To maintain proper balance, your feet should be placed firmly on the footrests and not dragged on the ground. Do not point your toes downward, as this may cause them to catch on the road. Keep your feet near the controls so you can reach them quickly, if needed.

You should use your low beam headlight when riding in foggy conditions. Do not use your high beams when riding near other vehicles.

In addition to protecting your face from injury in a crash, a face shield protects you from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and pebbles thrown up from surrounding vehicles.

On average, the body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. However, some alcohol may accumulate in the body even if a person consumes only one drink per hour. Their abilities and judgment can still be impaired.

To help keep the operator focused on riding, passengers should avoid unnecessary conversation or movement. Passengers should get on a motorcycle only after the engine has been started. They should sit as far forward as they can without crowding the operator and hold firmly onto the operator's waist, hips, or belt.

A helmet should meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards and fit snugly all the way around to provide maximum protection. It should be free of defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

Loads should kept low, either fastened securely or in saddlebags. Piling loads against a sissy bar or frame on the back of a seat is dangerous because it can raise the motorcycle's center of gravity and change the balance of the motorcycle. Loads should be equally distributed on both sides of the motorcycle.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to get them in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by causing them to continue tailgating you at a higher speed.

Because of the additional weight added by cargo or a passenger, motorcycles may take longer to accelerate and stop than they would if only transporting the operator.

Riding with a sidecar increases the weight of a motorcycle and increases the braking force needed to stop the motorcycle. Slowing and stopping take longer when riding a vehicle downhill than when riding on a flat surface.

On average, a person's body can eliminate the alcohol content of about one drink per hour.

Always use the proper turn signal before a turn or lane change. Use your mirrors and perform head checks before changing lanes to check for traffic surrounding your vehicle.

Shifting to a lower gear causes an effect similar to using the brakes. For this reason, downshifting is also known as engine braking.

Appropriate protective gear for motorcycling includes a jacket and pants made of leather or another sturdy material; footwear that covers and supports your ankles; and hearing protection, even if you wear a helmet.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. You should always wear brightly-colored clothing when riding to maximize your chances of being seen, even during the day.

When approaching a blind intersection that is controlled by a stop line or stop sign, you must first stop where indicated. You may then edge forward and stop again just short of where the cross traffic lane meets your lane. From that position, lean your body forward and look around buildings, parked cars, or bushes to see if anything is approaching. Make sure your front wheel stays out of the crossroad while you are looking.

When preparing to pass on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane, both to increase your line of sight and to make yourself more visible to drivers already in the passing lane.

To reduce the risk of being involved in a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle.

The best way to help other drivers see your motorcycle is to keep your headlight on whenever you ride. During the day, a motorcycle with its headlight on is twice as likely to be noticed.

A properly chosen lane position should help you to see others and be seen by them. Avoid riding in another driver's blind spot for a long period of time.

Your first and best protection against collisions with other vehicles is simply to keep your distance from them. The only way to be sure you will have enough time to react to mistakes made by other drivers is to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicles around you. Wearing proper gear is also important when riding a motorcycle.

Pre-ride motorcycle inspections are an important part of ensuring safe riding. Hydraulic fluids and coolants should be checked at least once a week.

It is important to do a thorough inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. This will usually take you only a few minutes.

Always take extra care when riding a new or unfamiliar motorcycle. Most crashes involve riders who have had less than six months of experience with the motorcycle that they are using.

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 larger following distance.