Knowing the country (and world) we live in, had I been in that situation I would have probably walked to the nearest gas station for assistance. This was a 19 year old girl who probably had no fore thought when it came to knocking on a strangers door at 2am for help. Under certain circumstances this would be completely acceptable. However, being a black person in America, there are certain things we just cannot do for our own safety. Understand, we are constantly (and I do mean CONSTANTLY) under a microscope. This is why we must make our children aware of their own reality as black person in America.
From personal experience, I can tell you outright that blacks (particularly black males) are feared by every group in this country. Me personally being 6'2, a little cocky, and dark skin has made me ever so aware of this fact. I've had my own co-workers stray behind me at night as we walk to our cars after shift out of fear that I may jack them(lol, I know completely ridiculous....right but this is how they think). I've had people purposely walk across the other side of the street when I'm walking towards them. I've even had class mates walk another route to the parking lot as to avoid me. It's very dehumanizing but hilarious at the same time because I know their fears are completely irrational. However, this same fear is very dangerous because it can often lead people into committing illogical and often very cruel acts.
Just so long as blacks do not have control over their own image there will always be individuals who'll prejudge us. And even if they do know your a decent person they may still have that hidden fear. And regardless of all that there will always be bigots who'll hate you for being who and what you are. There's nothing that can be done to prevent this. You can't push racial tolerance down the throats of individuals who don't want it. The best thing we can do as a people is stop the many transgressions we commit against each other. If we already know the nature of this country and it's society wouldn't it be wise to strategically place ourselves in a position where we are self sufficient, self reliant and independent?