It is true that's what they're looking for.

My experience is that the aggressive drivers like the guy in the video tend to pay pretty good attention when they're pulling jackass moves. They also cut margins really tight. Having said that, there are conditions where they really won't see you -- like when the sun is in their eyes.

Nonintuitively, I think some of the more "dangerous" roads can safer than the safe roads. When I rode busy highways (I commuted over 40 miles/day for 10 years on 2 lane highways), I found that drivers pay much better attention. They're not looking for cyclists because they don't expect to see any, but you also don't have to worry about getting flattened by some idiot applying makeup because they're too worried about their own car. There are a number tricks you can use to protect yourself but discussing them is really A&S fodder.

I kind of agree with this. The closest I have been to being seriously hurt was on Christmas day while coming down a steep hill at speed (lights on). A Mercedes SUV ran a stop sign..probably in a hurry to get to a Christmas function and I nearly Tboned her. I locked up both breaks and had the bike sideways and on about a 45Deg angle..how I didnt fall or hit her I'm still not sure.

Also minivans...they hate me, 2 have run me off the road on a city street with a clear bike lane :(