What is an important safety tip for riding at night?

Wearing reflective clothing is an important safety tip for riding at night because it significantly increases a rider's visibility to other motorists. During nighttime, visibility is reduced due to a lack of natural light, and reflective materials can help ensure that drivers notice the motorcycle and its rider. This is crucial because the risk of accidents increases at night when other vehicles may have difficulty seeing a motorcycle, especially if the rider is wearing dark clothing.

By choosing to wear reflective clothing, a motorcycle rider enhances their chances of being seen from a distance, which is vital for collision prevention. The glow from reflective materials can catch the light from headlights of other vehicles, drawing attention and making it easier for drivers to gauge the motorcycle's position on the road.

Other options might seem beneficial, such as riding slower to allow for more reaction time, but they do not address visibility as directly as wearing reflective clothing does. Similarly, while high beams can enhance visibility for the rider, they can also blind oncoming traffic and should not be used when there is traffic. Riding with both hands off the handlebars compromises control and stability, which is especially dangerous during nighttime riding when unpredictability is higher.