Motorcycles fatalities represent approximately 11 percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles represent approximately 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States.
Be aware than riding with a passenger requires even more skill than riding alone.
Obtain your learner's permit or motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license before you venture onto the streets.
Never drink and ride. Alcohol slows reflexes and greatly limits your ability to operate a motorcycle. Even a very small amount of alcohol can reduce your ability to operate a motorcycle safely.
Never ride without a certified motorcycle helmet and eye protection. The helmet is the most important piece of equipment. Safety helmets save lives by reducing the extent of head injuries in the event of a crash. In choosing a helmet look for the DOT label on the helmet.
*The DOT label on the helmets constitutes the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the Federal standard.
Read your owner's manual thoroughly
Attend a motorcycle rider-training course.
Wear the right shoes, gloves, and clothing. Studies show that the head, arm and legs are the most often injured in a crash.
Treat other motorists with courtesy and respect
Avoid tailgating
Avoid riding between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic
Know and obey traffic laws, including ordinances in your community
Use signals when appropriate.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
Be especially alert at intersections because approximately 50 percent at motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur there.
Check the rearview mirrors before changing lanes or stopping.
Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to anticipate problems and road hazards.
Use your headlights, day and night. All motor vehicle have blind spot where other vehicles have blind spots where other vehicles cannot be seen with mirrors.
Wear brightly colored, preferably fluorescent, clothing.
Maintain a safe speed consistent with driving conditions and your capabilities.
Source: NHTSA