This Hyundai driver thought it was smart to pass a semi on an Interstate on-ramp using the emergency shoulder. Gets mirrors ripped off instead.
Jefferson County-area driver and Redditor /u/sophizzle625 shared headshaking dashcam footage from Wheat Ridge from earlier in July (July 7, 2026) to the /r/IdiotsInCars subreddit showing a driver in their Hyundai attempting to cut off a semi with a full-sized trailer at this interstate on-ramp using the emergency shoulder.
It does not end well for them.
Check out their attempt gone wrong below with the original Reddit thread linked here.
The incident happened on an I-70 on-ramp in Wheat Ridge (Exact location on Google Maps linked here.)
As the dashcam shows, OP is initially pointed north on Ward and turns onto the I-70 on-ramp.
In front of him is a driver in a small, red Hyundai sedan, followed by a semi hauling a full-sized trailer.
With the metering lights on, the semi is forced to stop.
Not wanting to wait for the semi to get up to speed, the Hyundai driver takes matters into their own hands and foolhardily tries to use the breakdown lane to overtake on the right.
The Hyundai driver realizes too late that a turning semi’s trailer cuts into the adjacent lane at a sharper angle.
Not wanting to get sandwiched hard, the Hyundai driver comes to a stop, but just barely.
It’s not without consequence because they get their side mirror ripped off, the force of which rocks the tiny sedan back and forth.
With their tail between their legs, the Hyundai drives off.
Mission failed successfully.
“They are lucky that it didn’t end much worse, good chance the truck never even saw them,” the top comment from /u/TheIceKing420 reads.
“I’m a truck driver, 99% chance I wouldn’t have even felt it since the hit was toward the trailer,” /u/hard-of-haring replied.
“OP, you blew the ramp meter too,” /u/TechnicalLee pointed out.
In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, attempting to pass vehicles by using the emergency shoulder can be cited as an improper passing or unsafe passing violation, typically carrying a fine of around $100 plus surcharges and 4 license points (depending on the exact statute charged). (Justia Law) If the maneuver causes a collision, additional violations and insurance consequences may apply. (codot.gov)
