I live out in the country (mostly) so I am fortunate to ride on pretty low traffic roads, even though most of them are shoulder-less. I am pretty comfortable with it, although my wife pretty much refuses to ride on the road.

To be fair, I have been hit before. I was clipped by a truck mirror while climbing a hill. Luckily for me, they were moving slowly and trying to go around me right before the crest of the hill. I was able to stay upright, but it left a nice bruise. Totally freaked my wife out though.

I seriously doubt that little laser would be visible to a motorist. A flashy red LED is visible a LONG way away. Vests also work well, as do reflective stripes on panniers and the "slow moving vehicle" triangles.

Be safe out there!

Greg