While the basic techniques for safely passing and being passed are the same as when driving a car, visibility is more critical when riding a motorcycle. The smaller size of a motorcycle makes it easier for you to disappear into another vehicle's blind spot, or for the driver to fail to notice you even if they are able to see you.

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; and metal covers and plates in the road can be more hazardous for a motorcyclist than dry pavement.

The front brake is much more powerful than the rear one and provides at least 70 percent of a motorcycle's total stopping power. Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

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 behind them to keep an eye on them.

Motorcycles have blind spots, just like any other vehicle. Always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes. Head checks should be a regular part of your scanning routine.

When riding, always look well ahead of your vehicle to help you anticipate potential hazards. Doing this will help you react to hazards before meeting them.

To ride safely on a slippery surface, you should reduce your speed and avoid making sudden moves. Use both brakes if you must slow down or stop.

For your protection, you should always wear a long-sleeved jacket when riding, even in warm weather when you may not think you need a jacket. It can help protect you against the sun and dehydration in hot weather.

When parking a motorcycle next to a curb, you should create at a 90-degree angle with the curb by touching your rear wheel to the curb.

When riding over a rough surface, hold onto the handgrips firmly to ensure that you will maintain directional control over your motorcycle.

Choose riding boots or shoes that are high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Choose footwear with soles made of hard, durable, slip-resistant material.

If you find yourself riding in a vehicle's blind spot, you should either speed up quickly or slow down and drop back to vacate the spot.

To make yourself visible to others, wearing clothing that is bright orange, red, yellow, or green is best.

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.

Riding alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you could be riding in the vehicle's blind spot. The driver may enter your lane without warning if they can't see you. The vehicle will also block your route of escape if a hazard arises.

When riding on slippery surfaces, you should use both brakes to slow down. Squeeze the brake lever gradually to avoid locking the front wheel and use gentle pressure on the rear brake.

On average, a person's body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. The amount of time required to lower a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) can vary, so it is safest not to operate a motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol.

There is no one lane position that is always best, nor one that should always be avoided. Change your lane position as necessary based on changing road and traffic conditions.

If the front tire of a motorcycle fails, it will cause the steering to feel heavy. If your steering feels heavy, immediately exit the road and inspect your tires.

Oily drippings from cars collect in a strip in the center of each lane. Unless the road is wet, this area still generally offers enough traction for motorcyclists to safely ride. You should still avoid riding on big buildups of oil and grease, often found at busy intersections or near toll booths.