I have to ask where you were at the time, since you mention Rhode Island and Florida as your locations. Florida is always listed as one of the most dangerous places to ride, with tourists unfamiliar with the roads, and elderly people sometimes unfamiliar with reality still behind the wheel.
Additionally, were the incidents closer to 5AM or 6AM? At 6 a lot of drivers are on their way to work, busy with their coffee and cellphones. The low sun also can affect their vision.
I've found the worst times to ride for me are early morning (commuters and soccer moms dropping their kids off at school), midafternoon when the kids get out of school (soccer moms again) and evening commute hour. That leaves me time mid-morning to ride.