I remember reading in Lance Armstrong book that in the US its not uncommon for truck drivers to push cyclists off the road and people are generally hostile to them.
They never push me off the road, 'course I've always got my trusty WWII flamethrower aimed and ready to defend my family and property. The way god intended.
Hostility towards cyclists isn't uncommon in the UK either. The attitude of the general public really needs to be changed.
I will say though that there was some rules introduced a year or two ago to make drivers give more room when overtaking and a good portion of the public actually do this now. But you still get some that will pass closely.
As a driver, I’m terrified of cyclists and treat them like a really slow moving car or bus - give them all the room and don’t overtake unless they’re stopped or the opposite side lane is clear. But then I’m probably an annoying driver.
There's no need to be terrified. Giving plenty of space is sufficient.
I do get some cars who are scared to pass and sometimes that ends up creating more hostilities as the cars behind that car end up getting frustrated and pass with anger.
It's great to be cautious but you can also be too cautious.