I ride a Longbike SlipStream and my 'seat height' is slightly taller then most sedans. That puts me a little above eye-level of most drivers.

Here's a random GIS that kinda gives the perspective: https://ebent.files.wordpress.com/2006/05/slipstream_pannier...

So my bike isn't of the 'laid down' variety.

It is harder to do a shoulder-check when changing lanes.

"Abandon the bike and dive to the side" is not an option. But, I don't ride in those kinds of traffic conditions either.

When I was in university I rode in Toronto. That city is so hostile towards cyclists that I had cars TRY to hit me; intentionally try to run me off the road, and worse. I never needed to dive off my bike there either. I wouldn't ride my recumbent there unless I could stick to dedicated and secure lanes.