Some motorcycles are equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). ABS is designed to prevent skidding and wheel lock-up when motorcyclists are stopping in straight-line, panic situations. ABS operates when maximum pressure is applied to both the front and rear brake controls. If electronic sensors detect the possibility of a wheel lock, brake hydraulic pressure is released then re-applied to maintain maximum braking effectiveness.

A number of surfaces can provide poor traction for tires. Wet pavement; roads covered in loose gravel or sand; muddy, snowy, or icy areas; painted lane markings; oily areas; and metal covers and plates in the road can be more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a crash, you must ensure that you are visible to others on the road and that other drivers understand what you're planning to do. Clearly communicate your intentions through proper signaling and lane positioning. Maintain an adequate space cushion and scan your path of travel, identifying upcoming hazards and being prepared to react.

If you borrow a motorcycle, make all of the same pre-ride safety checks that you would make on your own motorcycle. You should ride cautiously when using an unfamiliar motorcycle and allow yourself extra space when stopping.

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.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to let them get in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let the tailgater pass. Riding faster may only increase the danger by prompting them to continue tailgating you at the higher speed.

For maximum straight-line braking, you should apply the brakes smoothly and firmly. As more weight transfers forward, more will be more traction available at the front wheel, allowing you to apply the front brake with progressively increasing force while reducing the pressure being used on the rear brake. Keep your knees against the gas tank and your eyes up to help keep yourself moving in a straight line.

When riding on slippery surfaces, you should reduce your speed. Make certain to use both brakes when braking and avoid making sudden moves.

You should use your low beam headlight when riding in snowy, rainy, or foggy weather. A high beam headlight can reflect off of these conditions and make it more difficult for a rider to see.

In potential high-risk areas, such as near intersections, shopping areas, school zones, and construction zones, cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce the time you will need to react to potential hazards.

In a group of motorcyclists, riders with less experience should be positioned toward the front of the group, just behind the leader. This will allow more experienced riders to keep an eye on them without forcing the inexperienced rider to lead the group.

Long-term exposure to wind noise while riding can cause hearing damage, even if you wear a helmet. Use of proper hearing protection is recommended to prevent damage.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to get them in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Increasing your speed may only encourage the driver to tailgate you at a higher speed.

Check your brake levers individually before every ride. Make sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully applied.

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.

It is particularly important for a rider to check their mirrors when slowing down or stopping, when stopped at an intersection, when changing lanes, and when turning.

To be effective, a face shield must be free of scratches; be resistant to penetration; allow clear views to both sides; fasten securely; permit air to pass through; and permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

If your motorcycle has a sidecar, it is best for your passenger to ride in the sidecar. They should keep their hands inside the sidecar at all times.

A motorcycle will continue to ride like new if it is properly maintained and routine inspections become a part of its regular maintenance cycle.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. Use your high beam headlight, except when following or meeting another vehicle.

When riding at night, you should reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use your high beam headlight whenever you are riding where there is no other traffic. Always be prepared to adjust your lane position to react to changing conditions.

Your motorcycle will sit lower than normal under the additional weight of a passenger. To accommodate, you should ride a bit more slowly than usual, particularly when riding through curves, through corners, or over bumps. The extra weight also means that your motorcycle will take longer than usual to speed up, slow down, or stop, so you should maintain a larger space cushion when carrying a passenger.

Drivers merging onto a highway and into your lane may not notice your motorcycle. Give them plenty of space to safely merge by moving into a different lane, if you can.

If your front wheel locks while braking, you should release the front brake immediately and completely before re-applying it smoothly.

If you are not riding slowly enough when shifting into a lower gear, the motorcycle will lurch and the rear wheel may skid.