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If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Helmets are your best defense against serious and fatal brain injuries.
In addition to your helmet, wear eye and face protection. Many helmets have built-in visors or other face guards. Wear long pants, gloves, boots, and a durable long-sleeved jacket.
Get licensed. All states require a motorcycle license.
Never drink alcohol before operating a motorcycle.
Follow all the rules of the road. Don't speed-40 percent of motorcyclists who died in crashes were speeding.
Watch for hazards on the road, such as large cracks, holes, and bumps. Keep an eye out for vehicles coming from driveways and side streets
Make sure your headlight is on every time you ride. (This is a law in most states.)
Don't let anyone ride with you until you are skilled at riding in all kinds of conditions.
If you're a new rider, take a motorcycle riders' course. To locate a course near you, call 1-800-446-9227.
When passengers ride with you, they must wear a helmet and protective gear.
Insist that passengers sit behind you on the motorcycle.
Make sure passengers' feet can reach the footrests. Insist that they keep their feet on the footrests at all times, even when you stop.
Don't let passengers get on the motorcycle until after you start it.
Tell your passengers to lean with you when you turn.
Insist that passengers hold on to your waist all the time.
Instruct passengers to keep their legs away from the muffler to avoid burns.
Ask that passengers limit their movement and talking.