If you must swerve to avoid a hazard, apply a small amount of pressure to the appropriate handle grip. To swerve to the left, press the left handle grip, then press the right to recover. To swerve to the right, press the right handle grip, then the left.

You are especially vulnerable as a motorcyclist, so it is very important to use your turn signals to alert others to your intentions. Always use them any time that you plan to change lanes or turn, even if you don't think anyone else is nearby.

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 a motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol.

To prevent any dangerous situations caused by technical issues, you should perform a thorough inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. Compared to a car, small technical problems can have more serious consequences on a motorcycle.

In the event of a fall, a motorcyclist can receive protection from a leather jacket, long pants made of heavy denim, and full-fingered gloves. It is best for a motorcyclist to wear lace-up boots, high-top boots, or heavy shoes that support their ankles.

To make yourself visible to others, wearing clothing that is bright orange, red, yellow, or green is best.

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.

Even if your passenger is also a motorcyclist, you should give them complete safety instructions before leaving on a trip. Ask them to get on the motorcycle only after you have started the engine. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding you and firmly hold onto your waist, hips, or belt. They should keep both feet on the footrests at all times, even when the bike is stopped.

On average, a person's body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. However, it is still possible for alcohol to accumulate in a person's system even if they consume only one drink per hour. This accumulation can still affect their ability to ride safely.

Wearing a helmet while riding greatly improves your chances of avoiding serious injury to your head or neck in the case of a crash. A DOT-approved helmet will not restrict your vision to the sides.

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.

To brake, squeeze the front brake lever and press down on the rear brake pedal. Always use both brakes when slowing or stopping.

To ride safely on a slippery surface, you should use both brakes when braking is necessary, reduce your speed, and avoid making sudden moves. Be especially alert to oily areas, shaded areas, dirt, gravel, and bridges, as these surfaces may provide less traction than others.

If your motorcycle fits you properly, your feet should be able to reach the ground while you are seated. When riding your motorcycle, keep your feet firmly on the footrests.

A motorcycle has blind spots just like any other vehicle. A rider must always turn their head to check for traffic before changing lanes.

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

A flashing yellow traffic light means motorists should slow down and proceed with caution.

Most riders involved in crashes under-brake the front tire and over-brake the rear.

Make it a habit to always use both brakes when slowing or stopping, even for normal, non-emergency stops.

In traffic, a motorcycle needs as much distance to stop as a car does.

A windshield is not an adequate substitute for the protection offered by goggles or a face shield. Most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind.

Because of the additional weight added by cargo or a passenger, motorcycles may take longer to accelerate and stop than they would if only transporting the operator.

The added weight of a passenger will affect the handling of your motorcycle. Expect your motorcycle to accelerate more slowly than usual, turn more slowly than usual, and require extra space to come to a complete stop. Ride more slowly, start slowing sooner when approaching a stop, open up a larger space cushion, and wait for larger gaps when crossing, entering, or merging into traffic.

Jackets and pants made of leather offer the greatest degree of protection to those riding motorcycles.

Riding between slowed or parked cars can leave you vulnerable to unexpected hazards, such as opening car doors or cars suddenly pulling into traffic. If a hazard arises, you will not have room to safely maneuver. Never travel on the shoulder of a road because other drivers will never expect you to be there.