I've seen that happen dozens of times. Everyone's writing down license numbers bending over the back of their trunks and preparing to contact their insurance companies.

They'll be happy it happened - hoping to snake some extra bucks from the insurance companies over their deductible, while putting touch up paint on the door with a bottle costing 5 bucks.

Having been through some pretty bad urban ghettoes and dealing with gun, hammer and other weapon wielding folks etc. - the least thing you want to do is show fear or focus with hate or distrust.

You become very rational and talk - making the situation less tense - you act like you are literally one of their old friends. The more powerful your genuinely friendly mindset and lack of fear - or hate - the more likely the assailant is to calm down and be able to dealt with sans violence.

As soon as you show signs of desiring a violent confrontation - you're toast.

Gun owners are not Rambos - they are cautious - sometimes overly so. The least thing you want to do with one is start raising your voice or shouting and making them think you are pulling a Jack Nicholson.

A genuinely friendly "oops! looks like we had a little accident!" will calm down Tom, reveal that you are not some homicidal maniac and he wont even be thinking about reaching for his gun.

Positive assertiveness. Knowing the difference between this and just plain assertiveness - or just plain acting like an ass - is a very important. survival skill.

;-)

SDAI-Tech1