While riding in a staggered formation is usually best, a group should switch into a single-file formation when turning, taking curves, or entering or exiting a highway.

To safely ride on a slippery surface, you should reduce your speed, avoid making sudden movements, and use both brakes if you need to brake.

Loads should be positioned forward with heavier items toward the front of the load. Loads should be over or in front of the rear axle. Lighter items should be packed behind you.

On a straightaway, you can stop in the shortest distance by using both brakes. Try to avoid locking either brake.

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.

If you accidentally lock the rear brake on a good traction surface, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. You should still be able to steer your motorcycle with a locked rear wheel.

Proper clothing for riding can help protect you from injury in the event of a collision. It can also protect against routine hazards and discomforts, such as hot or cold weather.

The greatest potential for conflict between your motorcycle and other traffic is at intersections. Be extra alert when riding somewhere where another vehicle may cross in front of your path of travel.

If you are in the middle portion of your lane, you will have the greatest room for error if your control is disrupted by a wind blast from a passing vehicle.

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.

When riding, wear boots or shoes that are high and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Heels should be short so they don't catch on rough surfaces. Laces should be tucked in so they can't catch onto the moving parts of the motorcycle.

Before beginning a ride, you should ask your passenger to mount the motorcycle only after the engine has been started. They should sit as far forward as they can without crowding you and hold onto the motorcycle's passenger handholds or onto your waist, hips, or belt. They should keep their legs away from the muffler, chains, and other moving parts.

When riding, keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance in turns. Sit so that you can use your arms to steer rather than to prop yourself up. Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips, and keep your feet firmly on the footrests.

Like any other vehicle, a motorcycle has blind spots that cannot be seen by a rider using their mirrors. A motorcyclist should always turn their head to check for vehicles or other hazards in their blind spot before changing lanes.

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

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.

For your protection while riding, it is best to wear a jacket and pants that cover your arms and legs completely. Boots or shoes should be tall and sturdy enough to cover and support your ankles. Footwear should have low heels that will not catch on the foot pegs or rough road surfaces. Gloves made of leather or another durable material will help protect your hands in the event of a crash while providing you with an improved grip on the controls.

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.

If you borrow a motorcycle, make all of the same pre-ride safety checks that you would make on your own motorcycle. You should ride cautiously when using an unfamiliar motorcycle and allow yourself extra space when stopping.

Most wobbles are caused by improper loading of the motorcycle, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure.

Most wobbles can be traced to improper loading, unsuitable accessories, or incorrect tire pressure. Do not try to accelerate out of a wobble.

Before riding with a heavy load, you should make sure your tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks, and dampers are at the settings recommended for the relevant weight.

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.

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

Be sure to wear gear that can help you and your motorcycle to be spotted by other road users. Bright, reflective clothing can make it easier for others to see you.