Never assume that other drivers see you, even if they make eye contact with you. It is not uncommon for drivers to look directly at a motorcyclist and still fail to notice them. Always reduce your speed when approaching an intersection.

To minimize your chances of being in a crash, you should make yourself as visible as possible by wearing brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the day.

Allowing a cushion of space around your motorcycle at all times will help ensure that you will have time to react if another driver makes a mistake. You will need the space to maneuver safely.

Replace any helmet that has been worn during a crash.

When riding, always look well ahead of your vehicle to help you anticipate potential hazards. Doing this will help you react to hazards before meeting them.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for the wearer's entire face in the event of a crash. Goggles may protect someone's eyes, but not the rest of their face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for either.

Before getting on a motorcycle, you should check the tread and air pressure of the tires, the oil and fluid levels, the lights, and the signals.

Before setting off on any ride, you should do a thorough check of your motorcycle. Inspect the tires, oil and fluid levels, headlight, tail light, turn signals, brake light, clutch and throttle, mirrors, brakes, and horn.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to get them in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Increasing your speed may only encourage the driver to tailgate you at a higher speed.

To be adequately protected while riding, you should wear a jacket and pants that completely cover your arms and legs.

Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight. Increasing your visibility by wearing bright colors and reflective materials is a good idea at all times.

Goggles can provide protection for your eyes, but only a face shield can protect your entire face. Eyeglasses are not an adequate substitute for either goggles or a face shield.

An increased following distance 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 three-second following distance.

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

A passenger puts extra weight on a motorcycle, which causes the motorcycle to handle differently. Only experienced riders should carry passengers.

A motorcycle fits you properly if your feet can reach the ground while you are seated on the motorcycle. It should be easy for you to reach and operate the controls.

You are especially vulnerable as a motorcyclist, so it is very important to use your turn signals to alert others to your intentions. Always use them any time that you plan to change lanes or turn, even if you don't think anyone else is nearby.

To apply the front brake, firmly and smoothly squeeze the brake lever with all four fingers, applying progressively more force.

Before riding while carrying a passenger, you should instruct your passenger to lean with you through turns and curves. They should hold onto your waist, hips, or belt.

If their motorcycle does not have a windshield, an operator riding at speeds above 35 mph must wear goggles with transparent lenses, eyeglasses, or a transparent face shield that is shatter-resistant and of sufficient size to protect their eyes against airborne materials and other road debris.