Motorcycles often seem to attract dogs. If you are being chased by a dog, downshift and approach it slowly. Then, as you approach the dog, accelerate and leave it behind.

Long-term exposure to wind noise can permanently damage your hearing. Using proper ear plugs or other hearing protection when riding is recommended.

Motorcycle riders should use their brake lights to communicate with other road users. It is particularly important for a motorcyclist to flash their brake light before slowing down to make a tight, fast turn off of a high-speed roadway. Motorcyclists should flash their brake lights when slowing in any location where other drivers may not expect them to slow down.

Use hand signals when bright sunlight makes your mechanical signals difficult for other drivers to see. It is extremely important to clearly communicate with other road users.

Locking the brakes can cause control problems. If your front brake locks, you should release the brake then immediately re-apply it. If you lock your rear brake when stopping on a good traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped.

A motorcycle that is carrying a passenger will handle differently than usual due to the added weight of the additional rider. An operator should ride at slower speeds and allow more time and distance to slow down and stop. A passenger should hold firmly and securely onto the motorcycle's passenger handgrips or onto the operator's waist, hips, or midsection.

Check your clutch and throttle before riding your motorcycle. The throttle should snap back when you let go and the clutch should feel tight and smooth.

Check your clutch and throttle before riding your motorcycle. The throttle should snap back when you let go and the clutch should feel tight and smooth.

Most motorcycle crashes happen in broad daylight. To maximize your chances of being seen, you should wear clothing with reflective material when riding, even during the day. Always wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Wearing brightly-colored or reflective clothing can increase your chances of being seen by other road users.

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.

The best way to help others see your motorcycle is to have your headlight turned on (as well as your running lights, if applicable). Use your high beam headlight both day and night, whenever it is legal and safe to do so.

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

When riding a motorcycle, it is highly recommended that you wear protective apparel. Look for a jacket that completely covers your arms and fits snugly but still allows you to move freely. Leather or sturdy synthetic materials with integrated body armor offer the best protection.

While the center strip of the road can be oily, it usually provides enough traction for safe riding, unless it is raining. The oily strip is usually no more than two feet wide, so motorcyclists can generally ride on either side of the strip and still be in the center portion of the lane.

In general, it is best for a group to ride in a staggered formation. Move into a single-file formation when taking a curve, making a turn, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.

You will get the most head and neck protection from a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. The single most effective thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving a crash is wear a properly secured, good-quality helmet.

Clothing made of leather or sturdy synthetic materials provide the greatest degree of protection for those riding motorcycles.

Regulatory signs are white signs with red and black markings that inform drivers of specific traffic laws in the indicated area. This sign indicates that U-turns are prohibited.

The mirrors of motorcycles have blind spots, just like those of cars. Always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

When traveling in a group, less experienced riders should be placed near the front of the group behind the leader. This way, more experienced riders can lead the way and watch the inexperienced riders at the same time.

While some people believe that a helmet will limit their vision, this is not the case. Any U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet will allow the wearer to see as far as is needed for safe riding.

In Tennessee, motorcyclists are allowed to use designated High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, regardless of the number of riders on their motorcycles.

If your front wheel locks while you are making a quick stop, release the front brake immediately and then re-apply it firmly. Use both the front and rear brakes if you need to stop quickly.

Compared to a car, a motorcycle requires more frequent attention. If something is wrong with a motorcycle, it is essential that the operator identify the problem before getting into traffic or operating the bike at freeway speeds.

It is important to consistently check vehicles approaching your motorcycle from behind to determine if drivers are paying attention to you and your movements. Use your mirrors when stopping at an intersection to make sure approaching drivers are responding appropriately to your actions.

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.

A person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered legally intoxicated. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

After completing a turn or lane change, deactivate your turn signal. Leaving your signal on after moving to the right or left can confuse other road users.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to allow them to pass you. Speeding up may result in them continuing to tailgate you, just at a higher speed.