Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles spokeswoman Melanie Stokes is reminding drivers to be more aware as the weather improves.

“As the weather gets warmer, more motorcycle riders are hitting the roads in Virginia,” she said. “Motorists need to share the road with motorcycle riders, while motorcyclists are reminded to follow the rules of the road and to wear helmets and other protective gear that will increase their visibility.”

That’s especially true because motorcycles are often in a car’s blind spot.

There were 79 motorcycle riders killed on Virginia’s roadways in 2008, down from 126 the year before.

In the five years up to 2007, the number of motorcycle deaths in Virginia soared.