“Defending Myself”

I'm charged with follow too close. Just wondering about court proceedings. I have some defense stategies, but I will not be getting on the stand in defence of myself. How does court work? Do I interview witnesses or does the prosecutor go first. I assume I can get my point across in my closing statement. Any literature or references I can read to get a handle on this uncharted territory for me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.