The front brake of a motorcycle is more powerful that the rear brake and can provide at least 70 percent of the bike's total stopping power.

While searching the road for potential hazards, focus on looking for escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas, schools, and construction zones.

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.

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.

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.

Experienced riders use a SEE strategy while riding to make safe judgements. "SEE" stands for Search, Evaluate, and Execute.

Googles will protect your eyes from the wind, but most windshields will not. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for goggles or a face shield.

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

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

Many drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can impair your ability to ride safely. Some medications become even more dangerous when combined with alcohol.

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.

If you approach an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or roadside assistance vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing, you must change lanes to allow the vehicle extra space and proceed with caution. Always slow down and be prepared to stop when you approach an emergency scene.

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

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

Wearing gloves while riding provides an improved grip and help protect your hands. You should use gloves that are full-fingered and made of a durable material.

You will get the most head and neck protection from a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and state standards. The single most effective thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving a crash is wear a properly secured, good-quality helmet.

The three major factors that can affect a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) are the amount of alcohol they have consumed, how quickly they consumed it, and the drinker's body weight.

When traveling in a group, less experienced riders should be placed near the front of the group behind the leader. This way, more experienced riders can lead the way and watch the inexperienced riders at the same time.

To reduce the risk of being involved in a collision, consistently scan your path of travel at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your motorcycle. Scanning the road ahead will give you time to react to a hazard before meeting the hazard.

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.

To swerve away from a hazard, apply a small amount of pressure to the handgrip located on the side of your intended escape.

Factors that play an important role in determining a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) include the amount of alcohol consumed, how fast it was consumed, and the person's body weight.

The single most effective thing you can do to help others see your motorcycle is ride with your headlight on at all times.

When riding at night, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Visibility is lowered at night and you will need the additional time and space to react to upcoming hazards.

Long-term exposure to wind and engine noise can damage your hearing, even if you wear a helmet. It is a good idea to use hearing protection every time you ride to help prevent hearing damage.