When it starts to rain, avoid riding in the center of the lane. Instead, ride in the tire tracks left by cars ahead of you. The left tire track is often best for riding, but this can vary based on traffic and other conditions.

It can be difficult to judge the speed and distance of a small vehicle, such as a motorcycle. Do not assume that drivers of larger vehicles will be able to accurately understand your speed and location.

Taking frequent rest breaks during a long trip can help reduce fatigue. Stimulants, such as caffeine, can ultimately increase the danger of fatigue because you may become extremely tired when they begin to wear off. Wind, rain, snow, and other elements can also increase levels of fatigue, so dress warmly (as needed) and invest in a windshield, especially if you plan to ride long distances.

Many drugs, including legal prescription and over-the-counter medications, have side effects that can impair your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. Always talk to your doctor about how a new medication may affect your driving or riding abilities.

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 your following distance.

Intersections present the greatest potential for conflict between motorcycles and other vehicles. When approaching an intersection, be sure you are riding in a lane position that makes you most visible to other road users.

Always allow merging cars plenty of space and never assume that the drivers see you. Change lanes away from the entering traffic, if possible. If there is no room for a lane change, adjust your speed to allow for safe merging.

You should shift down through the gears with the clutch as you slow or stop. Remain in first gear while stopped so you can move quickly, if needed.

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.

The potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles is greatest at intersections.

It is best to change gears before starting a turn. However, if you must shift while turning, shift smoothly. A sudden change in power to the rear wheel can cause a skid.

Some motorcycles have integrated braking systems that link the front and rear brakes together when the rider applies the rear brake pedal. It is important to consult your owner's manual for details on your specific motorcycle's braking system.

Using your headlight is very important to your safety. Other road users may see your headlight long before they notice your actual motorcycle. South Carolina law requires the headlight of a motorcycle to be turned on any time the motorcycle is in use.

A head or neck injury is always a risk when riding a motorcycle, regardless of your speed of travel. With few exceptions, the risk of head and neck injuries is greatly reduced by properly wearing a quality helmet.

When inspecting your motorcycle before a ride, be sure to check the tires, controls, lights, signals, mirrors, brakes, oil, fluids, chassis, and stands.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead.

As little as one alcoholic drink can have a significant effect on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. It is never a safe choice to ride after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Motorcyclists should maintain a minimum two-second following distance under normal conditions. Any time conditions are less than perfect, a larger following distance is recommended.

Impairment of your ability to ride safely begins with the first drink you take. You can be convicted of riding impaired even if you are below the legal blood alcohol limit.

In South Carolina, any motorcycle operator or passenger under the age of 21 must wear an approved motorcycle helmet. Helmets must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides with at least four square inches of reflectorized material, provided the helmet is not constructed of a reflectorized material.

In South Carolina, passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet and eye protection, though it is recommended that all motorcycle riders wear helmets and eye protection. Passengers should avoid wearing loose clothing that might catch on the motorcycle and should always lean with the operator when turning. Passengers should never be allowed to ride sidesaddle.

Jackets and pants should fit snugly enough that they do not flap in the wind, but also loosely enough that you are able to move freely.

When traveling at night, ride more slowly than you would if riding during the day, especially when traveling on an unfamiliar road. Riding more slowly allows you additional time to avoid hazards under conditions of decreased visibility.

Wearing gloves while riding provides an improved grip and help protect your hands. You should use gloves that are full-fingered and made of a durable material.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can protect your face in the event of a crash. It also provides protection against more routine hazards, such as pebbles thrown up from other vehicles, wind, dust, dirt, rain, and insects.

To determine upcoming road conditions when riding at night, use the vehicle ahead of you. For example, the headlights of the vehicle may provide a better view of the road than your own high beam. If the vehicle's taillights bounce up and down, this indicates the presence of bumps on the road.

While riding in a staggered formation is generally advisable, a group of motorcyclists should switch to a single-file formation when riding in curves, turning, and entering or leaving a highway.

When approaching a blind intersection, move into the portion of the lane that will bring you into another driver’s field of vision at the earliest possible moment.

The three major factors that can affect a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) are the amount of alcohol they have consumed, how quickly they consumed it, and the drinker's body weight.

Most motorcycle crashes take place in broad daylight. You should always wear brightly-colored clothing to increase your visibility while riding, even during the day.