Instead of mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is extended straight out to the left, it means the operator plans to turn left or change lanes to the left.

A pre-ride inspection should include checks of the tires, oil and fluids, lights, signals, clutch, throttle, mirrors, brakes, and horn. Conduct a thorough pre-ride inspection before every ride.

Most motorcycle crashes happen on trips shorter than five miles, just a few minutes after the rider starts out.

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.

If you have been drinking, the only way to eliminate the alcohol from your system is to wait. Typically, it takes around one hour for the body to eliminate the alcohol content of one drink. It can be dangerous to ride after drinking, even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is well below the legal limit.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for the wearer's entire face in the event of a crash. Goggles may protect someone's eyes, but not the rest of their face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for either.

Never let someone ride if they have had too much to drink. Do whatever you can to prevent them from riding, including taking their keys, if necessary. Arrange an alternative way for them to get home.

Sturdy boots or shoes that are high enough to support the ankles can provide the best protection for motorcyclists. Laced up boots are best, but high-top boots or heavy shoes are fine. If a motorcyclist wears shoes that have long laces, they should be sure to securely tuck the laces away before riding.

Because distances are more difficult to judge in the dark than in daylight, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance when riding at night. Use your high beam any time you are not meeting or following another vehicle.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your whole face if you are involved in a crash. Goggles protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for googles or a face shield.

The only way to remove the alcoholic content of a drink from your body is to allow your body time to eliminate it. There are no shortcuts to sobering up.

The risk of head and neck injuries is greatly reduced by wearing a high-quality helmet. A helmet is a rider's best defense against injury in the case of an accident.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise. Choose a lane position that maximizes your space cushion.

Maximum straight-line braking is accomplished by simultaneously applying both the front and rear brakes without locking either wheel.

To reduce the danger of fatigue when riding, dress to protect yourself against tiring weather conditions, such as wind and rain. Limit yourself to no more than about six hours of riding per day and stop for a break at least once every two hours. Avoid taking artificial stimulants since you may experience extreme fatigue when they start to wear off.

Strategies for making yourself more visible include wearing brightly-colored and reflective clothing, keeping your headlight on at all times, and varying your lane position as conditions demand.

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.

Intersections can be dangerous because they present the greatest degree of potential conflict between motorcyclists and other drivers.

Road and traffic conditions can change at any time. Always be prepared to change your lane position as appropriate no matter where you are on a roadway. The best path through a curve does not necessarily follow the curve of the road.

Before transporting a passenger or heavy load in traffic for the first time, practice riding on a quiet road to get used to how your motorcycle handles differently with the additional weight.