CLARENCE, N.Y. — Western New York's summers are practically made for motorcycles, with sunny days, picturesque roads that wind along lakes and temperatures that feel just right. 

But before embracing your inner rebel, State Trooper Mike Niezgoda of the department's Troop A Motorcycle Unit has some advice to keep motorcyclists safe. It's advice for drivers on two wheels as well as those on four, all part of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. 

Wearing a helmet is not optional, for starters. The National Safety Council notes that some 1,800 deaths could have been prevented in 2016 if people had worn them, so bikers are reminded to keep that head gear on their heads, ensuring helmets are DOT certified and not expired. 

Keep the eye protection handy as well, as little bugs can be hazardous to drivers on the open road. 

It might be a popular tactic, but don't split the lane — that's against state law. 

"Don't try to beat lights," Niezgoda adds. "A lot of motorcyclists try to beat the yellow. Remember you're on two wheels. It's very tough with inclement weather, you can hydroplane on a motorcycle, just like a car," but it's even harder to maintain control. 

Eye protection is required, too. Also, don't split the lane. It's against state law. 

For those on four wheels, just be aware of other vehicles on the road. Motorcycles are smaller, so they are even harder to see in blind spots.