Hence, they have few choices for self-defense. They can strike or flee. The strike is not a first choice. They prefer to flee, but if they feel cornered, the strike is the only option. They do not know that many humans are actually afraid of them.
Snakes feel very much height-challenged.
From their point of view, ground level, all humans are tall monsters. A 6-foot snake sees itself as being only maybe an inch or two tall. The coachwhip and I are alike in many ways. We both want life to be simple. Give us our space and some food.