The fuel in your motorcycle can be a dangerous fire hazard. Don’t use a naked flame if you can smell fuel, and don’t smoke when refuelling.

When the area is safe and there’s no danger from other traffic or fire it’s better not to move casualties. Moving them may cause further injury.

In good conditions, the ‘two-second rule’ can be used to check the distance between your vehicle and the one in front. This technique works on roads carrying faster traffic. Choose a fixed object, such as a bridge, sign or tree. When the vehicle ahead passes this object, say to yourself ‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.’ If you reach the object before you finish saying this, you’re too close.

You can renew your vehicle tax online, at post offices and vehicle registration offices, or by phone. When applying, make sure you have all the relevant valid documents, including a valid MOT test certificate where applicable.

If the oil-pressure warning light comes on when the engine is running, pull over as soon as you can, stop the engine and investigate the cause; if you don’t, you risk serious engine damage.

If you meet another vehicle on a narrow road and the passing place is on your left, pull into it. If the passing place is on your right, wait opposite it.

Cyclists and motorcyclists are smaller than other vehicles and so are more difficult to see. They can easily be hidden from your view by cars parked near a junction.

In a contraflow system, you’ll be travelling close to oncoming traffic and sometimes in narrow lanes. You should get into the correct lane in good time, obey any temporary speed-limit signs and keep a safe separation distance from the vehicle ahead.

The “Traffic Merges from Left” sign warns you that traffic from a separate lane will be joining the road you are on from the left-hand side. This merging traffic does not have priority and must yield to you, the driver on the main road.

These markings are found on the road outside schools. Don’t stop or park on them, even to set down or pick up children. The markings are there to ensure that drivers, riders, children and other pedestrians have a clear view of the road in all directions.

Powered vehicles used by disabled people are small, low, hard to see and travel very slowly. On a dual carriageway, a flashing amber light will warn other road users.

On busy roads, traffic may still travel at high speeds despite being close together. Don’t follow the vehicle in front too closely. If a driver behind seems to be ‘pushing’ you, gradually increase your distance from the vehicle in front by slowing down gently. This will give you more space in front if you have to brake, and will reduce the risk of a collision involving several vehicles.

The narrow wheels of a bicycle can become stuck in the tram rails, causing the cyclist to stop suddenly, wobble or even lose balance altogether. The tram lines are also slippery, which could cause a cyclist to slide or fall off.

Driving without insurance is a serious offence. As well as an unlimited fine, you may be disqualified or incur penalty points.

A blue rectangular sign showing a bicycle with a lane line indicates a mandatory route for cyclists. In addition to the road sign, this cycle lane will be separated from other traffic by a solid white line. You mustn’t drive or park in the cycle lane during its times of operation.

Tyre pressures should be checked regularly. Look in your vehicle handbook for the correct pressures to use.

The purpose of a box junction is to keep the junction clear by preventing vehicles from stopping in the path of crossing traffic. You mustn’t enter a box junction unless your exit is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait if you want to turn right and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.

Always plan ahead and be aware of lanes and areas designated for specific road users only. The restrictions are sometimes in force only at certain times of day, and signs will show when they apply. In some towns, motorcycles are permitted to use bus lanes – check the signs carefully.

A casualty suffering from shock may have injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. Call the emergency services then stay with the person in shock, offering reassurance until the experts arrive.

Smart motorways are intended to reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable. In these areas, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane to ease congestion at peak times or when an incident occurs. The variable speed limits shown in red circles are mandatory and help to keep traffic flowing at a steady speed.

A second-hand helmet may look in good condition but it could have received damage that isn’t visible externally. A damaged helmet could be unreliable in a crash. Don’t take the risk.

Large vehicles throw up a lot of spray when it’s wet. This makes it difficult for following drivers to see the road ahead. You’ll be able to see more by dropping back further, out of the spray. This will also increase your separation distance, giving you more room to stop if you have to.

Travelling at the national speed limit doesn’t allow you to hog the right-hand lane. Always use the left-hand lane whenever possible. When leaving a motorway, get into the left-hand lane well before your exit. Reduce your speed on the slip road and look out for sharp bends or curves and traffic queuing at roundabouts.

In cold and wet weather, your visor may fog up. If this happens when you’re riding, choose somewhere safe to stop, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Special anti-fog products are available at motorcycle dealers.

This sign is found where a shallow stream crosses the road. Heavy rainfall could increase the flow of water. If the water looks too deep or the stream has swelled over a large distance, stop and find another route.

Some crossings have gates but no attendant or signals. You should stop, look both ways, listen and make sure that no train is approaching. If there’s a telephone, contact the signal operator to make sure it’s safe to cross.

This sign indicates that there are waiting restrictions. It’s normally accompanied by details of when the restrictions are in force. Details of most signs in common use are shown in The Highway Code. For more comprehensive coverage, see Know Your Traffic Signs.

Puffin crossings have infra-red sensors that detect when pedestrians are crossing and hold the red traffic signal until the crossing is clear. The use of a sensor means there’s no flashing amber phase as there is with a pelican crossing.

You should change lanes as directed by the sign. Here, the right-hand lane is closed but the
left-hand and centre lanes are available. Merging in turn is recommended when it’s safe and traffic is going slowly; for example, at roadworks or a road traffic incident. When vehicles are travelling at speed, this isn’t advisable and you should move into the appropriate lane in good time.

Never drink if you’re going to drive or ride. Your judgement can be seriously affected, even if you aren’t over the drink-drive limit. Don’t take risks; it isn’t worth it.