Are you nuts? The guy who ran her down had ALREADY committed a criminal act by leaving the scene. What would make some woman want to confront the criminal and not just get his license plate and call the cops?
"...we need MORE people who just stand by and say nothing."
Are you telling me you would have chased after him and THEN stood in front of his van like a target?
First thing that come to mind is Rachel *Cor*rie*. Anyone who purposely stands in front of a moving vehicle is asking for trouble.