So that got me to thinking that if I got used to getting in/out of clipless pedals, my first reaction would have been to twist out rather than pull up.
Why would your first reaction with clipless be to twist out in a sudden emergency like that, while with your toe clips, you pulled up? Who pulls "up" to get out of toe clips -- although if riding with loose straps, pulling up would probably pull your foot out anyway.
Which is safer? Depends on the pedals, the adjustment, the tension, straps vs no straps if using toe clips, etc., and of course, a little bit of presence of mind (which seems to be seriously lacking on Bike Forums given all the falling reports).