Which of the following is essential safety equipment for motorcycles?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of lights and a horn as essential safety equipment for motorcycles. A functioning headlight ensures visibility during low-light conditions, making the motorcyclist more noticeable to other drivers. The tail light and brake light are crucial for signaling to vehicles behind the motorcycle when a rider is stopping or slowing down, thereby reducing the risk of collisions. A horn serves as an important communication tool, allowing a rider to alert others nearby of their presence, especially in potentially hazardous situations.

While other options include components that contribute to safety or the proper functioning of a motorcycle, they do not encompass the complete set of essential safety equipment as effectively as the correct answer. For instance, while option A mentions turn signals and mirrors, both of which are important for signaling and awareness, they don't cover the broader critical aspects that headlights, tail lights, and brake lights do. Options that include components like seatbelts or storage are less relevant since motorcycles do not use seatbelts and storage is not a safety feature.