I think around here in Eastern NC it's getting a bit better but it's still fairly danderous on the main highways...Texting and drunk drivers add a uncontrolable aspect to dodging danger... Some cities are a but more biker concious...When i lived in Toronto we had nice paved trails and cage drivers were a bit more respectful of bikers...I try to be very defensive but i also stay off the main highways...I was told by a few Europeans while i lived in Toronto that biking was way more popular in Europe...I said Duh! freakin price of gas, you can barely afford to fillup...