Extra state troopers are being sent to the Daytona Beach area for the kick off of Bike Week on Friday.

• Florida Highway Patrol says this time of year sees spike in motorcycle accidents
• Drivers should be careful of bikers
• Bikers are advised to drive safely

As many as half a million people are traveling to the East Coast for the annual spring break tradition. And with more people, that means the chances of accidents increases.

The Florida Highway Patrol stated that it sees a spike in motorcycle crashes this time of the year.

Sgt. Kim Montes says FHP responded to seven deadly motorcycle crashes this time last year.

The FHP is hoping for zero fatalities this year and that is why its motorcycle unit is being dispatched to the area.

"We need you to follow the law," said Montes, "We want you to have a good time, enjoy the Florida weather, the weather is supposed to be great, but this is not time to do those trick stunts down I-4 or down another road. It's dangerous for you and it's dangerous for the other drivers."

Most of those deadly motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles. Montes says it is up to drivers to share the road with bikers and make sure they take that second look to avoid a crash.

"The majority of them are car versus motorcycle, and a majority of those crashes are at the fault of the driver of the car," said Montes. "When you're driving, your eyes scan for the largest object on the road, and sometimes the drivers of these vehicles look passed these motorcyclists."

Traffic anchor Ryan Harper echoed similar advice.

Bike Week celebrates 77 years running this year. Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri told us he wants to see the number of accidents and injuries related to Bike Week start to come down.

"It's been around a long time, and we just really want to cut down on our fatalities and injuries this year," Capri said.

It should be stated that bikers should also be aware of their surroundings and not speed or illegally cut in and out of traffic.

"I stay back from anybody in front of me," said Rob Peterson, a 40-year-veteran motorcycle rider who has spent 20 of those years taking part in Bike Week. "I'm always looking at every intersection and always expect somebody to pull out in front of you."

While many bikers love to go from venue to venue down Main Street, but FHP reminds them it is already tough enough to operate a vehicle on two wheels and not to add alcohol to the mix.

Peterson readily agreed with that advice.

"Easy on drinking," he said. "Behave yourself. This isn't a race -- go have a good time, come down here, spend your money, have a good time, go home alive."

Bikers are recommended to wear something vibrant in color, even if that means putting a safety vest over that leather jacket.

Bike Week runs through March 18.