It is best to change gears before starting a turn. Shifting gears while in the turn can cause a sudden change in power to the rear wheel, causing a skid. If you must change gears while in a turn, change gears smoothly to best prevent skidding.

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.

A helmet will provide a rider with the best protection if it meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards; fits snugly all the way around; and has no obvious defects, such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.

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.

Riding in a staggered formation is the best way to keep group ranks close while maintaining adequate space cushions for each individual rider. Motorcyclists should move into a single-file formation when turning, riding in a curve, or entering or leaving a roadway.

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

When riding a motorcycle, it is highly recommended that you wear protective apparel. Clothing that may help protect a motorcycle user in the case of a crash include long-sleeved jackets; long, heavy pants; over-the-ankle, closed-toe boots; and full-fingered leather gloves. It is a good idea to cover as much skin as possible when riding a motorcycle.

To reduce the risk of a collision, be sure to make yourself visible, clearly communicate your intentions, maintain an adequate space cushion, search your path of travel, and identify and separate hazards. Always be prepared to react to any hazard that could arise.

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 make yourself more noticeable, wear brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the daytime.

If you can do so safely, change lanes and let the tailgater pass. Speeding up may only result in them continuing to tailgate you at a higher speed, increasing the danger.

The best way to handle tailgaters is usually to change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by prompting them to continue tailgating you at the higher speed.

On average, a person's body can remove the alcohol content of about one drink per hour. This rate can vary based on the individual. The safest option is to not ride after consuming any amount of alcohol.

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 create more space and minimize the harm of any hazard, communicate your presence to other road users by using your horn, lights, and/or signals. Adjust your speed to be appropriate for the situation and adjust your lane position and/or direction of travel as needed.

If your motorcycle begins to weave while riding over uneven rain grooves or bridge gratings, simply relax and proceed straight across the grooves at a steady speed. Steering in a zigzag pattern as you cross gratings is more dangerous than the weaving.

When following a car, you should ride in a position that allows the driver to see you in their rearview mirror. Usually, that means riding in the center portion of the lane. Because most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than they check their side mirrors, being in this lane position increases the chance that they will see you.

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.

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.

All passes must be completed within the posted speed limits and only in areas where passing is permitted.

To reduce the risk of a crash, you should always ensure that you are visible to others. Communicate your intentions through proper use of your signals, brake light, and lane position. Maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle and consistently scan the road ahead of, behind, and next to your vehicle.

To make yourself more visible to other road users, it is best if you choose to wear bright orange, red, yellow, or green clothing. Avoid wearing drab or dark colors while riding.

A solid white line on the side of the road is used to indicate the right edge of a traffic lane.

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.

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.

You should never take eye contact with another driver as a guarantee that they will properly yield to you. It is not uncommon for a driver to look directly at a motorcyclist and still fail to notice them.

The key to making an evasive maneuver is to get your motorcycle to quickly lean in the direction you wish to turn. The sharper the turn, the more it must lean.

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.

Clothing made of sturdy leather or synthetic materials provide riders the best protection in the case of an accident. Riders should wear long pants and jackets while riding.

Improper braking is a significant contributing factor to many motorcycle crashes. Using a proper braking technique is an important part of riding safely.