Safety margins

When you're carrying a passenger on a motorcycle, the overall weight will be much more than when you're riding alone. This additional weight will make it harder for you to stop quickly in an emergency, so you'll need to increase the distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front.

Motorcyclists need to take extra care when stopping on wet road surfaces. Plan well ahead so that you’re able to brake in good time. For maximum stability, you should use both brakes, and brake when your motorcycle is upright and travelling in a straight line.

If you feel your back wheel beginning to skid as you accelerate, ease off the throttle. This will give your rear tyre the chance to grip the road and stop the skid.

Don't ride in snowy or icy conditions unless your journey is essential. If you must go out, try to keep to main roads, which are more likely to be treated and clear.

Making yourself as visible as possible is a positive step towards defensive riding. Having your headlights on, even in good daylight, makes it easier for other road users to see you approaching.

If your motorcycle is fitted with high-intensity rear fog lights, you must only use them when visibility is seriously reduced. That's when you can see no further than 100 metres (328 feet). This rule about high-intensity rear fog lights applies to all motor vehicles.

Your headlights help you to see in the dark, and help other road users to see you. Use your headlights whenever visibility is poor. Using them at other times may also help other road users to see you. On modern motorcycles, the headlights are switched on automatically when you start the engine.

After rain, the reflections from wet surfaces will make it hard to see unlit objects. Make sure that your visor or goggles are clean, so your vision is as clear as possible. Pedestrians will be difficult to see, especially if they're wearing dark clothing.

Water can make your brakes less effective. When you're clear of the water, ride slowly while gently applying the brakes; this will dry the brakes and normal braking performance will be restored. Never ride into deep flood water because unseen hazards and strong currents can be dangerous.

Do not enter water unless its depth, current and surface are safe for the motorcycle. Deep or fast-flowing water and hidden hazards can make crossing unsafe; choose another route if unsure. Only in a safe, shallow crossing, use a low gear and a slow, steady pace. Afterwards, test the brakes gently in a safe place. Engine speed does not make deep water safe.

If there's other traffic on the road at night, use your headlights on dipped beam. Only switch to main beam when you won't dazzle other road users. At night, don't wear tinted glasses or contact lenses, or use a tinted visor, because these make it more difficult to see the road ahead.

You must use your dipped headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. In fog, a film of mist can form over the outside of your visor or goggles. This can further reduce your ability to see. Be aware of this hazard and keep your visor or goggles clear; anti-mist sprays can help.

Painted lines and road markings can be very slippery, especially for motorcyclists. Try to avoid them if you can do so safely.

You need to make yourself as visible as possible - from the front and back, and also from the side. Don’t just rely on your headlight and tail light. Wear clothing with reflective material, as this stands out in other vehicles’ headlights.

Motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and can become very cold when riding in wintry conditions. It’s important to keep warm or your concentration could be affected. The only way to stay warm is to wear suitable clothing. If you do find yourself getting cold, then stop at a suitable place to warm up.

It's vital to make yourself as visible as you can. Use the correct lights on your motorcycle. Wear reflective clothing and a light or brightly coloured helmet. Fluorescent clothing is effective in daytime but won't show up as well at night. Most high-visibility clothing will have a combination of fluorescent and reflective materials.

Wet roads reduce tyre grip, and stopping distances will be at least double those on a dry road. Leave a larger gap, slow down and brake smoothly while upright. Standing water, mud or other poor conditions can require still more space.

Loose gravel can reduce tyre grip and unsettle a motorcycle. Watch well ahead so you can reduce speed and choose a safe course before reaching it. Keep steering, throttle and braking smooth; an abrupt swerve or harsh brake application on loose material can make the motorcycle less stable.

A KEEP CLEAR marking may protect access to a side road or entrance. When passing a queue, slow down and watch for traffic turning through a gap or emerging across your path. Do not assume that vehicles waiting in the queue have checked for a filtering motorcycle.

You can cause your motorcycle to skid by heavy braking, as well as excessive acceleration, swerving or changing direction too sharply, and leaning over too far.