Yes, the visibility is much improved when you're sitting upright. I think this gives you have a better chance of avoiding accidents. This makes upright-sitting bicycles inherently safer than bikes that require its biker to crouch low. I can actually look up and enjoy the clouds without worrying my head might snap off. Sure, the upright riding position is not as sexy as the back-parallel-to-the-road position, but I'm old enough to care less about image.