That is why defensive driving instructors often teach a method to safely get around improvised barricades. In such a situation it is a good tactic to quickly back up and turn while backing to clear the front of the vehicle from the obstacle. The turning motion can also clear anyone near the driver's side door.
Then drive slowly but continuously forward without hitting the obstacle, and slowly enough that people in front of the vehicle can move out of the way. Driving away too quickly can cause people trying to block the vehicle to get jammed under it, which can lead to the same problem the truck driver had. To escape you want to be able to continue driving.
If someone climbs on the hood defensive driving trainers recommend just continuing to drive away. At some point they will decide to get off the hood, or simply fall off.
Of course the best option is to be aware of trouble spots and avoid them.
I used to sell insurance in the City and County of San Francisco and I would often go into bad neighborhoods by myself. Not recommended by anyone interested in safety, especially nowadays. I had a red Celica which is a fairly small car. I remember especially one day I returned to my car and was surrounded by black teenagers who started rocking the car back and forth once I was inside. I had no choice but to drive. I locked the doors and just drove slowly forward. I didn’t think anyone would want to get run over and that they would get out of my way and that is what happened.
This was back in the 90s before they perfected their sport I guess.
Interesting. . .back in the 60’s my father used a different method. Drove up on a street riot in DC near Walter Reed. Mobs beating vehicles and pulling people out of their cars. . .my dad told me he “downshifted to second and hit the gas,” knocked the rioters out of the way. Thought he drove over some rioter’s legs, but not sure.
The little 1966 Volkswagen didn’t get a scratch or a dent.