As the car comes to a stop I jump out and walk to the grass embankment! Getting there I turn around to see my three friends still in the car.
There is a whoosh and all of a sudden the car is engulfed in flames.
I rush back knowing the car could explode, ripping open the doors and pulling my friends out.
NOW I AM A HERO.
No, because you caused the dangerous situation by getting out of the car and wandering off and not making sure your passengers were also safe, as was your responsibility as driver. Had you given them the usual exit briefing you would have done for an aircraft - get out as fast as you can whilst not hurrying and not tripping over your setbelt, then run like hell upwind - there would have been no need for heroism.