Back to the OP...
I believe I am a good careful driver with a safe car but you can never predict what will happen next no matter how careful you are... such as:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRlbMv0M65Y
I have had slow punctures and tyres bubbling/de-laminating that have caused "interesting" moments over the years so it's not as simple as going too fast.
I agree 110% with others comments that we have taken a huge backwards step in removing the hard shoulders from some of our motorways. I fear that it is only a matter of time before a whole family is horrifically and needlessly wiped out in an instant and this could easily happen without it being anyone's fault. It will be another tragic realisation, like with the fire in London last year, when we realise what we thought was a safe combination is in fact lethal.
BTW I would stop and help too, as I hope others would if it was me or my wife dazed or unconscious in the stranded car.