Wow. What a story. That is my worst nightmare driving and hitting someone. We've hit small animals (and birds) and I couldn't sleep for nights, re-living the images. I cannot imagine what you went (are) going through.

Even cycling I have a hard time on "normal" road. Always looking at everything not to hit a pothole, be too near the gravel side of road when a car drives by. I feel more secure on bike paths. But it is not the real place to enjoy a "freer" ride.

But your story will make me even more aware of my surroundings, in car or on bike. It happens so quickly and people tend to blame quickly the driver...but it is not always the case. Some are nuts, true. But not all of them and we should never judge before (and even then) having the whole picture.