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.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for your entire face in the event of a crash. Goggles will protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A windshield or eyeglasses are not a substitute for either goggles or a face shield.

Passing is prohibited in no passing zones. It is also prohibited to pass by riding off of the main-traveled portion of a roadway.

Because distances are more difficult to judge in the dark than in daylight, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance when riding at night. Use your high beam any time you are not meeting or following another vehicle.

Use your signals, lights, lane position, and horn to communicate with other drivers. Your horn should be used in any situation where you need to get someone's attention quickly, such as when another driver is moving into your lane at an unsafe time.

In South Carolina, passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet and eye protection, though it is recommended that all motorcycle riders wear helmets and eye protection. Passengers should avoid wearing loose clothing that might catch on the motorcycle and should always lean with the operator when turning. Passengers should never be allowed to ride sidesaddle.

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.

When preparing to pass another vehicle on its left, ride in the left portion of your lane to increase your line of sight and to make yourself more visible to any drivers in the passing lane. Use your mirrors and turn your head to check for traffic before changing lanes.

There is no single lane position that you always need to avoid. Adjust your position in response to changing conditions on the road.

You should not ride alongside another motorcyclist because doing so will limit both of your possible routes of escape if you encounter a hazard.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions.

Taking a corner too fast may cause you to cross into another lane or go off the road. Be sure to decelerate before beginning to take a turn or curve.

To make yourself more visible, you should always wear brightly-colored clothing while riding, even during the day. You should use your headlight at all times.

Instead of mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is bent at the elbow and pointing upward, it means the operator plans to turn right or change lanes to the right.

If you are not riding slowly enough when shifting into a lower gear, the motorcycle will lurch and the rear wheel may skid.

Riding directly next to another vehicle is dangerous because you could be riding in the vehicle's blind spot. Additionally, the vehicle may block your route of escape if another hazard arises. If you find yourself riding directly alongside another vehicle, either speed up or drop back.

To be sure you are familiar with the specific type of motorcycle that you are planning to ride, read the owner's manual before riding it for the first time. This is particularly important if you are riding a borrowed motorcycle.

To provide adequate protection when riding, jackets and pants should cover your arms and legs completely. Your clothing should fit snugly but be loose enough to let you move freely. Leather or newer kinds of synthetic materials provide the best protection in the case of an accident.

The rear brake of a motorcycle is usually controlled by a pedal near the right footrest.

In potential high-risk areas, such as school zones or construction zones, cover the clutch and both brakes. This cuts down the amount of time you will need to react to a hazard.

Because adding a load to a motorcycle increases its weight, the vehicle's inertia may increase, causing its stopping distance to increase. Begin slowing and stopping earlier when riding a motorcycle with a load or passenger in its sidecar.

You can achieve maximum stopping power by using both the front and rear brakes. You should use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

The best way to handle a tailgater is to get them in front of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by causing them to continue tailgating you at a higher speed.

Before entering a turn, a motorcyclist should reduce their speed by closing the throttle and, if necessary, applying both brakes.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your whole face if you are involved in a crash. Goggles protect your eyes, but not the rest of your face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for googles or a face shield.