Yeah, sometimes cars are getting that close I had a friend a few years ago who lived in a very rural area but that area was like cycling heaven. Very little traffic, scenic, calm, nice and long. She would drive as close to the cyclists as possible, to the point that if they were wearing perfume or something, I could probably smell it. Now, I didn't ride then, but I never drove close to anyone like that, what if I hit them? I don't want to go to jail or hurt someone! She said it was because she was there first, whatever that meant (she wasn't a native of the state, so I was confused). Needless to say, a few arguments later (over other matters) she and I are no longer friends.
We now have the 3 feet law in place, but I haven't seen it enforced. People get really close, so all I can do is stay calm and focus on where I'm going or the line I'm pulling. The worst is when they honk right behind or beside you Talk about getting a little freaked out! When they honk I just yell so I won't jerk my handle about and accidently ride into them. I just hate that