I went clipless this summer on my mt bike, and have a few really bad rides. Then my hubby switched the plate on my cleat to a multidirection release cleat. It is a 20 dollar item, and the job took 5 min. Now instead of having to do that twist out thing with my foot, the cleat will release in any direction.
It saved me. Try it. If you pull up, or forward, you will release.

Shimano makes them, so the hubby says...he thinks they are sH 55's....