Yeah I don't understand this reaction at all. I drive a little hatchback, and when I'm out on the open road just me and the friendly neighborhood tailgating pickup, I want them to be literally anywhere else but behind me ASAP. Usually I'll drive slower and slower until they pass me, and I'm relieved when they do. In the infuriating situations where that doesn't work, I say fuck it, drop a gear, and speed for a couple miles to create some distance.