American roads can be quite dangerous as it is-but never more dangerous than when you hop onto a motorcycle. As a lover of motorcycles who uses one for daily transportation, I don't say this to discourage you from riding by any means. But what I do discourage is someone hopping onto a bike without knowing the risks.
It's important to be aware, be prepared, and drive safely-here are 4 essentials for motorcycle safety that every rider should keep in mind, regardless of the laws in their particular state.
1. A Helmet
The first is a helmet. Motorcycle helmets are