I still think that the crown needs some reliable testimony about the OP's following distance, and nothing I have read in this thread suggests who will provide that testimony.
Imagine the driver in front saying, "He was following me so closely I was uncomfortable." Remember, drivers use mirrors to see behind them, and on the mirrors there is often a warning that cars may be closer than they appear. This disclaimer is necessary because the mirrors are curved, and the curve distorts the image, either magnifying or reducing it.
There are several things that are important when defending yourself in court.
1. Respect the magistrate or justice of the peace who is presiding. Address that person as "Your Worship" (or whatever term of respect you hear police or other staff use). When the magistrate says you can question a witness who has just testified against you, make sure you face the witness and ask questions. For example, "Can you tell us how many car lengths behind you I was?" and not "Well I made sure to leave a proper distance ..." because your story will be interrupted because you are allowed ONLY to ask questions.
2. Dress neatly and stand when called and speak in a distinct voice.
Try to act professionally.
3. Remember that this proceeding, while new to you, is dull as dishwater to most of the people in the room, and try not to waste their time. If you show up early, you can watch other people and learn a lot of things not to do.
4. If you lose this case, which you should not do from what I have read, try to see what went wrong, and how you can prevent a repetition. I have defended myself against quite a lot of charges in Toronto, and I lost some I should have won, but by and by I learned to win several I should have lost.
Best of luck, and please report what happened.
