Because a motorcycle handles differently when under the weight of a passenger, an operator should maintain a larger space cushion when transporting another person.

A small technical fault can have much more serious consequences on a motorcycle than on a car. To avoid these consequences, inspect your motorcycle before every ride.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your whole face if you are involved in a crash. Goggles protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for googles or a face shield.

All passes must be completed within the posted speed limits and only in areas where passing is permitted.

Most motorcycle crashes happen on trips shorter than five miles, just a few minutes after the rider starts out.

Before riding, you should check the pressure and condition of your tires; check the oil and fluid levels; and make sure that the low beam headlight, high beam headlight, taillight, signal lights, and brake light all work properly.

Any U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet is required to have an impact-resistant outer shell, an impact-absorbing inner liner, a comfort liner, and a chinstrap retention system.

A motorcycle's single brake light is not as noticeable as the two larger brake lights of a car or truck. It can be a good idea to flash your brake light to help others notice it, especially when you need to slow down more quickly than surrounding drivers may expect.

Strategies for safe riding on slippery surfaces include reducing your speed, avoiding sudden moves, staying away from the edge of the road, and riding in the tire tracks left by other cars.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. It can provide three-fourths of the bike's total stopping power.

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

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.

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.

To increase your chances of being seen, wear brightly-colored clothing, use your headlight at all times, and use your turn signals.

Before riding with a heavy load, you should make sure your tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks, and dampers are at the settings recommended for the relevant weight.

When passing a row of parked cars, a motorcyclist should be prepared for a parked car to suddenly pull out of a parking space and into traffic. It is often safest for a motorcyclist to ride in the left portion of their lane when passing a row of parked cars on their right to create the most possible space between their motorcycle and any potential hazards.

If you are not riding slowly enough when shifting into a lower gear, your motorcycle may lurch and the rear tire may skid, causing you to lose control of your motorcycle. Be sure that you are moving slowly enough before shifting into a lower gear.

Nothing guarantees that a driver sees you. It is safest to assume that if another vehicle can enter your path, it will.

Instead of or in addition to mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is bent at the elbow and pointing upward, it means the operator plans to turn right or change lanes to the right.

There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. Vary your lane position based on changing road and traffic conditions.

The brake light of a motorcycle is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights of a car. Flashing your brake light before slowing or stopping can help other drivers notice that you are about to brake.

There are several strategies you can use to prevent someone from riding their motorcycle while impaired. You can arrange another way for them to get home, involve them in other activities to slow the pace of their drinking, use any available excuse to stop them from leaving before they are sober, and get other friends involved to intervene as a group.

To protect yourself against injury, you should wear a DOT-compliant helmet; face or eye protection; a jacket and long pants made of sturdy material; boots or shoes that are high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles; and gloves made of durable material.

A small mechanical fault can have more serious consequences on a motorcycle than on a car. Conduct a thorough pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle before every ride.

Develop the habit of using both brakes every time you slow or stop. If you need to stop quickly, it is best to apply both brakes. It will be easier to apply both brakes in a quick stop if you have already developed this habit.