Motorcyclists make up a fair portion of drivers on the road in North Carolina. Warm weather and sunny days make it easier to keep bikes on the road all throughout the year. A 2013 general crash profile for the state reported that 147 motorcyclists were killed and 3,351 were injured in that year alone.

Do motorcyclists need to worry about driving in North Carolina? The statistics also show that the number of deaths and injuries to motorcyclists have dropped by 8.1 percent and 8.6 percent respectively. That doesn’t mean all motorcyclists are safe on the roads, but it does show improvement in the state.

What can motorcyclists do to stay visible on the roads, so they have a better chance of being seen before an accident? Wear bright clothing, for one. Brighter clothing, especially at night, is easier for drivers to see.

Drive with blind spots in mind. Try to stay out of them whenever possible. If a driver can’t see you, it’s likely that he or she could make a move that could cause an accident with you. Position yourself a safe distance away from other vehicles. That can also help you if a driver suddenly stops or swerves, too; his or her negligent or dangerous driving may be far enough away from you to be inconsequential, as long as you keep your distance.

Remember that drivers may not calculate your speeds as well as they’d like to think. Keeping that in mind — if you think someone is going to pull out in front of you, slow down. Be prepared to stop if necessary to avoid a collision. These steps won’t stop every accident, so if you do get into one, your attorney can help you get the compensation you require.

Source: North Carolina Department of Transporation, “2013 Crash Facts,” accessed Dec. 16, 2015