I have found that certain roads seem far safer than others. For some reason there are some roads where the motorists do not seem to be in a great big hurry and are less hostile to cyclists. The advice of lower traffic roads with lower speedlimits is a good one.

Still it only takes one inattentive rider to do you in.

As far as statistics go, cyclists are twice as safe (from fatalities) as motorists per hour on the road. I know, it seems far MORE dangerous but it is not. About half of the cycling fatalities occur at night (with "cyclists" who probably are not using lights or even reflectors). A large number of the other fatalities are "pedestrians on bicycles". Experienced road cyclists have very low fatality rates. I know of 2 large multiday rides that have gone on for years. Both have had one (1) fatality. Both of those fatalities were riders who were off the road and off the shoulder and standing in the grass. Cars managed to get them anyway. Hardly seems fair doesn't it? If they really "want" to get you they will. One fatality was caused by a drunken driver who just drove off the road. The other guy was late to church and did not make the turn (he was sorry so the police let him off without even a warning). But the 2 rides accounted for tens of millions of miles ridden without a road fatality just be careful where you pull off and stop.