Originally Posted by onetwentyeight
normally i try to just ask the driver why they were doing what they were doing. i think its better to leave a driver feeling foolish and guilty than foolish and angry.
This is true, at least in places where people aren't actively psycho.
From what I've seen, most people, if given the ability to 'save face', will appreciate it. Give them a soft place to land, they'll chill out, and feel like they can apologize and not get killed for it. Give them a fight, and they'll never back down no matter what.
It's basic human nature and negotiation theory.