In general, there is no single best lane position. No portion of the lane need be avoided at all times. Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to be seen and you can maintain a cushion of space around you.

When you are being passed from behind or by an oncoming vehicle, stay in the center portion of your lane. Riding any closer to the passing vehicle can put you in danger.

It is safest to wear long pants and a jacket to fully cover your arms and legs while riding. Clothing made of leather can provide the highest level of protection.

A child passenger on a motorcycle should always ride immediately behind the operator. A child sitting in front may be unable to balance properly and could interfere with the operator's use of the controls.

In a group, less experienced riders should ride toward the front, just behind the leader, so more experienced riders can easily watch them.

When riding, keep your knees against the gas tank to help maintain your balance in turns. Sit so that you can use your arms to steer rather than to prop yourself up. Sit far enough forward that your arms are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips, and keep your feet firmly on the footrests.

Nothing guarantees that a driver sees you. It is safest to assume that if another vehicle can enter your path, it will.

In Vermont, the handgrips of a motorcycle's handlebars may be no more than 15 inches above the seat.

Each traffic lane provides three paths of travel for motorcyclists: the left, center, and right portions of the lane.

A motorcycle needs to lean in order to turn. To make this happen, press on the handgrip in the direction you want to turn.

If a hazard requires you to brake and swerve to avoid a collision, you should take the actions separately. Do not brake while swerving because doing so may cause your motorcycle to fall over.

Before each ride, you should check the air pressure, tread, and general wear of your tires.

In a group of motorcyclists, less experienced riders should be positioned toward the front, just behind the leader. This ensures that they will not have to chase after the rest of the group. This positioning also allows them to be watched from behind by more experienced riders.

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.

In warm weather, a riding jacket will help prevent dehydration in addition to serving the basic protective function that it provides at all times. Many jackets are designed to protect riders against overheating, even in warm weather.

The accelerator of a motorcycle is located by the right handgrip and is controlled with the right hand.

Riding between slowed or parked cars can leave you vulnerable to unexpected hazards, such as opening car doors or cars suddenly pulling into traffic. If a hazard arises, you will not have room to safely maneuver. Never travel on the shoulder of a road because other drivers will never expect you to be there.

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.

Even with three wheels on the ground, a sidecar can tip over if it is being turned too sharply or is moving too fast for a corner.

A motorcycle has blind spots just like any other vehicle. A rider must always turn their head to check for traffic before changing lanes.

For people of legal drinking age, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered legally intoxicated. It is both illegal and dangerous to ride a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol.

When being passed, it is generally best to ride in the center portion of your lane. Being too close to the passing vehicle increases the risk of a collision.

When passing another vehicle on the left, you should ride in the left portion of your lane. Signal your intentions and check for traffic. Pass when it is safe to do so, then signal and return to your original lane when traffic allows.

Jackets and pants made of leather offer the greatest degree of protection to those riding motorcycles.

Maximum straight-line braking is accomplished by fully applying both the front and rear brakes without locking either wheel. You should always use both brakes every time you slow or stop.