Threat of death as a resonable defence?

[Rob MacLennan]

On a slight tangent, I love the fact that one has to prove his innocence in a court of law

You don't. They have to prove guilt. Generally speaking the deck is stacked in their favour though.

[caboose483]

There are times when I think that quick acceleration is the easiest and arguably the safest escape route.

I don't think this is one of those times. In this particular case I would argue that the safest and easiest escape route would be to change lanes and let the guy pass you. It is much easier to keep an eye on a potentially hazardous driver if they are in front of you than it is if they are behind you.

[Rob MacLennan]

There are times when I think that quick acceleration is the easiest and arguably the safest escape route.

I don't think this is one of those times. In this particular case I would argue that the safest and easiest escape route would be to change lanes and let the guy pass you. It is much easier to keep an eye on a potentially hazardous driver if they are in front of you than it is if they are behind you.

Which is unfortunately how the law sees it, when the reality can be quite different.