Instead of or in addition to mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is bent at the elbow and pointing upward, it means the operator plans to turn right or change lanes to the right.

Be sure to wear gear that can help you and your motorcycle to be spotted by other road users. Bright, reflective clothing can make it easier for others to see you.

When you are being passed from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing vehicle can put you in danger.

Under normal conditions, maintain a following distance of at least two seconds. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than perfect.

Motorcycles generally have two brakes, one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel.

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.

If you cannot avoid riding over an obstacle or uneven surface, you should approach it at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Slow down as much as you can, make sure that your motorcycle is upright, and rise slightly off your seat so your knees can absorb some of the force of impact. Just before contact, roll on the throttle slightly to lighten the front end.

To ensure that you have a helmet that will provide the best possible protection, you should choose one that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. It should fit snugly all the way around and have no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

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.

Motorcycles have blind spots, just like any other vehicle. You should always turn your head to check for traffic in your blind spot before changing lanes. Do not rely on your mirrors alone.

When traveling in a group, it is never recommended for motorcyclists to ride in pairs. Neither rider will have adequate room to maneuver to avoid hazards.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can provide protection for your entire face in the event of a crash. Goggles can protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A face shield also provides routine protection from dirt, dust, insects, rain, and pebbles.

Motorcyclists will seldom hear their tire go flat. Tire failure is more commonly indicated by a sudden change in handling.

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.

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 yourself up. Keep your feet on the footrests and keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance during turns.

Motorcycle brake lights are more difficult to see than the brake lights of larger vehicles, so flashing your brake light may help other drivers to notice it. You should flash you brake light before slowing down where other drivers may not expect you to slow down, such as in the middle of a block or when approaching an alley.

If you are unable avoid an obstacle and must instead ride over it, slow down and approach the obstacle at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Keep your motorcycle straight up and down, if possible. Just before contact, roll off the throttle slightly to lighten the front end of the motorcycle.

Replace any helmet that has been worn during a crash.

Do everything you safely can to avoid hitting an animal in the road. If you are in traffic, however, you should remain in your lane. Swerving into another lane of traffic to avoid hitting an animal can cause you to collide with another driver. Hitting something small is less dangerous than hitting something big.

Oily drippings from cars collect in a strip in the center of a traffic lane. Unless the road is wet, this area will generally still provide enough traction for motorcyclists to ride safely. Because the strip is usually no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to ride to one side of the strip and still be in the center portion of the lane.