To stop quickly, apply both brakes at the same time. Scan the road ahead to help you avoid the need for last-minute stops.

A roundabout is a circular intersection that flows in a counterclockwise direction around a central island and usually does not include a traffic signal. Operators must enter from the right, yielding to traffic already in the roundabout, and follow the circle to the right until the desired roadway is reached.

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.

All curves are different. When taking a curve, choose a lane position that is appropriate for conditions and adjust as needed.

It is almost always more difficult to judge distances when traveling in the dark than it is when traveling in daylight. Shadows and light contrasts are important cues to the distance of an object. When you must rely on artificial lighting to see the roadway at night, natural contrasts and shadows may be distorted or entirely absent.

In general, it is best for a group to ride in a staggered formation. Move into a single-file formation when taking a curve, making a turn, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.

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.

On a slippery surface, any sudden change in speed or direction could result in a skid. Be as smooth as possible when you speed up, shift gears, turn, or brake on such a surface.

Your license will be automatically suspended if you are arrested for riding while under the influence of alcohol and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is found to be 0.08 percent or higher. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Do not pass another vehicle if there are any present conditions that do not allow safe passing, such as oncoming vehicles and pedestrians or upcoming bridges, curves, hills, intersections, or railroad crossings. Do not try to pass more than one vehicle at the same time. Do not follow another vehicle that is passing in front of you.

Taking frequent rest breaks during a long trip can help reduce fatigue. Stimulants, such as caffeine, can ultimately increase the danger of fatigue because you may become extremely tired when they begin to wear off. Wind, rain, snow, and other elements can also increase levels of fatigue, so dress warmly (as needed) and invest in a windshield, especially if you plan to ride long distances.

If you accidentally lock your rear wheel while stopping on a straightaway, you can keep it locked until you have completely stopped. Even with a locked rear wheel, you can usually control your motorcycle if it is upright and traveling in a straight line.

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

If the throttle becomes stuck and you are unable to free it, immediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in the clutch at the same time. This will remove power from the rear wheel until you are able to safely leave the road and stop.

When entering a curve, adjust your lane position to optimize your ability to see and be seen. Riding in the right portion of your lane when traveling through a lefthand curve may help you spot oncoming traffic as soon as possible. When traveling through a righthand curve, riding in a left center position may allow you to see oncoming cars early without putting you so close to the centerline that you could be hit by oncoming vehicles that take the curve too widely.

If your front wheel locks while you are making a quick stop, release the front brake immediately and then re-apply it firmly. Use both the front and rear brakes if you need to stop quickly.

Most motorcycle crashes take place in broad daylight. You should always wear brightly-colored clothing to increase your visibility while riding, even during the day.

Large trucks have large blind spots behind their trailers that should be avoided by motorists and riders alike. If you are riding in this position, not only will the trucker be unable to see you, but the truck will block your view of the road ahead.

After completing a turn or lane change, deactivate your turn signal. Leaving your signal on after moving to the right or left can confuse other road users.

Proper face/eye protection is required by law in the state of California. A face shield can protect your whole face in the event of a collision. An effective eye or face shield must allow the rider a clear view to either side.

In Virginia, a person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered intoxicated. Any intoxicated person is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle.

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.

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 approaching a blind intersection that is controlled by a stop line or stop sign, you must first stop where indicated. You may then edge forward and stop again just short of where the cross traffic lane meets your lane. From that position, lean your body forward and look around buildings, parked cars, or bushes to see if anything is approaching. Make sure your front wheel stays out of the crossroad while you are looking.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise.