An appropriate lane position can increase your ability to see and be seen. Being properly positioned in a lane can also help you avoid blasts of wind coming off of surrounding vehicles.

Riding in the center portion of your lane can discourage other drivers from trying to squeeze into your lane to drive next to you. Additionally, riding in the center portion of your lane when traveling behind a car generally ensures that you will appear in the middle of the vehicle's rearview mirror, where the driver is most likely to notice you.

If traffic allows, the center lane position is usually the best position for a motorcyclist to take when following a car because the center position will place them in the driver's rearview mirror. A motorcyclist should always be prepared to change positions if traffic or conditions require it.

While some people believe that a helmet will limit their vision, this is not the case. Any U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet will allow the wearer to see as far as is needed for safe riding.

When being passed, the center portion of the lane is generally the safest lane position for a motorcyclist. Riding on the side nearest the passing vehicle increases the risk of colliding with it. Riding on the side farthest from the passing vehicle can also be dangerous because it may prompt the driver to return to your lane before it is safe to do so.

To avoid becoming fatigued when riding your motorcycle on a long trip, limit how much time is spent riding each day and take frequent rest breaks. Avoid the use of artificial stimulants because you may experience extreme fatigue when they start to wear off.

When following a car, you should ride in a position that allows the driver to see you in their rearview mirror. Usually, that means riding in the center portion of the lane. Because most drivers check their rearview mirrors much more often than they check their side mirrors, being in this lane position increases the chance that they will see you.

While the center strip of the road can be oily, it usually provides enough traction for safe riding, unless it is raining. The oily strip is usually no more than two feet wide, so motorcyclists can generally ride on either side of the strip and still be in the center portion of the lane.

Motorcycles have blind spots, just like cars. You should always turn your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes.

If you see a dog approaching your motorcycle, slow down and downshift until you are close to the dog. Quickly accelerate away from the animal as it approaches.

In high-risk areas, such as intersections, shopping areas, schools, or construction zones, a motorcyclist should reduce their speed. They should cover the clutch and both brake levers to reduce their reaction time in the case of an emergency.

Bright oranges, reds, yellows, and greens are the best colors for motorcyclists to wear. These colors can help other road users see motorcyclists.

While the center strip of the road can be oily, it usually provides enough traction for safe riding, unless it is raining. The oily strip is usually no more than two feet wide, so motorcyclists can generally ride on either side of the strip and still be in the center portion of the lane.

Tell passengers to avoid unnecessary conversation or movement while on a moving motorcycle. Passengers should get onto a motorcycle only after the engine is started. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding the operator.

When riding on the road, position yourself in a manner that allows you the most possible space. If there are hazards to your left, ride on the right side of your lane. If there are hazards to you right, ride on the left side of your lane.

When being passed on your left, you should ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding in the right portion of the lane can be dangerous as it may tempt the passing driver to re-enter your lane too quickly.

Long-term exposure to wind noise can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Using ear protection when you ride should protect you from the dangers of wind noise while still allowing you to hear important sounds, like sirens or car horns.

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.

Ask your passenger to wait to mount the motorcycle until after you have started the engine. They should sit as far forward as possible without crowding you and firmly hold onto your waist, hips, or belt.

The faster you drink, the faster the alcohol will accumulate in your body. Alcohol leaves a person's system at an average of one drink per hour. If you consume more than one drink in an hour, you will still have alcohol in your body after one hour has passed.

A passenger places extra weight on a motorcycle. Because of the added weight, the motorcycle will respond to the operator's movements more slowly than it would otherwise, taking more time to speed up, slow down, and turn.

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.

Riding between rows of stopped or slowly moving vehicles can be dangerous. Vehicles may change lanes, doors may open, or arms may be stuck out of vehicles' windows. Despite their size, motorcycles need the full width of a lane to operate safely.

Reduce your speed before entering a turn. If you take a turn too fast, you may end up veering out of your lane or even off the road.

You should do a pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle before every ride. This will usually take only a few minutes.