54 is not even close to old when confronted by a punk. Self defense has to do with leverage, pin point accuracy and clear thought. Punks attempt to bully people, that is why he lost. The guy executed a plan, and there was no thought of giving in. Young people have the advantage in flexibility and endurance, those things seldom come into play during a 30 second exchange.
I know it sounds like the driver was 54 in my writings. I just meant that the defender has the advantage, and age is no excuse to give in to a punk. You read often of 70 year old ladies beating down a purse snatcher....surprise is a weapon, and so is tenacity.