How to Avoid an Accident on a Motorcycle
From Motorcycles.About.com

One reason people don't ride motorcycles is that they are afraid they will have an accident. Avoiding accidents in the first place is your best defense. Here are some simple steps to follow.

Here's How:

1. Ride assuming that you are totally invisible to motorists.
2. Leave plenty of space in front and back and to the sides from all other vehicles.
3. Anticipate trouble situations and know what to do when you see them.
   
4. Beware of motorists turning left in front of you at intersections. This is the leading killer of motorcyclists.
   
5. Slow down before you enter an intersection and be prepared to make an evasive maneuver if necessary.
   
6. Never drink or take drugs and try to ride a motorcycle.
   
7. Don't ride if you are on medication that makes you sleepy.
   
8. Avoid riding at night, especially late Saturday night and early Sunday when drunken drivers may be on the road.
   
9. Beware of riding into sun glare.
   
10. Don't try to keep up with your friends who may be more experienced. Know your personal limits.
    
11. Beware of taking curves that you can't see around. A parked truck or a patch of sand may be awaiting you.
    
12. Do not give in to road rage and try to 'get even' with another rider or motorist.
    
13. If someone is tailgating you, either speed up to open more space or pull over and let them pass.

Tips:

1. Do not prescribe to the tactic of throwing something on the road behind you to warn a tailgater to back off.
   
2. Take a motorcycle safety course to learn what to look for to avoid accidents.
   
3. Wear protective clothing and a helmet in case you forget these tips and find yourself sliding across a concrete road on your backside.