If you over-apply your brakes, you may lose traction on one or both wheels and crash.

You should not ride alongside another motorcyclist because doing so will limit both of your possible routes of escape if you encounter a hazard.

You should never take eye contact with another driver as a guarantee that they will properly yield the right-of-way to you.

A two-second following distance is generally appropriate. Allow a larger cushion of space when riding under conditions that will increase your stopping distance, such as when the road surface is icy or wet.

The faster you drink, the more alcohol will accumulate in your body. It is never safe to operate a motor vehicle after drinking alcohol in any amount.

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 any motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol.

While some people worry that wearing a helmet may dangerously limit their field of vision, this is not the case. Any approved helmet will let the operator see as far to the sides as is needed for safe riding.

A staggered formation is generally the best way for a group to maintain close ranks while also allowing each rider to maintain an adequate cushion of space. A single-file formation is preferable when taking curves, turning, or entering or exiting a highway.

You should check your motorcycle's engine oil and transmission fluid levels before every ride.

Roads can be particularly slippery when it starts to rain. It is safest to ride in the tire tracks left by cars.

Inexperienced riders should ride near the front of a group, just behind the leader, so more experienced riders can keep an eye on them from behind.

You should use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

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.

When traveling faster than a walking pace, your motorcycle will need to lean to turn. Pressing the grip in the direction you want to turn will cause you to lean in the appropriate direction

While a properly chosen lane position can offer several advantages, you should be certain that your lane position will allow you to be seen by others and have an adequate space cushion.

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

Choosing a brightly-colored helmet is recommended. Not only will the helmet protect you in the case of a crash, but the bright color of the helmet will help other road users see you.

Before getting on a motorcycle, you should check the tread and air pressure of the tires, the oil and fluid levels, the lights, and the signals.

No matter the speed, riders who are not wearing helmets are three times more likely to die from head injuries than riders who are wearing helmets at the time of a crash.

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.