It can be a problem, still the idiots of course, but since the copers got tougher it is improved. I had a bad crash once, where a lady pulled out from a stop sign and I slammed into her door, hit my face on her roof edge. I'm laying in the street with a big gash across my nose with running blood, and she gets out and asks me if I am alright. LOL Since then, I ride much more cautiously, try to be aware of what is possibly shaping up ahead, not trusting people to see me or obey laws. Slow down even when entering intersections when I totally have the right of way. It isn't paranoid, just cautious. As far as the people coming up from behind, the ones that may be too old to safely have a license, the drunk ones, or people with dogs on their lap or messing with their phones, just wish yourself good luck. Wear a helmet and have a good light if you ride at night! A rear blinker makes a big difference in the distance before drivers register a rider ahead and by the grace of God think to slow down, compared to simply a reflector. There are some cool lights on the market now. *Beware of taxis, generally good drivers but in a hurry.