Traction may be poor on surfaces such as wet, snowy, icy, or muddy pavement; gravel roads; lane markings; and steel plates and utility hole covers.

Saddlebags should be loaded with approximately equal weights. If a load is distributed unevenly between bags, it may cause the motorcycle to drift to one side.

The greatest potential for conflict between motorcycles and other traffic is at intersections. Oncoming cars turning left in front of motorcyclists is the biggest danger.

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.

When being passed, the center portion of the lane is generally the safest lane position for a motorcyclist. Riding on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases the risk of colliding with it. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle can also be dangerous because it may prompt the driver to return to your lane before it is safe to do so.

The best way to stop quickly is to apply controlled pressure to both the rear and front brakes at the same time. Be careful not to lock the brakes in the process.

After riding over an object on the roadway, you should pull off the road to check your tires and rims for damage before traveling any farther. Ensure that nothing is caught in the drive chain or belt before proceeding.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. To make yourself more noticeable, wear brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the daytime.

Maintaining an adequate space cushion ensures that you will have time to respond if another driver makes a mistake. A cushion of space also allows you the space you need to safely maneuver your motorcycle.

If a tire goes flat while you are riding, hold onto the handgrips firmly and concentrate on maintaining a straight course. Brake only if you are sure which tire is flat. Exit the roadway once your motorcycle has slowed considerably.

You will get the maximum protection from your helmet if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards, fits snugly all the way around, and has no obvious defects.

When it starts to rain, the oily strip down the center of a lane is especially hazardous. Avoid this danger by riding in the tire tracks left by cars. The left tire track is often safest, but this can vary.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. You should always be flexible about your lane position, especially when riding at night.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides maximum protection for your entire face, including your eyes, in the event of a crash. A windshield is not an adequate substitute.

Your feet should remain on your footrests while riding to help you maintain proper balance.

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.

To ensure control when making a turn, you should reduce your speed before entering the turn. Look through the turn in the direction you want to move, press on the handle grip to lean in the appropriate direction, and roll on the throttle through the turn to stabilize suspension.

If you accidentally lock the rear tire on a good traction surface, leave it locked until you can come to a complete stop. Even with a locked rear wheel, you will be able to control a motorcycle on a surface with good traction as long as the motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line.

Unlike other substances, alcohol does not need to be digested before entering the bloodstream. It is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine, quickly reaching and affecting the brain.

Keep your head and eyes up when riding through a work zone. Ride slowly over the grooved pavement.

Your motorcycle’s brake light is usually not as noticeable as that of a larger vehicle, especially when the taillight is on. Be aware that surrounding drivers may not notice your brake light.

To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. Scan the road ahead to help you avoid the need for last-minute stops.

Anticipate potential problems that can be created by factors on the roadway. Make a plan to reduce their risks.

To have proper riding posture, position yourself so that you are using your arms to steer rather than to hold yourself up. Sit so that your elbows are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips.

A passenger places extra weight on a motorcycle. Because of the added weight, the motorcycle will respond to the operator's movements more slowly than it would otherwise, taking more time to speed up, slow down, and turn. To accommodate the change in handling when carrying a passenger, you should reduce your speed, begin slowing down earlier when you stop, and look for larger gaps when crossing, entering, or merging into traffic.

Long-term exposure to wind and engine noise can damage your hearing, even if you wear a helmet. It is a good idea to use hearing protection every time you ride to help prevent hearing damage.

At night, you should always ride at a lower speed than you would under similar conditions during the day. Doing so will give you a better chance of avoiding hazards. Additionally, increase your following distance and be flexible about your lane position.

A flashing red traffic light means the same thing as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, yield to all crossing traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when it is safe to do so.

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.

All curves are different. When taking a curve, choose a lane position that is appropriate for conditions and adjust as needed.