As a forced pedestrian (can’t drive due to health issues), this is so true. Also at crosswalks, a lot of drivers turning right while looking left. They always appear genuinely SHOCKED to encounter “a walker.” Like, “A PERSON…? NOT IN A… CAR?? IS THAT POSSIBLE?” Like it shatters their entire concept of the universe and how things work. Yes, I live in America, and this happens in both suburbs and downtown DC.
part of why i use a mobility device is that i can use it to bang on vehicles and alert them of my presence without kicking/hitting it with my bones, in sitiations just like you describe. a sock full of pool balls would also work.