Indeed. To an extent you'll more likely notice things relevant to your own likes/dislikes or agenda. Buy a Suzuki S-90 and you'll notice more of them on the road while subconsciously filtering out many of the Nissan Serenas passing you by.
Just carry a javelin at all times, and as they come past aim through the wheels. You should get it though one wheel, even from a distance away. Be doing us all, cyclists and non-cyclists, a favour.
You can't have a sensible debate with 'these people' I'm afraid. In related news, I could always set off the speed camera on Stanford Ave, Brighton (downhill) without even trying. Maybe it's a sensitive camera.