If you are being followed by a tailgater, you should ride in a way that encourages them to pass you. Riding at a higher speed may only result in them tailgating you at a higher speed, increasing the danger.

The skills a person needs to ride safely decrease as the amount of alcohol consumed increases. If you have consumed alcohol in any amount, it is safest not to ride your motorcycle.

On a two-lane road, a group of motorcyclists should pass another vehicle one at a time. Each motorcyclist should complete the pass before another begins to pass.

When preparing to pass a vehicle on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. Doing this will increase your line of vision and help drivers in the next lane anticipate your move.

Keep your feet firmly on the footrests for balance. The motorcycle should be equipped with passenger footrests. Firm footing prevents your passenger from falling off and pulling you off, too.

The front brake provides about three-quarters of a motorcycle's total stopping power. Use both the front and rear brakes every time you stop.

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.

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.

Grabbing at the front brake or jamming down on the rear brake can cause the brakes to lock. This may result in control problems.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns of merging traffic ahead.

Roads become slippery when it first starts raining, especially in the center strip of a lane. When rain starts, it is generally safest to ride in the tire tracks left by other vehicles. The left tire track is often best.

Wearing bright or reflective clothing can help make you more visible to other drivers and reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. Always maintain an awareness of surrounding drivers to better prepare yourself for their movements.

A passenger on a motorcycle should sit as far forward as possible without crowding the operator. The passenger should keep both feet on the footrests at all times, even when stopped.

If you accidentally lock your rear wheel while stopping on a straightaway, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can usually control your motorcycle if it is upright and traveling in a straight line.

You should increase your following distance if it will take your motorcycle longer than normal to stop, if you can't see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and other vehicles are likely to try to squeeze in front of you.

Most drivers do not look at their side mirrors as often as they look at their rearview mirror. Therefore, when following a car, it is generally most advantageous to ride in the center portion of the lane where you are most likely to be visible in the driver's rearview mirror.

When riding, you should be seated so you can use your arms to steer rather than to hold yourself up. Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance.

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.

Riding between rows of stopped or slowly moving vehicles can be dangerous. Vehicles may change lanes, doors may open, or arms may be stuck out of vehicles' windows. Despite their size, motorcycles need the full width of a lane to operate safely.

It is best to change gears before entering a turn. If you must change gears while in a turn, be sure to do so smoothly.

When riding, you should be positioned so that you are able to easily operate all controls. Sit with your arms slightly bent and use your arms to steer rather than to hold up your body. Keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance during turns.

Clothing for riding should provide protection while keeping you comfortable. Jackets and pants should be snug enough that they do not flap in the wind, but not so snug that they restrict your movements.

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.

In comparison to flat mirrors, convex mirrors provide a wider view of the road behind you. They also make objects seem farther away than they actually are. Take the time to get used to your mirrors if your motorcycle is equipped with convex mirrors.

To avoid running into dangerous situations while riding, you should consistently scan the road well ahead of your motorcycle. Watch the road ahead to identify and react to potential hazards before meeting them.

Choose a lane position that helps you avoid road hazards. Make sure you maintain a safe cushion of space around your motorcycle at all times.

A motorcyclist who is towing a trailer should increase their following distance. The added weight of the trailer means that the motorcycle will require more time to stop than it would otherwise.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that the roadway ahead is likely to be slippery when wet.

Look through every turn by turning just your head, not your shoulders, and keeping your eyes level with the horizon.

Wearing brightly-colored clothing while riding will make it easier for others on the road to see you. This is true regardless of the time of day.