Taking a turn too fast may cause a rider to cross into another lane of traffic, or even leave the road entirely. It is important to slow down before entering a turn or curve.

Check your clutch and throttle before riding your motorcycle. The throttle should snap back when you let go and the clutch should feel tight and smooth.

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

In general, the best way for a group of motorcyclists to maintain close ranks while still allowing each rider an adequate space cushion is to ride in a staggered formation.

Traction may be poor on surfaces such as wet, snowy, icy, or muddy pavement; gravel roads; lane markings; and steel plates and utility hole covers.

Wear brightly-colored clothing to maximize your visibility when riding, even during the daytime. Clothing made with reflective materials can also be helpful.

A motorcycle fits you appropriately if your feet comfortably reach the ground while you are seated. Be sure a motorcycle fits you before riding.

It is important to consistently check vehicles approaching your motorcycle from behind to determine if drivers are paying attention to you and your movements. Use your mirrors when stopping at an intersection to make sure approaching drivers are responding appropriately to your actions.

Wearing bright or reflective clothing can help make you more visible to other drivers and reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. Always maintain an awareness of surrounding drivers to better prepare yourself for their movements.

Signs that are blue with white markings indicate the locations of services. These services may include rest areas, gas stations, food options, and hospitals.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead.

When riding in a group, use your mirrors to keep an eye on the riders behind you and to confirm that the group is staying together.

Clothing made of sturdy leather or synthetic materials provide riders the best protection in the case of an accident. Riders should wear long pants and jackets while riding.

A traffic signal displaying a solid red arrow has the same meaning as a red traffic light. Drivers must come to a complete stop and wait for a traffic signal that allows them to turn in their desired direction.

Locking the brakes can cause control problems. If your front brake locks, you should release the brake then immediately re-apply it. If you lock your rear brake when stopping on a good traction surface, keep it locked until you have completely stopped.

To remain aware of your surroundings, it is not enough to rely only on your mirrors. Motorcycles have blind spots just like any other vehicle.

Protection should be your first consideration when buying a motorcycle helmet.

When traveling at night, ride more slowly than you would if riding during the day, especially when traveling on an unfamiliar road. Riding more slowly allows you additional time to avoid hazards under conditions of decreased visibility.

Any time a motorcycle is leaning, such as in a turn or curve, there is less traction available for braking. Both brakes may still be used while a motorcycle is turning, but it must be done with great care.

The skills a person needs to ride safely decrease as the amount of alcohol consumed increases. If you have consumed alcohol in any amount, it is safest not to ride your motorcycle.

Clothing made of leather or sturdy synthetic materials provide the greatest degree of protection for those riding motorcycles.

Use both brakes every time you slow or stop. It is important to be able to brake quickly by using both brakes.

When riding over scored pavement in a work zone, keep your head and eyes up. Ride slowly, keep a steady throttle, and don't try to fight the handlebars.

When inspecting your motorcycle before a ride, be sure to check the tires, controls, lights, signals, mirrors, brakes, oil, fluids, chassis, and stands.

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