Car drivers do stupid stuff, but it's also somewhat predictable compared to pedestrians - especially kids. If there is a junction, there's a good chance a car will pull in or out and not see you, so you know to be cautious and triple check your surroundings when cycling past in that situation. If there is a kid running who knows which way they are going to go next.
I had co-workers who regularly got into incidents while cycling, however they all appeared to have some deep seeded anger issues. I think the "holier-than-thou" view a lot of cyclists have is because of this, the sport attracts people with this personality. It's the same way most people who buy a sports motorcycle don't do it to drive behind other cars sticking to speed limits, they drive because they want to feel the adrenaline of swerving between cars.