I live outside of Baltimore. It doesn't make any difference how big you are in terms of protecting yourself. I am 6'3 and I weigh 240. I am also in good shape. When confronted by the type of people you are talking about they don't think first what can happen, they just think later after the deed is done. This could include fighting, a knife, or a gun. Believe me they don't care how big you are or who you are or what they do. Most of the time these people are on the brink of a breakdown or worse.
I am not a macho guy, but I can handle myself if confronted. Through the years seeing what people are capable of doing when angry, I have turned away when given the finger or cursed at, etc. rather then end up in jail, the hospital or dead. These people are out of control in their life. Don't take it personally.
I love my family to much to lose them over some insane road rage *******.
Sooner or later they will lose. Maybe everything.