By riding in the center portion of your lane, you will ensure that there is not a large space on either side of your motorcycle. Minimizing those spaces can help deter drivers from trying to share the lane with you.

The centermost portion of a lane is where debris and oil drippings from cars often collect. Other hazards, such as utility hole covers, can also be found in the centermost portion of the lane.

To turn, a motorcycle must lean. To make the motorcycle lean, press on the handgrip in the direction of the turn.

Always use the proper turn signal before a turn or lane change. Use your mirrors and perform head checks before changing lanes to check for traffic surrounding your vehicle.

To safely ride on a slippery surface, you should reduce your speed, avoid making sudden movements, and use both brakes if you need to brake.

Maintaining a cushion of space between your motorcycle and other vehicles on the road will give you a clearer view of any emerging hazards, more time to react to hazards, and more space to maneuver around them.

Adjust your mirrors so you can see the lane behind you and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder, but it’s the road behind you and to the side of you that is most important.

Gloves can provide you with an improved grip on your motorcycle's handlebars. They can also protect your hands in the event of a crash.

Give plenty of room to vehicles merging onto a highway from an entrance ramp. Merge into a lane farther away from the entrance ramp, if necessary. If it is not possible to change lanes, adjust your speed to allow room for the vehicle to safely enter the highway.

When approaching a potentially dangerous area, such as an intersection, you should cover the clutch lever and both brakes in order to reduce the amount of time you will need to react to any hazards.

The right clothing can provide vital protection if you are involved in a collision. Always wear a jacket and pants that fully cover your arms and legs, even in warm weather. Clothing should fit snugly enough that it does not flap in the wind but should also be loose enough that your movement is not restricted.

You should wear reflective materials when riding at night to make yourself more visible to other road users.

In potential high-risk areas, such as near intersections, shopping areas, school zones, and construction zones, cover the clutch and both brakes to reduce the time you will need to react to potential hazards.

Motorcycle riders will rarely actually hear a tire going flat. Tire failure is more often indicated by a change in how the motorcycle handles.

Rounded, or convex, mirrors provide a wider view of the road than flat mirrors, but they also make objects seem farther away than they actually are.

In a group of motorcyclists, riders with less experience should be positioned toward the front of the group, just behind the leader. This will allow more experienced riders to keep an eye on them without forcing the inexperienced rider to lead the group.

To increase your visibility, you can wear clothing that is brightly-colored or that contains reflective materials. Adding auxiliary lights to your motorcycle, using your turn signals, and flashing your brake light when appropriate are also good ways to get the attention of other road users.

Your owner's manual should be your primary source for information about your specific motorcycle. Your manual will include information about the motorcycle's specifications, operation, and suggested maintenance.

You should wear gear that helps protect you while you ride. It is best to wear a DOT-approved helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing.

The brake light of a motorcycle is usually not as noticeable as the brake lights of a car. Flashing your brake light before slowing or stopping can help other drivers notice that you are about to brake.

Swerving is a quick maneuver that requires a lot of traction in order to be safely executed. Making sudden moves, such as swerving, on slippery surfaces should be avoided.

When passing a row of parked cars, a motorcyclist should be prepared for a parked car to suddenly pull out of a parking space and into traffic. It is often safest for a motorcyclist to ride in the left portion of their lane when passing a row of parked cars on their right to create the most possible space between their motorcycle and any potential hazards.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your whole face in a crash. While goggles can protect your eyes, they won't protect the rest of your face. A windshield is not a substitute for a face shield or goggles.

You are most likely to encounter deer or moose during the late evening, nighttime, or early morning hours.

A sudden change in handling may indicate that a tire on your motorcycle has failed. If you feel a change in the way your motorcycle handles, pull over safely and check your tires.