I wouldn't mind driving around there in an Abrams tanks or maybe
even one of our Leopard 2s 
Maybe get a few friends to crew it as well.
If any robber try to langar my tank from behind I think they will
be in for a rude shock when I reverse it, and if they get too rowdy
a burst from the coax. or commander's machine gun or a HEAT round
should make them behave real fast.
Thou I think the money we spend on fuel will be insane.
Actually for the couple the best course of action would be to
remain on the roadway and head for the city.
And if worse come to worse, the guy should (if he can) drop his
girlfriend at the side of the road, and start to ram the robber's
car, maybe even a head on crash. As long as the robbers are chasing
your car you are at an disadvantage, but once you start engaging
them offensively the odds are more equal... it's a lot better then
getting run down and having to confront them on foot where you are
outnumbered.
Another alternative is to abandon your car, grab your things, your
car keys, and make a run for it off road. You might lose your car
(if they hot wire it) but it beats getting raped or beaten, and the
robbers are unlikely (unless they are really psycho) to give
chase.
The best way to be prepared against crime is to be aware and know
what to do when something happens, the couple made several errors
in judgement that ended up with the robbers getting the better of
them. They should have kept on the highway, engaged the robbers
aggressively with their car (thou the proton might break down), or
made a run for it off road where the robbers have to follow on foot
when worst came to worst.
Also they should have been aware of the closest police check points
and headed for them, instead of heading down a dead end in a wild
attempt to shake the robbers. The robbers are predators, the best
way to drive off predators is not to panic but to keep your head
and figure out what to do.
