What is an important riding practice when it is dark outside?

Maintaining your headlight on at all times is crucial when riding at night, as it enhances visibility for both the rider and other road users. This practice helps ensure that vehicles and pedestrians can see you from a distance, reducing the risk of accidents. Motorcycles typically have smaller profiles than cars, making it essential for riders to be as visible as possible.

In darker conditions, visibility is significantly reduced, and keeping your headlight activated ensures that you are illuminated, allowing you to see the road ahead more clearly and be seen by others. It also helps to identify any potential hazards, such as potholes or debris on the road.

Other choices may not provide the same level of safety. Riding faster might make you less aware of your surroundings and increase the risk of accidents. Using only high beams can blind oncoming traffic, and limiting riding to streets does not address the necessity of proper visibility during nighttime conditions.