed alcohol in any amount, it is not safe to ride.

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.

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.

Wearing a helmet is your best defense against injury while riding a motorcycle. Wearing a plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your face from injury in a crash.

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.

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

When it starts to rain, avoid riding in the center of the lane. Instead, ride in the tire tracks left by cars ahead of you. The left tire track is often best for riding, but this can vary based on traffic and other conditions.

Look through every turn by turning just your head, not your shoulders, and keeping your eyes level with the horizon.

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.

While riding in a staggered formation is generally advisable, a group of motorcyclists should switch to a single-file formation when riding in curves, turning, and entering or leaving a highway.

Check your clutch and throttle before riding your motorcycle. The throttle should snap back when you let go and the clutch should feel tight and smooth.

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.

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.

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.

While searching the road for potential hazards, focus on looking for escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas, schools, and construction zones.

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.

Motorcycle riders should use their brake lights to communicate with other road users. It is particularly important for a motorcyclist to flash their brake light before slowing down to make a tight, fast turn off of a high-speed roadway. Motorcyclists should flash their brake lights when slowing in any location where other drivers may not expect them to slow down.

Riding alongside another vehicle is dangerous because the vehicle could veer into your lane and sideswipe you. Additionally, the vehicle could block your escape route if a hazard arises.

Riding with your headlight activated is the best way to help other road users see your motorcycle. Always be sure your headlight works before starting your trip.

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.

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.

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

A motorcycle fits you appropriately if your feet comfortably reach the ground while you are seated. Be sure a motorcycle fits you before riding.

In general, a staggered formation is the best way for a group of riders to maintain close ranks while allowing adequate space cushions for each rider. A single-file formation is best when taking curves, turning, entering a highway, or exiting a highway.

In California, motorized scooter can be used by anyone possessing any class of driver license.