This Is What a Literally Near Death Experience Looks like on the Highway

Highways are regarded as the safest medium for road transportation, and if you've ever used one for more than five miles, you'll probably be the first to vouch for this. They have several lanes, a solid divider between the two directions of traffic and an emergency lane - or hard shoulder - where you can pull when there really isn't any other option.

Maybe this last part isn't often stressed enough. Having it right there on your side makes your brain a bit confused about what constitutes a real emergency and what can wait until the next exit or parking refuge. Things like "I really need to refill my windshield washer fluid" suddenly becomes a life or death situation, so you stop and get out of your car.

Well, by doing that, you're actually the one who's turning the situation into a life or death one. Having cars passing you by no more than two feet away at 80 mph or more isn't anybody's definition of safety. You can wear all the high visibility vests you want, you're still exposing yourself to unnecessary danger. Even sitting in the car isn't exactly safe, as somebody rear ending your stationary vehicle at full speed isn't going to end well.

Bottom line, use the hard shoulder as intended and only when there are no other options. If possible, use the car's hazard triangle to signal the other drivers from as far away as possible and wear the high visibility jacket at all times when walking outside the car.

At this point, you're probably mocking my silly, overly-cautious advice, but just have a look here at what happens to this poor lucky guy. If you don't cringe, then somebody should call the cops because you're a heartless monster with no empathy and are probably going to end up becoming a serial killer. It's just one of those "I can't believe it's true" videos.