So How Many of You Have (Or Would) Pick Up a Hitchhiker? Do you take any special precautions, or only pick of a certain sex or age or type of person?

Myself, I am usually OK with picking up hitchhikers of any sex or age under five conditions:

1. They put thier bag or whatever in the very back of the van, and they sit up front, that way if they go to get something out of it I'll have plenty of time to mash the breaks to "return" them to the proper position.

2. They have to show me thier waistline so I can see if they are packing.

3. Jackets are taken off and put in the back with thier bags, so I know they dont have anything hidden in there.

4. No smoking. My vechile, my rules. Dont like it? Tough shit.

5. I have a whole riot canister of 10% OC spray in a pocket on my drivers side door. These are not the little weeny ones you buy for self protection, this is a law enforcement-only distribution item that I got ahold of, its what they use to control prision riots. I make sure they know that if they plan to try anything, they are gonna hosed down in that shit (which has a foam mixed with it, it actually sticks to you, it is NASTY shit) and I will open the door and push them out without slowing down.

Sounds harsh but you can never be too careful. I'd follow similar rules.

Years ago, when I was in my early 20s, I did pick up a few hitchhikers.

Today, unless I know the person, I don't. Especially if I have passengers (family etc) with me. My first responsibility is to the people already in my vehicle.

However, if the person appears to need help, I will stop at a phone and call for help on their behalf. If they need help critically (ie badly hurt), I will stop to help but will be very cautious. You just don't know what kind of craziness is out there on the road these days.

I don't pick up hitchhikers, but I do give people who I met on the train, bus or plane somewhere.

I have picked up a hitchhiker or 2. Since I have hitchhiked to the pacific and back a few times and hitched all around western europe it doesnt feel right for me to not stop when I see someone who needs a ride.

I'm surprised anyone does... my parents told me I was a fool and that no one else does it anymore. Good to see that some people are still willing to help others out.

Posted by minusonebit I'm surprised anyone does... my parents told me I was a fool and that no one else does it anymore. Good to see that some people are still willing to help others out.

I don't have a problem with helping others out. Unfortunately there are people out there who will say "Thank you" by slipping a knife between your ribs or a slug into your skull. And I would have serious issues with that.

Help others but above all, WATCH YOUR ASS!

No go for hikers, but will get help if needed.

Remember if you get a nasty one you can always put them through the windshield if they have no belt on. Otherwise broadside on their side. Never let someone kidnap you; most likely you'll not be alive for long. I would take their ass out even if I had to total the car, and not slow either!

Want a ride?

it s funny how we think. How many actual "got knifed/shot/killed by hitchhiker's" news stories have you ever really heard?

I've hitchhiked all over the US and Canada by myself (mainly in the 70's) and the only place I ever had a problem was Los Angeles. The key to that is that it is a large urban area and hitchhikers cant control what part of the city they get dropped off at... Trust me, hitchhikers are more concerned about getting picked up by weirdo's and real psycho killers than you will ever be picking them up.

Still, always good to be cautious.

CD

Posted by blackhawk No go for hikers, but will get help if needed. Remember if you get a nasty one you can always put them through the windshield if they have no belt on. Otherwise broadside on their side. Never let someone kidnap you; most likely you'll not be alive for long. I would take their ass out even if I had to total the car, and not slow either! Want a ride?

Yep, thats a good point. You can also pull out in front of someone on their side. hehe.

Posted by minusonebit Yep, thats a good point. You can also pull out in front of someone on their side. hehe.

I find it's easier just not to pick them up.

NEVER pick up hikers were buses are running. They are looking for more than a ride!

My theory on hitchhikers: it's better to ask in a truck stop or station than stand on the roadside. That way, you can get the initial awkwardness out of the way before getting in the car.

picked up a few hitchers, some for a entire state (tenn). some for a mile or so, all in all, its either been interesting or makes for some good stories. last guy we picked up was pretty nutty but he had some fuckin hilarious stories.

Despite the barrage of hitchhiking rumors floating around out there, incidents where anyone gets hurt are so rare they're almost negligible. I've hiked around 3 provinces, and picked up every hitchhiker I've ever seen when I had space in the car. Never had anything but enjoyable conversations and rides.

I've also hitchhiked where busses are running (largely after hopping off of freight trains) when I didn't have proper chango for a bus - I'm not sure why you would suggest that just because there are busses, hikers are looking for something else.

Have to agree with whoever said that hikers should be more scared of drivers than vice versa though. Don't hitchhike alone... much

Buses? Buses are cheap to ride.

Maybe they're a little dumber then one picking them up, or maybe they're just cruising.... if your lucky.



Thoughts in time and out of season
The Hitchhiker
Stood by the side of the road
And leveled his thumb
In the calm calculus of reason

There's a killer on the road
His brain is squirmin' like a toad
Take a long holiday
Let your children play

If ya give this man a ride
Sweet memory will die

Killer on the road, yeah



J Morrison

Oh! forgot about this thread. Oh no! Hitch hiked (from van-salmon arm) last week (four rides) and picked up a hitch hiker on the #2 north yesterday. Guess how many times I got, killed, raped and mugged... c'mon guess.

Posted by Stong Oh! forgot about this thread. Oh no! Hitch hiked (from van-salmon arm) last week (four rides) and picked up a hitch hiker on the #2 north yesterday. Guess how many times I got, killed, raped and mugged... c'mon guess.

I can say you got lucky once again.

I sw one on 84 and he was walking in the right lane everyone had to move over just to miss him

I don't do hitchhikers. I don't care about their situation, I don't care about where they have to go or why.
I, I, I, I, I...

Watch my ass.

Posted by rainman8889 I can say you got lucky once again.

Do you personally know of anyone getting fucked up hitch hiking/picking up hitch hikers? Hollywood does not count...