What should I say or do, if anything at all, to my neighbor who I came very close to running over this morning?

I think maybe you could mail an apology note, or just drop it off in his mailbox. One that’s short and to the point, maybe something like “When I backed out of my driveway, I didn’t see you. I just wanted to be sure you know I’m sorry and I promise to pay closer attention from now on. I’m so glad you didn’t get hurt and I hope there are no bad feelings.”

I think you’re right about why he didn’t really acknowledge you. He probably had a lot of adrenaline pumping through him in the moment and just didn’t know how to handle it because he was overwhelmed. Now that he’s had a chance to calm down, he’ll most likely be much more receptive to your apology.

I wouldn’t write a note. I’d go and knock on his door and apologise. “I just wanted to say I’m so sorry for almost running you over this morning! I was a bit stressed and I should have been paying better attention. I’m glad you weren’t hurt”. It might be an opening for some neighbourly interaction. Don’t make more of it than that. Nobody was hurt.

I actually think knocking would be best, too – I just didn’t know if you’d want to. But if you’re willing, definitely go with that option since you did almost hit him. It shows that you actually care about what happened. I know I’d appreciate it.

He is an idiot for not being careful while walking behind a car.

I do understand why you feel badly though. Of course, it’s your responsibility to look where you are going while driving.

I doubt he is angry or holding some sort of grudge, but I think I would go to him, apologize for not noticing him while backing up, and thank him for calling out to alert me.

Don’t best yourself up about it too much. Go clear the air with him. If he isn’t gracious, if he doesn’t accept your apology then humbug! It would be hard for me not to lecture him about walking behind cars at that point.

Totally apologize. Now that he has settled down I am sure things will be fine. But much better with snickerdoodles and a humorous card like “Roses are red violets are blue. Totally fucked up and didn’t mean to kill you.”.

Best to confront head-on instead of letting it fester. (pun intended)

I would knock on his door. It can’t hurt. It’s free.

If you don’t he might stew about it and stay mad. Or he might not even remember the incident.

If you do visit, he will appreciate the gesture.

I agree with the “knockers”. An honest apology, with actual remorse, is a good thing. Don’t give any reasons, they often sound like excuses, just offer contrition. We all get distracted, I’m glad no one was hurt.

I don’t think that you should let it go. I would take him some Christmas cookies and say “Listen, I am so sorry about this morning. I should have been looking, but I was very stressed out. I will always check behind me from now on. Again, I am very sorry. I hope that you and your dog were not hurt.