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@BeauNidle
In a car I've got about a square foot of mirror within constant peripheral vision letting me know what's behind me as long as I'm paying attention (not saying all drivers do pay attention o'course).
On a bike, unless you want to go down the full Daglo Derek look and fit mirrors then you don't have this, the only way you know what is behind you is via your hearing or shoulder checking. I usually use my hearing to prompt the shoulder check.
Also, to be fair (unless you are in dense city traffic where the opposite applies) you are much more likely to be overtaken on the bike by motor vehicles.
The failure to judge relative speeds by car drivers when overtaking me coming up to pinch points, roundabouts, traffic lights etc has given me more weight loss moments than anything else - being prepared for an overtake has saved me from a few crashes.
#expectstl/dr