Self-Defense For The Road Warrior

The following is a story taken from a news report dated 2/15/13:

Jin Byung Kang, 21, is charged with pulling an unregistered gun on another man after an alleged road rage incident.

The victim has not been identified, but reportedly told police he was a martial arts expert, and says he talked Kang into putting the gun away, then this.

"There was a struggle and eventually the victim was able to gain control of the firearm, and at that point the defendant allegedly got into his car and fled the scene," said Watson.

Kang's attorney says everything Kang did was in self defense, saying the victim initiated the fight.

Kang claims he was hurt by the victim and wants to file charges himself.

"This man, this stranger whom he did not know, had used his self admitted martial arts skills to tackle him to the ground causing him several injuries," said Purple.

Nobody was seriously injured, but police say this is not an example of how to respond if you found yourself in a similar pickle.

"Any time that you are involved in a situation and there is a gun, don't do anything stupid, don't try to be a hero," said Lt. Bruce Apotheker of the Newton Police.

Sources indicate the "victim" was MMA trainer Keith Florian. In addition to BJJ, Florian is also schooled in Muay Thai and wrestling.

There is so much wrong with this story I don't know where to begin. Florian and his flock may be crediting his martial arts skills with saving the day. Under slightly different circumstances Mr. Florian would've been summarily blown away. Miraculously nobody was injured.

Road rage is a by-product of the culture of disrespect we currently live in. Some tips that should be a no-brainer:

Give yourself time to get to work or your destination. Don't speed, weave in and out of traffic or honk at motorists.

If you're on the road and someone wants to mix it up with you, ignore them. Avoid eye contact, keep you mouth shut, and whatever you do, do not exit your vehicle.

Avoid talking on hand-held cellphones. Never text and drive.

Use common courtesy. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

In summation, I would like to reference my father's sage advice on how to avoid highway aggression: "Idiots have the right of way."