Whoever signed off smart motorways should be in court.
Utter, utter madness.
Essentially, if you break down anywhere but right next to the refuge area, you are screwed.
I’ve always told my wife, if she breaks down, even with hard shoulder, stand as far away as possible, BEHIND the car. If a lorry rear ends it, that whole lot is going forward and if you are stood in front, even up a bank you are at risk.
I often see people leaning against the boot of the car or against the bonnet on a hard shoulder. If something hits your car, you are dead.