When making a normal, non-emergency stop, use the front and rear brakes simultaneously and downshift.

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.

Motorcyclists may pass on the right if there is unobstructed pavement with a width of at least eight feet to the right of the vehicle being passed. Motorcyclists, and other drivers, should never leave the road to pass another vehicle.

Because it can be difficult to judge distances in the dark, ride with a following distance of at least three seconds when traveling at night.

When turning, look through the turn to where you want to go. Turn only your head, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon. Turning your shoulders may cause you to steer off course.

If a motorcycle does not have a windshield, operators and passengers are required by law to wear goggles, glasses with impact-resistant lenses, or helmets with face shields. A full-face helmet can provide a rider with the best protection, even if their motorcycle has a windshield.

To be effective, an eye or face shield must be free of scratches; be resistant to penetration; allow clear views to both sides; fasten securely; permit air to pass through to prevent fogging; and allow room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

If you are following a car, the driver is most likely to notice you if you position yourself behind them in the center of your lane. This lane position places you in the driver's rearview mirror. Most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than their side mirrors.

All motorcycles are at least somewhat different. Before riding a motorcycle that is new to you, take the time to learn where all of the controls are. Ride the motorcycle in a controlled area to get used to it before taking it out on the road.

If you must both swerve and brake to avoid a hazard, you should separate the actions. Brake then swerve, or swerve then brake, but do not perform both actions at the same time.

There is no single lane position that is best at all times. Choose the lane position that allows the most visibility and space around you. Change your lane position as traffic situations change.

Wearing a helmet is your best defense against injury while riding a motorcycle. Wearing a plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your face from injury in a crash.

Tennessee law requires all motorcycles to have a rearview mirror mounted on the left handlebar in an upright position.

Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to be seen by other road users and where you can maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle. There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. A responsible rider adjusts their position as conditions change.

Intersections present the greatest potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles. Motorcyclists should exercise caution when approaching an intersection.

While it is most important to be aware of what is ahead of you on the road, you cannot ignore what is behind you. You can keep track of the situation behind you by checking your mirrors consistently.

Every bike is a little different, so don't start riding an unfamiliar motorcycle without first familiarizing yourself with how it operates. Do a safety and maintenance check; find out where everything is located; and work the throttle, clutch, and brakes a few times to learn its gear pattern.

Avoid riding on oil and grease buildup. Because the oily strip in the center of a lane is usually no more than two feet wide, it is often possible to stay to the left or right side of the oil and still be in the center portion of the lane.

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 right turns are prohibited.

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.

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.

There is no lane position that is always best and no lane position that should always be avoided. A responsible rider will adjust their position as road and traffic conditions warrant. If vehicles are on both the left and right sides of a rider, the center lane position is probably the safest option.

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.

There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. A responsible rider adjusts their position as conditions change.

You should always wear a sturdy jacket with long sleeves when riding a motorcycle, even if the weather is warm.

To reduce your chances of being involved in a collision, always allow yourself an adequate cushion of space. Maintain your space cushion when following another vehicle, being followed by another vehicle, passing, being passed, or lane sharing.

Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight, so wearing brightly-colored, reflective clothing while riding is advised no matter the time of day.

Riding directly alongside another vehicle is dangerous because you may be in the vehicle's blind spot and the driver will not know you are there. Additionally, the vehicle may block your route of escape if any hazards should arise.

Wearing a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet can help protect you against head and neck injuries in the event of a crash. A jacket made of leather or sturdy synthetic material can also protect you against injuries.

If the rear tire of a motorcycle goes flat, the back of the motorcycle may jerk or sway from side to side. If you experience this movement when riding your motorcycle, you should stop riding and check your tires as soon as possible.