Both brakes should be used at the same time whenever you slow or stop.

Goggles and face shields can protect a rider's eyes from the wind. Windshields, eyeglasses, and sunglasses generally do not shield a rider's eyes adequately enough.

If a hazard requires you to brake and swerve to avoid a collision, you should take the actions separately. Do not brake while swerving because doing so may cause your motorcycle to fall over.

Trying to enter a curve or turn at a speed that is too fast for conditions may cause you to cross into another lane of traffic or leave the road entirely.

To reduce the risk of a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle.

You must use proper turn signals every time you turn or change lanes, even if you think your intentions are obvious. Signals are always important, even if no one else seems to be around to see them. There may be other vehicles nearby that you can't see or haven't yet noticed.

To ensure that a helmet will provide you with as much protection as possible, check to see if it meets U.S. DOT and state standards; fits snugly all the way around your head; and has no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

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

Most motorcycle crashes happen on trips that are shorter than five miles in length at speeds slower than 30 mph.

The cornering characteristics of a three-wheeled motorcycle or a motorcycle with a sidecar differ from those of a two-wheeled motorcycle.

The last rider in a group of motorcyclists should set the pace of travel. Having the last rider set the pace will ensure that no riders are left behind.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. You should always be flexible about your lane position, especially when riding at night.

A staggered formation is the best way to keep ranks close while still maintaining an adequate space cushion for all riders. Ride in a single-file line when riding in curves, turning, or entering or leaving a highway. Never ride side-by-side with another rider.

You should not rely on eye contact to guarantee that a driver will yield to you. It is not uncommon for a driver to look directly at a motorcyclist and still fail to actually notice them.

Riding alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you could be riding in the vehicle's blind spot. The driver may enter your lane without warning if they can't see you. The vehicle will also block your route of escape if a hazard arises.

By riding in the center portion of your lane, you will ensure that there is not a large space on either side of your motorcycle. Minimizing those spaces can help deter drivers from trying to share the lane with you.

Instead of mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is extended straight out to the left, it means the operator plans to turn left or change lanes to the left.

On average, a person's body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. The amount of time required to lower a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) can vary, so it is safest not to operate any motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol.

At any speed, wearing a helmet will make you three times more likely to survive head injuries in the event of a crash than you would if not wearing a helmet.

When being passed, it is generally a good idea to ride in the center portion of your lane. Being on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases your risk of a collision. Being on the side farthest from the passing vehicle may prompt the other driver to merge back into your lane before it is safe.

Do everything you safely can to avoid hitting an animal in the road. If you are in traffic, however, you should remain in your lane. Swerving into another lane of traffic to avoid hitting an animal can cause you to collide with another driver. Hitting something small is less dangerous than hitting something big.

To maximize your chances of being seen by other road users, you should wear brightly-colored clothing with reflective materials, use your headlight at all times, and use your signals and brake light properly.

To maintain proper balance, your feet should be placed firmly on the footrests and not dragged on the ground. Do not point your toes downward, as this may cause them to catch on the road. Keep your feet near the controls so you can reach them quickly, if needed.

A plastic, impact-resistant face shield provides the greatest degree of protection for a wearer's eyes and face. Eyeglasses or sunglasses are not an adequate substitute. In Vermont, you are not legally required to wear eye or face protection if your motorcycle has a windshield, though it is recommended.

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