As more and more people trade four wheels for two due to gas prices, motorcycle safety is becoming a concern for law enforcement. The Department of Motor Vehicles is asking bikers to wear brighter shirts and vest, but it may be what they’re not to wearing on their heads that’s causing the most concern.

They’re flashy, fast and really loud. Motorcycles can be a symbol of freedom and rebellion. While bikes may be cool, —it’s not always in style to wear one of these while you ride.

Jeff Ward is a biker who does wear a helmet. Biker

“It’s not cool but it’s better for me. I feel better about my safety.”

In the summer of 2000, helmets became optional. The last full year helmets were required, 150 bikers died in wrecks on Florida roads. In the first full year after the law was changed there were 250 deadly motorcycle crashes…

While the number of fatal crashes is clearly up… so are Motorcycle sales.

Last year one hundred thousand motorcycles were sold in Florida. In the first 6 months of this year, 82-thousand bikes have already been purchased. With so many new bikers, John Czernis of the Department of Motor Vehicles is asking motorcyclists to wear bright colors.

“Anything we can do to make ourselves more visible as motorcycle riders, as motor vehicle operators helps that other person to see us.”

But bright shirts may not be the all-saving grace… Jill Soderberg has been riding for years and says no matter how safe a biker is… they’re always at risk.

“No matter what we try to do… We sit in mirrors we move between lanes, get in the high part of the lane low side of the lane and they’re just not really looking for us.”

Just one in every 20 Florida drivers is a motorcyclist but they’re involved in one of every 7 deadly wrecks.

Aside from wearing brighter colors… The Department of Motor Vehicles is also asking bikers to add more lights to their bikes and paint their bikes bright colors.