I hear ya. For the record, the guy got out of his car first, after blocking my car with his. I got out expecting no more than an argument. This happened on my own street, not far from my house. I figured the guy must be a neighbor. I never went up to his car, just stood at my door.
Bottom line: You’re right - it’s probably never a good idea to get out of the car at all.
You have that right. Never write checks with your mouth that your a$$ can't cash. I have been with women who jump out of the car to run up to the other car to confront the driver over some slight real or imagined. Always managed to convince them to get back in the car as they are looking to find out who is carrying a gun or recently were paroled. A friend of mine used to carry a small fire extinguisher in his car not only for fire prevention but to dissuade those who would try to open your door and pull you out over some trivial incident. It effectively calms some one down when their mouth,eyes and nose are drenched in fire retardant.
Just glad you were safe.....
As a guy, I’m surprisingly not really subject to road rage....I really just don’t care enough when I get cut off....
However, I’ll relate a one story....
I was driving on a secondary road in metro Atlanata with my then 8 year old son in a rental car....the rental car passenger side mirror was broken (couldn’t be adjusted) properly for the blind spot.
I accidently cut of a guy in a jacked-up pickup truck (lost him in the blind spot), clearly my fault. I waved to him apologetically and yelled sorry....
He went totally “ape sh*t”, swevering around me, running up on my tail, cutting me off and slamming his brakes....I backed off and let him go....we came to a light and he pulled along side.he rolled his window down and I did mine....before he could say anything I loudly apologized again. (This was important since I wanted to use this as a point to my son to take responsibility, and sometimes this is embarassing)
Instead of accepting this, the giuy launched into a barrage of cursing and threats.....I again apologized and warned him that I had an 8 year old boy in the car and to watch his language....
Well...I put the car in park, got out and told him if he wanted to “dance” let’s go right here right now, however, I didn’t approach his vehicle and stood next to mine making this “his” call....the clear message; I was ready and willing but he would have to escalate....Obviously the “jacked” up truck was compensation for “other” inadequacies.... He took off....
My son learned some important lessons, 1. Accept responsibility for your actions 2. You have a right to stand up for yourself (my response was measured and appropriate to the threat)
I have seen numerous roadside fights...usually short (most fights are) but once anyone leaves a vehicle they have to expect at a minimum a punch to the face...probably worse....
Again, glad you were safe......if you can’t get away...call 911, stay in your vehicle, lock your doors, and get a gun or a good non-leathal device such as bear spray...