If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Helmets are your best defense against serious and fatal brain injuries. The following tips, offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, may also reduce your chance of injury:

• 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 - Forty 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.