Riding safely at night is challenging because it is harder to see and be seen than it is during the day. The absence of normal shadows and light contrasts makes it harder to judge distances.

In comparison to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind you. They also make objects seem farther away than they actually are. You should practice judging distances in convex mirrors if you are not used to them.

If your front wheel locks as a result of braking, you should release the front brake immediately and re-apply the brake smoothly.

A passenger puts extra weight on a motorcycle, which causes the motorcycle to handle differently. Only experienced riders should carry passengers.

To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. Apply the brakes firmly and do not panic if the brakes lock.

When being passed, it is best to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest to the passing vehicle increases the risk of a collision. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle is also dangerous because it may tempt them to merge back into your lane too soon. Stay in the center portion of the lane when being passed.

Since all motorcycles are somewhat different, you should be very careful when using one that is new to you. Familiarize yourself with the motorcycle before setting off. Learn the gear pattern before riding by working the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times.

Any U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet is required to have an impact-resistant outer shell, an impact-absorbing inner liner, a comfort liner, and a chinstrap retention system.

A small technical fault can have much more serious consequences on a motorcycle than on a car. To avoid these consequences, inspect your motorcycle before every ride.

Taking a corner too fast may cause you to cross into another lane or go off the road. Be sure to decelerate before beginning to take a turn or curve.

If you cannot avoid hitting an obstacle in the roadway, you should try to hit it at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Slow down as much as you can before contact, keep your motorcycle upright, rise slightly off of your seat, and roll the throttle slightly to lighten the front end just before impact.

If your drive chain or belt fails, you will experience an immediate loss of power to the rear wheel.

Loads should be placed in a forward position, over or in front of the rear axle. Mounting loads behind the rear axle can interfere with turning and braking and may cause the motorcycle to wobble.

If your throttle becomes stuck, try twisting it back and forth several times. If this does not free your throttle, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time.

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

Most motorcycle crashes happen on trips that are shorter than five miles in length at speeds slower than 30 mph.

Because most crashes happen in broad daylight, you should always wear brightly-colored clothing while riding, even during the day.

You should wear gear that helps protect you while you ride. It is best to wear a DOT-approved helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing.

Perform an inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. This takes only a few minutes and helps prevent dangerous situations before entering traffic.

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.