In California, throwing anything at a vehicle IS a Felony.
A group beside the road "unintentionally" threw and hit (dented) my vehicle as I was driving home.
Police were all over it and even fingerprinted the item thrown.
Not saying you shouldn't defend yourself, just that you should be aware your actions might be misconstrued.
YMMV - depending on your State laws
Barry
ARTICLE 1. Driving Offenses [23100 - 23135]
( Heading of Article 1 added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 940, Sec. 9. )
23110.
(a) Any person who throws any substance at a vehicle or any occupant thereof on a highway is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Any person who with intent to do great bodily injury maliciously and willfully throws or projects any rock, brick, bottle, metal or other missile, or projects any other substance capable of doing serious bodily harm at such vehicle or occupant thereof is guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison.
Because bicycles are not considered a vehicle under the law in most states including California. You don't have the same protections. I would like to know what the penalty is for a motorist or their passengers throwing things that hit someone riding a bicycle.