Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down and impairs bodily functions, both physical and mental.

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

The engine cut-off switch is generally located next to the right handgrip. It is important to know where all of your motorcycle's controls are located before starting out.

If one member of a group wants to ride faster than the others, it is best to let them go ahead of the group and meet at a designated spot later.

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

Use both brakes if you must make a quick stop on a slippery surface. The front brake is safe to use on a slippery surface if applied gradually to prevent locking.

To reduce the risk of fatigue on a long trip, dress to protect yourself from tiring elements, such as wind, cold, and rain. Limit yourself to no more than six hours of riding per day and take rest brakes at least every two hours. Avoid using artificial stimulants, as these only result in extreme fatigue when they wear off.

Riding directly alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you may be in the vehicle's blind spot and the driver will not know you are there. Additionally, the vehicle may block your route of escape if any hazards should arise.

A skidding rear tire is a dangerous condition that can result in a violent crash and serious injury or death. Too much rear brake pressure can cause the rear wheel to lock. As soon as the rear wheel locks, your ability to change direction is lost. To regain control, the brake must be released.

For your protection, you should always wear a long-sleeved jacket made of appropriate material when riding. This is true even in warm weather because wearing a jacket is important to help prevent dehydration. You should also always wear long pants, and tuck in the laces of your footwear to prevent them from catching on the motorcycle.

Goggles and face shields can protect a rider's eyes from the wind. Windshields, eyeglasses, and sunglasses generally do not shield a rider's eyes adequately enough.

When riding, you should be positioned so that you are able to easily operate all controls. Sit with your arms slightly bent and use your arms to steer rather than to hold up your body. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance during turns.

The front brake lever is generally located on the right handgrip. Make sure that you are aware of the locations of all your motorcycle's controls before beginning to ride.

If your front wheel locks while braking, you should release the brake lever until the tire regains traction and re-apply the brake.

The centermost portion of a lane is where debris and oil drippings from cars often collect. Other hazards, such as utility hole covers, can also be found in the centermost portion of the lane.

The cornering characteristics of a three-wheeled motorcycle or a motorcycle with a sidecar differ from those of a two-wheeled motorcycle. The best path for a three-wheeler to take through a curve may not actually follow the curve. For example, you may need to move from the outside of the curve to the inside of the curve before straightening out your path.

Motorcyclists often slow down by simply downshifting. Motorcyclists should be aware that slowing down in this manner does not activate the brake lights.

A pre-ride inspection should include checks of the tires, oil and fluids, lights, signals, clutch, throttle, mirrors, brakes, and horn. Conduct a thorough pre-ride inspection before every ride.

It is important to do a thorough inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. This will usually take you only a few minutes.

When riding, you should securely tuck in the laces of your footwear so that they will not catch on your motorcycle.

You should never take eye contact as a guarantee that a driver will properly yield to you. It is not uncommon for drivers to look directly at a motorcyclist but fail to register that they are there.

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.

When preparing to pass another vehicle on its left, ride in the left portion of your lane to increase your line of sight and to make yourself more visible to any drivers in the passing lane. Use your mirrors and turn your head to check for traffic before changing lanes.

If your front wheel locks, immediately and completely release the front brake. Re-apply the brake smoothly.

If one of your tires goes flat, hold both handle grips firmly, ease off of the throttle, and maintain a straight course. If you must brake, gradually apply the brake of the tire that is not flat (if you are certain of which tire that is). As you slow down, edge to the side of the road, squeeze the clutch, and stop.