If you’ve ever found yourself shrieking at the sight of a bug scuttling across your living room wall, spare a thought for one Australian driver who recently faced the ultimate test of nerves—and passed with flying colours.
In a now-viral video that’s clocked up more than 10 million views, a stone-faced man is seen barrelling down a busy highway while a massive huntsman spider nonchalantly explores the inside of his car, mere centimetres from his face.
The internet, predictably, lost its collective mind. Comments ranged from the hilarious—’I crashed the car three times already watching this’—to the downright relatable: ‘This would send me into cardiac arrest.’ But the real question on everyone’s lips was: ‘Why is he so calm?’
For many Australians, the sight of a huntsman spider is a familiar—if not entirely welcome—part of life.
These leggy arachnids, with their impressive 15cm leg span and formidable appearance, have a knack for popping up in the most unexpected places: behind sun visors, under toilet seats, or, as in this case, right on your dashboard during peak hour.
But before you start checking your car for eight-legged hitchhikers, it’s worth remembering that huntsman spiders are, in fact, the gentle giants of the spider world. As several commenters pointed out, ‘It’s a huntsman, you’re all right, they only eat bugs.’
Another reassured, ‘Their venom isn’t poisonous to humans.’ While they do possess venom, it’s not considered dangerous to people—a bite might sting and swell, but it’s nothing a bit of first aid can’t handle, much like a bee sting.
James O’Hanlon, author of Silk & Venom: The Incredible Lives of Spiders, weighed in on the viral moment, saying this kind of encounter is ‘a pretty common occurrence in Australia’.
He added, ‘As creepy as this might look, this guy isn’t in any danger. Huntsman spiders mind their own business and if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.’
So, what’s the secret to this driver’s zen-like composure? Perhaps it’s the uniquely Australian ability to take life’s little surprises—even the eight-legged ones—in stride.
Or maybe, as some have speculated, he’s simply had enough run-ins with huntsmans to know they’re more likely to eat a rogue moth than cause him any harm.
For those less accustomed to sharing their personal space with spiders, here are a few tips for keeping your cool if you ever find yourself in a similar situation:
- Don’t panic. Sudden movements can startle the spider, making it more likely to scuttle somewhere even less convenient (like your lap).
- Pull over safely. If you’re too distracted to drive, find a safe spot to stop and gently encourage your eight-legged passenger to exit the vehicle.
- Use a container. A cup and a piece of paper are your best friends for spider relocation—just scoop and release.
- Remember, they’re on your side. Huntsmans are great at keeping your home and car free of other pests.
- Check before you drive. A quick glance around the car before you set off can save you from a surprise encounter.
Of course, not everyone is as unflappable as our viral hero. For some, even the knowledge that huntsmans are harmless isn’t enough to quell the instinctive shudder.
But perhaps there’s a lesson here in embracing the unexpected—or at least, in not letting a spider ruin your day (or your drive).
Have you ever had a close encounter with a huntsman or another Australian critter while behind the wheel? Did you keep your cool, or did you set a new land speed record getting out of the car? Share your stories—and your survival tips—in the comments below!
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