I am a cyclist who was run off the road by an suv while training for the Westchester half ironman. Was fortunate to walk (ride) away with only one broken bone (4th metacarpal). I've been riding my entire life in NYC without ever having an incident (thankfully) and the one time I go ride in the 'country' I get my ass handed to me.

My gut tells me that drivers in unpopulated areas are less aware and less able to 'share the road'.