Defensive driving is critical to today's motorcyclist, whether out for a short, morning "mind-clearer", or on a long, cross-country trip. You can never anticipate enough on the back of a bike, as there is much to expect. While rain, ice, snow, dark or even sunlight can be intrusive on your driving ability, the wind can be the most unpredictable; and if you know how to best react when an unexpected "surprise" comes your way, you'll be better prepared to come out of it unharmed should you take the necessary precautions.
The feeling of freedom experienced while riding atop a motorcycle is nearly indescribable. It has been likened to flying an airplane; the wind at your back, the gusts of various forces pushing and pulling you in many directions... it can be easy getting caught up in the moment and losing your sense of focus. Of course, if you do, you could be in a world of trouble. Being astutely aware of your surroundings and conditions, be it traffic or weather, will vastly improve your safety; which is why defensive driving techniques can and will serve to make your ride more fun, enjoyable and safe.
It is often recommended for most new riders to take a defensive driving course, most of which will dramatically reduce your odds of being involved in an accident. While not all crashes involve another vehicle, those that do can prove fatal or come with a high probability of serious injury; its best to know the limitations and abilities of both yourself and your vehicle to be fully prepared in the event you encounter a problem.
Many courses are offered today that statistically enhance a rider's chances for preventing a collision of any kind. The Harley Davidson Riders Edge course, for example, teaches the basic safety maneuvers one must know to safely operate a motorcycle, all from the perspective of a beginning driver. Many other courses are taught across the country, with some as inexpensive as the one-hundred-dollar course that I took at my local community college. In doing so, the classroom instruction, combined with the hands-on experience of their closed-course supervision, gives any driver an advantage once out on the open road.
In addition to being recognized by the American Motorcycle Association, many courses are accredited, and can even result in a reduction in your overall insurance coverage. Of course, a Provider feels much more secure insuring a rider who's had at least a little experience; something is better than nothing at all, and when you're talking about the fragility of the human body during a crash, it makes sense to offer you the incentive to help you avoid one.
Looking into your local colleges is a good start, or if you have the ability, search the internet for a (certified) course near you.