Because a motorcycle's brake light is not as noticeable as the brake lights of a car, it is usually a good idea to flash your brake light when slowing or stopping so others will be more likely to notice that you are decelerating. This is particularly important if you are slowing down more quickly than others might expect.

For riding, choose footwear that is sturdy and high enough to cover and support your ankles. Soles should be made of hard, durable, slip-resistant material.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. To maximize your chances of being seen, you should wear clothing with reflective material when riding, even during the day. Always wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.

There is no single lane position that is best at all times. Choose the lane position that allows the most visibility and space around you. Change your lane position as traffic situations change.

An expanded cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up your following distance.

Googles will protect your eyes from the wind, but most windshields will not. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for goggles or a face shield.

When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. Doing this will increase your line of vision and help drivers in the next lane anticipate your move.

If not carried in saddlebags, loads should be secured as low as possible. Attaching a load to a sissy bar can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and upset its balance.

Every bike is a little different, so don't start riding an unfamiliar motorcycle without first familiarizing yourself with how it operates. Do a safety and maintenance check; find out where everything is located; and work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times to learn its gear pattern.

Check your clutch and throttle before riding your motorcycle. The throttle should snap back when you let go and the clutch should feel tight and smooth.

Motorcyclists may pass on the right if there is unobstructed pavement with a width of at least eight feet to the right of the vehicle being passed. Motorcyclists, and other drivers, should never leave the road to pass another vehicle.

Convex mirrors are installed on many motorcycles. Compared to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road. However, convex mirrors can also make approaching vehicles seem farther away than they actually are.

Wearing a helmet is your best defense against injury while riding a motorcycle. Wearing a plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your face from injury in a crash.

If you accidentally lock your rear wheel while stopping on a straightaway, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can usually control your motorcycle if it is upright and traveling in a straight line.

If you are being passed either from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing driver could place you both in a hazardous situation.

Always allow merging cars plenty of space and never assume that the drivers see you. Change lanes away from the entering traffic, if possible. If there is no room for a lane change, adjust your speed to allow for safe merging.

Wearing a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet can help protect you against head and neck injuries in the event of a crash. A jacket made of leather or sturdy synthetic material can also protect you against injuries.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. It can provide at least 70 percent of a motorcycle's total stopping power.

Wearing gloves while riding provides an improved grip and help protect your hands. You should use gloves that are full-fingered and made of a durable material.

On a two-lane road, a group of motorcyclists should pass another vehicle one at a time. Each motorcyclist should complete the pass before another begins to pass.

When it starts to rain, the oily strip down the center of a lane is especially hazardous. Avoid this danger by riding in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track is often safest, but this can vary.

Like any vehicle, motorcycles have blind spots. In addition to using your mirrors, you must always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

A primary cause of single-vehicle collisions is motorcyclists running too wide in a curve or turn. Taking a turn too wide can cause a motorcycle to leave the roadway or collide with an object.

Anticipate potential problems that can be created by factors on the roadway. Make a plan to reduce their risks.

Taking frequent rest breaks during a long trip can help reduce fatigue. Stimulants, such as caffeine, can ultimately increase the danger of fatigue because you may become extremely tired when they begin to wear off. Wind, rain, snow, and other elements can also increase levels of fatigue, so dress warmly (as needed) and invest in a windshield, especially if you plan to ride long distances.

When making a turn, you should look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn just your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

When entering a curve, adjust your lane position to optimize your ability to see and be seen. Riding in the right portion of your lane when traveling through a lefthand curve may help you spot oncoming traffic as soon as possible. When traveling through a righthand curve, riding in a left center position may allow you to see oncoming cars early without putting you so close to the centerline that you could be hit by oncoming vehicles that take the curve too widely.

While riding in a staggered formation is generally advisable, a group of motorcyclists should switch to a single-file formation when riding in curves, turning, and entering or leaving a highway.

This sign is displayed on the rear of slow-moving vehicles that may be moving more slowly than 25 mph, such as construction equipment, farm machinery, or horse-drawn vehicles.

The three major factors that can affect a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) are the amount of alcohol they have consumed, how quickly they consumed it, and the drinker's body weight.

Wearing bright or reflective clothing can help make you more visible to other drivers and reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. Always maintain an awareness of surrounding drivers to better prepare yourself for their movements.

When being passed, the center portion of the lane is generally the safest lane position for a motorcyclist. Riding on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases the risk of colliding with it. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle can also be dangerous because it may prompt the driver to return to your lane before it is safe to do so.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to allow them to pass you. Speeding up may only result in them continuing to tailgate you at the higher speed, which is even more dangerous.

Exposure to engine and wind noise can damage your hearing, even if you are wearing a helmet. Wearing hearing protection while riding is always a good idea.

Traction may be poor on surfaces such as wet, snowy, icy, or muddy pavement; gravel roads; lane markings; and steel plates and utility hole covers.

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.

To shift up to a higher gear, position your foot under the shift lever and lift.

An expanded cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up to a minimum four-second following distance.

In most cases, it is safest to ride straight within your lane to cross angled railroad or trolley tracks. Changing the angle of your path to cross tracks may send you into another lane, causing a collision with oncoming traffic.

The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful than the rear brake. It can provide three-quarters of the bike's total stopping power.