The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to have your headlight turned on (as well as your running lights, if applicable). Use your high beam headlight both day and night, whenever it is legal and safe to do so.

The main factors that determine a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) are the person's body weight, how much alcohol is consumed, and how quickly the alcohol was consumed. It is always safest to not ride after consuming alcohol in any amount.

When riding a motorcycle, it is highly recommended that you wear protective apparel. Look for a jacket that completely covers your arms and fits snugly but still allows you to move freely. Leather or sturdy synthetic materials with integrated body armor offer the best protection.

Experienced riders use a SEE strategy while riding to make safe judgements. "SEE" stands for Search, Evaluate, and Execute.

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.

It is almost always more difficult to judge distances when traveling in the dark than it is when traveling in daylight. Shadows and light contrasts are important cues to the distance of an object. When you must rely on artificial lighting to see the roadway at night, natural contrasts and shadows may be distorted or entirely absent.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for your entire face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for a good face shield.

When riding, you should be seated so you can use your arms to steer rather than to hold yourself up. Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance.

Many drugs, including legal prescription and over-the-counter medications, have side effects that can impair your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. Always talk to your doctor about how a new medication may affect your driving or riding abilities.

If you must both swerve and brake to avoid a hazard, you should separate the actions. Brake then swerve, or swerve then brake, but do not perform both actions at the same time.

To make yourself more visible to other road users, it is best if you choose to wear bright orange, red, yellow, or green clothing. Avoid wearing drab or dark colors while riding.

Loads should be secured low in order to avoid upsetting the motorcycle's balance.

Some motorcycles have integrated braking systems that link the front and rear brakes together when the rider applies the rear brake pedal. It is important to consult your owner's manual for details on your specific motorcycle's braking system.

As little as one alcoholic drink can have a significant effect on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. It is never a safe choice to ride after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns of merging traffic ahead.

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

If your motorcycle begins to weave while you are traveling over bridge gratings, you should simply maintain a steady speed and proceed straight across the surface. Trying to stay in your lane while riding in a zigzagging motion is dangerous.

When riding in a group, it is generally best to travel in a staggered formation. This formation allows riders to remain in close ranks while still maintaining safe following distances.

Use hand signals when bright sunlight makes your mechanical signals difficult for other drivers to see. It is extremely important to clearly communicate with other road users.

When turning, you should always lean in the direction of the turn. Slow down before entering the turn.

A motorcycle that is carrying a passenger will handle differently than usual due to the added weight of the additional rider. An operator should ride at slower speeds and allow more time and distance to slow down and stop. A passenger should hold firmly and securely onto the motorcycle's passenger handgrips or onto the operator's waist, hips, or midsection.

Your arms should be slightly bent when you are holding the handle grips of a motorcycle. Bending your arms reduces arm fatigue and permits you to press on the handlebars without having to stretch.

Compared to a car, a motorcycle requires more frequent attention. If something is wrong with a motorcycle, it is essential that the operator identify the problem before getting into traffic or operating the bike at freeway speeds.

When riding over scored pavement in a work zone, keep your head and eyes up. Ride slowly, keep a steady throttle, and don't try to fight the handlebars.

You should always wear a sturdy jacket with long sleeves when riding a motorcycle, even if the weather is warm.