The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake and can provide at least 70 percent of the motorcycle's total stopping power.

If you are being chased by a dog, downshift and approach it slowly. Then, as you approach the dog, accelerate and leave it behind. If you encounter a larger animal, brake and prepare to stop.

When riding over an uneven surface, rising off of your seat will allow your joints to absorb some of the force of impact. This will make it less likely that the impact of the surface will throw you off of the motorcycle.

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 larger following distance.

You can reduce your risk of injury when riding a motorcycle by wearing an approved helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing.

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.

High-quality rain suits designed for motorcycle riding will resist tearing and ballooning when a rider travels at high speeds.

In warm weather, a riding jacket will help prevent dehydration in addition to serving the basic protective function that it provides at all times. Many jackets are designed to protect riders against overheating, even in warm weather.

Before every ride, be sure to check your tires' inflation pressure, your tires' treadwear, and the general condition of the sidewalls and tread surface on the tires.

To ride safely at night, you should reduce your speed, use your high beam headlight when you are not riding near other vehicles, and increase your following distance. Take advantage of vehicles ahead of you to provide clues about the upcoming road. Their headlights may help to illuminate the road ahead and their taillights will bounce up and down if the vehicle is being driven over bumps on the road.

Braking in a turn is not as easy as braking on a straightaway. It is possible to use both brakes to brake in a turn, but the operator must know the proper technique and exercise great care.

Avoid riding directly alongside another vehicle, since this may place you in the vehicle's blind spot. If the driver can't see you, they may enter your lane without warning. Riding alongside a vehicle is also dangerous because the vehicle will block your route of escape if a hazard arises.

You should never take eye contact with another driver as a guarantee that they will properly yield the right-of-way to you.

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 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.

While riding in a staggered formation is usually best for a group of two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles are too wide to allow this formation. A group of riders on three-wheeled motorcycles should travel in a single-file line.

No single lane position is always best and no single lane position should always be avoided. Adjust your lane position as road and traffic conditions change, choosing a position that will maximize your space cushion and allow other drivers to see you more easily.

Before shifting into a lower gear, make sure you are riding slowly enough to shift safely. Downshifting while going too fast may cause the motorcycle to lurch and the rear wheel to skid. When riding downhill or shifting into first gear, you may need to use the brakes to slow to a safe speed before downshifting.

Swerving is a quick maneuver that requires a lot of traction in order to be safely executed. Making sudden moves, such as swerving, on slippery surfaces should be avoided.

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.

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.

When approaching a blind intersection that is controlled by a stop line or stop sign, you must first stop where indicated. You may then edge forward and stop again just short of where the cross traffic lane meets your lane. From that position, lean your body forward and look around buildings, parked cars, or bushes to see if anything is approaching. Make sure your front wheel stays out of the crossroad while you are looking.

Face shields and goggles, being made of plastic, will develop scratches and become brittle as they age. Replace them regularly to ensure maximum protection and comfort.

Crashes are the most likely to occur for untrained, beginning riders who are unfamiliar with their motorcycle.

Before each ride, you should check the air pressure, tread, and general wear of your tires.