Sometimes, the question “What could go wrong?” is less about curiosity—and more about a warning. In this roundup of viral clips from the popular r/WhatCouldGoWrong subreddit, we take a look at five people who pushed the limits of common sense… and got a reality check almost instantly. These moments are equal parts hilarious and painful to watch—but they all share one thing in common: you can’t look away.
1. WCGW: Brake Checking a Truck That’s 10x Your Size?
What starts as an act of road rage ends in sheer disbelief. A car driver slams their brakes in front of a speeding semi-truck, apparently trying to “teach a lesson.” Spoiler: The truck doesn’t learn the lesson—but the car sure does. Let’s just say the result wasn’t fair, but it was physics.
WCGW brake checking a truck and finding the end result unfair.
byu/kleutscher inWhatcouldgowrong
2. WCGW: Walking Through a Security Gate That’s Closing
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t test, it’s automated security barriers. One man tried to squeeze through just as the metal gate was shutting… and it didn’t go well. A painful reminder that timing is everything—and impatience has consequences.
WCGW exiting while security gate is closing
byu/Available_Crazy_7497 inWhatcouldgowrong
3. WCGW: Texting While Driving… a Golf Cart
You’d think a golf cart wouldn’t be dangerous. Think again. A distracted driver takes their eyes off the path while typing on their phone—what happens next is a comical but painful tumble. Texting and driving? Still a bad idea, even on the green.
Texting while driving a golf cart
byu/ShadowInTheSun_ inWhatcouldgowrong
4. WCGW: Going Full Speed on a Motorbike Down a Narrow Road
Adrenaline. Speed. And no helmet in sight. A rider decides to open up the throttle down a tight rural road. One sharp corner later, and the crash is both terrifying and completely predictable. It’s a lesson in how quickly thrill can turn into chaos.
WCGW speeding down the road in a motorbike
byu/Pisford inWhatcouldgowrong
5. WCGW: Shooting Fireworks at Each Other Like It’s a Game
Two friends decide to recreate their own backyard version of an action movie—by firing Roman candles at each other. Fun, right? Until one firework hits its mark a little too well. The clip is funny, yes—but also a good reminder why fireworks come with warnings.
Shooting fireworks at each other?
byu/ShadowInTheSun_ inWhatcouldgowrong
These clips are wild, unpredictable, and a little hard to watch—because we’ve all had those “this might be a bad idea…” moments. Luckily, you can enjoy these from the safety of your screen. Which one was your favorite? Or better yet—have your own What Could Go Wrong story? Let us know in the comments.