At 4:30 in the morning a man slewed his car sideways on the freeway entrance ramp causing me to hit my brakes. A massive man got out of this tiny car and stormed towards me screaming I had my truck’s bright lights on. (I did, but was not aware of it.) I had a gun in my hand, but as he got to my window I realized he wasn’t armed so I switched to pepper spray. I cracked the window down and apologized profusely. He seemed uncertain; perhaps because he was used to being a bully and I didn’t react the way he expected. I was excruciatingly polite. He said, “Well, okay then,” got in his car and left.
I always thought outrageous displays of anger were dangerous to both parties. I would have felt very badly shooting this young man. I probably would have tried backing up first, but getting into a chase is doubly stupid. I don’t believe I would have shot him unless he managed to reach me.
I saw this young man several days later in the Publix parking lot. He radiated dumb bully as only 250 pounds of 6’4” muscle can radiate. I will wager the deputies in the district new his name and address off the top of their heads.
In this story, it would be interesting to know the back story on both parties.
Excellent move! Too many folks in situations like that let their pride get in the way. The goal in such situations is NOT to "teach the bum a lesson", or anything like that.
The goal is to avoid physical injury. You achieved that goal, so you won!
Now, if Option 1 (politeness) doesn't work, you need to be ready with Option 2 (stern demeanor). Sometimes just a quick switch from polite to stern will cool an aggressor down.
Then there's Option 3 (a weapon of some kind). And you were ready there too.