When riding a motorcycle, it is highly recommended that you wear protective apparel. Clothing that may help protect a motorcycle user in the case of a crash include long-sleeved jackets; long, heavy pants; over-the-ankle, closed-toe boots; and full-fingered leather gloves. It is a good idea to cover as much skin as possible when riding a motorcycle.

When riding at night, be sure to ride at a speed that will allow you to stop within the area illuminated by your headlight. Reduce your speed when riding in conditions that lower visibility.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns of merging traffic ahead.

All motorcycles are at least somewhat different. Before riding a motorcycle that is new to you, take the time to learn where all of the controls are. Ride the motorcycle in a controlled area to get used to it before taking it out on the road.

In California, it is illegal for a person age 21 or older to operate a motorcycle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. For a person under the age of 21, it is illegal to operate a motorcycle with a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher. It may be unsafe to operate a motorcycle even if you are under the legal limit.

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. Choose a lane position that maximizes your space cushion.

On a two-lane road, a group of motorcyclists should pass another vehicle one at a time. Each motorcyclist should complete the pass before another begins to pass.

Under normal conditions, you should maintain a following distance of at least two seconds. Increase your following distance any time conditions are less than perfect.

It is possible to use both brakes while turning, but it must be done with great care. Some of the usual traction is being used to make the turn while the motorcycle is leaning, so less traction is available for stopping.

Your feet should remain on your footrests while riding to help you maintain proper balance.

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.

It is necessary to shift into higher gears as your motorcycle increases its speed.

The front brake provides about three-quarters of a motorcycle's total stopping power. Use both the front and rear brakes every time you stop.

Georgia law requires riders to wear U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets every time they ride. A helmet is a rider's best defense against head and neck injuries in the event of an accident.

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.

When passing a row of parked cars, the left portion of the lane is generally safest for travel. This position will help you avoid hazards like doors being opened, people stepping out from between the parked cars, and cars pulling out of parking spaces. Always be ready to adjust your lane position to respond to changing road and traffic conditions.

In most cases, it is safest to ride straight within your lane to cross angled railroad or trolley tracks. Changing the angle of your path to cross tracks may send you into another lane, causing a collision with oncoming traffic.

Use both brakes every time you slow down or stop. If you use only the rear brake when stopping normally, you may not develop the habit or the skill to use the front brake properly when you really need to stop quickly.

Artificial stimulants, such as "stay-awake" pills, provide a false sense of security and may prevent you from realizing how tired you actually are. It is dangerous to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of these pills.

To ensure control when making a turn, you should reduce your speed before entering the turn. Look through the turn in the direction you want to move, press on the handle grip to lean in the appropriate direction, and roll on the throttle through the turn to stabilize suspension.

Sit with a posture that allows you to use your arms to control your motorcycle. You should not be positioned in a way that requires your arms to prop up your body and support your weight.

A rider should always maintain a cushion of space appropriate for conditions. Motorcycles need as much room to stop as other vehicles.

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.

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.

As little as one alcoholic drink can have a significant effect on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. It is never a safe choice to ride after consuming any amount of alcohol.