Lengthen your following distance when traveling on a slippery surface. If it will take longer than usual for your motorcycle to stop, open up to a longer following distance.

It is a good idea to sound your horn before riding past a vehicle or pedestrian that may move into your lane. If you see a driver in an adjacent lane driving too closely to the vehicle ahead of them, you may assume that they want to pass and may cut in front of you to do so. If you see a person in the driver's seat of a parked car, or if you see a pedestrian or bicyclist in the street, it is a good idea to sound your horn as you pass.

Road and traffic conditions can change at any time. Always be prepared to change your lane position as appropriate no matter where you are on a roadway. The best path through a curve does not necessarily follow the curve of the road.

You should avoid riding if you are tired. When making a long trip, take rest breaks at least every two hours to reduce the risk of becoming fatigued.

The main psychoactive substance in marijuana is called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

Exposure to engine and wind noise can damage your hearing, even if you are wearing a helmet. Hearing protection can guard against this while still allowing you to hear essential sounds like horns and sirens.

While riding in a staggered formation is generally the best option when traveling in a group, riders should move into a single-file line through curves, through turns, and when entering or exiting a highway.

No matter the speed, riders who are not wearing helmets are three times more likely to die from head injuries than riders who are wearing helmets at the time of a crash.

When a group of motorcyclists is passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, the riders should pass the vehicle one at a time. Each motorcyclist should complete their pass before the next rider's pass begins.

When following a car, you should ride in a position that allows the driver to see you in their rearview mirror. Usually, that means riding in the center portion of the lane. Because most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than they check their side mirrors, being in this lane position increases the chance that they will see you.

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.

Wearing reflective and brightly-colored clothing is always a good idea when riding a motorcycle. Crashes occur in broad daylight and at night, so it is best to wear highly visible clothing at any time of day.

A following distance of at least four seconds is recommended for beginning riders. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than perfect.

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.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a crash, you should remain alert and ready to react to any hazard. Identify hazards and decide the order in which you need to address the hazards. Always use your headlight to make yourself more visible and maintain an adequate space cushion around your motorcycle at all times.

In the state of Kentucky, a person with a minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent is considered legally intoxicated. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

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.

The throttle of a motorcycle is usually located on the right handle grip. Be sure to know where all of your motorcycle's controls are located before riding.

All passing maneuvers must be completed within the posted speed limits and only in areas where passing is safe and legal.

Usually, the best way to handle a tailgater is to get them in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by encouraging them to follow you at a faster speed.

For riding, choose boots or heavy shoes that are tall and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Heels should be low so that they won't catch on rough surfaces. Tuck in long laces so that they don't catch on the motorcycle's moving parts.

Passengers should get on a motorcycle only after the engine has been started and the transmission is put in neutral. They should sit as far forward as possible without hindering the operator's control of the motorcycle and should hold onto the operator's waist, hips, or belt.

The front brake is much more powerful than the rear one and provides at least 70 percent of a motorcycle's total stopping power. Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

The gearshift lever is located in front of the left footrest and is operated with the left foot.

For your protection, you should wear a long-sleeved jacket, ideally made of leather, when riding. In warm weather, a leather jacket can help protect you against dehydration. Many motorcycle jackets are designed to help keep you cool even when the weather is hot.