He isn't experienced, why is that a problem?

I think bright colours are grasping at straws. In 35 years at the wheel I have never come even close to hitting a cyclist, except at night when they were in the way, and completely invisible until the last minute. I never fail to see cyclists in time, normally at the limit of visibility. Rain, fog, and darkness all requite bold colours and/or lights, but in daylight, do whatever makes you feel good but I don't see the point.

I don't worry about being hit, but texting and all that distracted driver stuff has made me concerned when I never was before.

Experience of the cyclist is key. An agresssive attitude that says you know where you are going and are in control. Driver experience is also a good thing. I remember once cycling during a transit strike. I asumed I would be home free as a regular cycle commuter. It was mayhem, the roads were filled with bikes and cars that had no commuting experience. I eventually got into a car it was so bad. Makes one aware that the drivers are really our partners even if at times they may seem like the opposite. Flip side of that is when driving in rural areas where people are super polite and move over a full lane. Makes me concerned their brains would explode if the had to thread between me and oncoming traffic.