I have been hit from behind. It hurt. A lot. The speed limit at that spot is 40 mph, and I expect the car was going just under that. I was going probably 17 or so. Stupid kid driver was off in la la land or something.

I didn't hear the car coming up behind me in time to react to it. It's more of a "closetirenoiseWHAMFLYINGTHROUGHTHEAIR" sensation in the space of about a second and a half. I remember the entire thing pretty vividly, but can't honestly say that wearing earbuds would have made a difference one way or another.

What I think would make a difference, though, and I feel much safer now that I do this, is to have a mirror. I know, it looks Fred as hell, but I can at least keep tabs on what's going on behind me, meaning it's not as much of surprise when I get buzzed.

All the same, I'll take all the situational awareness I can get.