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'''[[Hitchhiking ]] is usually very safe'''. The most encountered feelings of unsafety are probably concerning the driver's driving style.: ''See also the article on [[Hitchhiking and Pandemia|Health and Pandemia]].''

== Summary == Here are four quick tips which will make you safer: * Ask for rides at petrol stations instead of signalling at the roadside.* Trust your instincts.* Refuse rides from [[:wikipedia:Driving_under_the_influence|impaired drivers]].* Know that [[hitchhiking at night]] is more dangerous than during the daytime. Please read on for many more important tips. == Road Safety == [[File:Agne-from-vilnius-to-radviliskis.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Bright clothes make it easier to be seen from a distance, which is especially necessary when hitchhiking directly on a motorway, as here in [[Lithuania]].]] <!-- [[File:Bundespolizei AT Warnweste rueckenansicht.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Police safety vest. Consider wearing something similar at night (well, probably without the Polizei text).]] Picture is missing ~~~~ -->You should make sure you are standing along a safe portion of the road, as far back from the travelled portion of the road as possible (on the unimproved portion of the road shoulder). Make sure that you are visible to drivers from a good distance (100 meters or more is ideal) to allow them time to 1) decide if they want to pick you up and 2) safely pull to the side of the road.  Wear bright, visible clothes, especially while walking on the road! Consider wearing a bright reflecting safety vest. At night time use reflectors and carry a small torch. You can purchase these often at petrol stations and supermarkets. Carry these in your backpack at all times: even if you are not planning to hitchhike during the darkness. Make sure you are visible from both sides. Attach reflectors to your backpack for example. Sometimes, especially but not exclusively [[hitchhiking at night|at night]], drivers will [[picking up hitchhikers|pick up a hitchhiker]] because they are tired and sleepy, but must get to their destination on time. Make sure you never fall asleep in someone's car if you are suspecting this might be the case. Even if you can't find a conversation topic, stay alert. If you have a driving licence; you might indicate this to your driver; he or she may be happy to let you drive. See [[Driving for your driver]] Hitchhikers should see themselves as agents of road safety. Only one study has ever been made on the subject of hitchhiking's impact on road safety, and it appears that it has no negative impact, if not positive. It implies that the hitchhiker should stay safe; be sure they can be seen, especially at night; remind the driver of the speed limits; and be willing to cooperate with all professionals of the road. == Awareness ==Awareness on the part of a hitchhiker will keep him or her from accepting dangerous rides- for example, a driver travelling under the influence of [[alcohol]] or narcotics. Examine the driver and vehicle. If there are signs of intoxication (slurred or erratic speech, no eye contact, open alcohol containers) do NOT get in the vehicle. Refuse the ride. Talk to the driver before getting in the car! This way you make sure the ride offered is one that you would like to take, and that it will end at a safe spot to stop. Ask the driver before getting in their car: Where are you going? Can you drop me off at a service area or other safe place near your destination? A rhetoric question like "Are you going north" and the driver's reaction can give you some information about him or her. Dropping humour into your brief conversation is a good way of gauging a person's personality as well. '''Trust your instincts!''' If you do not feel comfortable accepting the ride, thank the driver and say no. Walk away. == [[Women hitchhiking]] ==[[File:Parnu-riga.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[User:Amylin|Amylin]] hitching to [[Riga]] in the snow]]For women, hitchhiking seems to be riskier. But it is not really. Many men are reporting the same degree of violation as women. If most reported cases of murder or rape of hitchhikers involve women hitchhiking alone, it is because men are less likely to report rapes, and murders are not getting the label of "hitch-hiking-murders" as often with male victims. <!--- I think we should link to [[Pippa]] here :( ~~~~ --> Hitchhiking as a woman can be easier though. Often, women stop for other women or girls. Even families (or other usual-not-hitch-hiker-friendly car owners) stop to "save" women from a situation in which they think she could be in "danger".  Read more at the Hitchwiki page on [[Women hitchhiking|Female Hitchhikers]]. ==Top tips for safety== * [[Hitchhiking at night]] is more dangerous than at daytime. === (Anti) Social tips === * Think positive and you will attract positive.

* Some say You can also check if the doors open from the inside by pretending not to note have closed the door properly.* Note the vehicle's registration number , or vehicle at least the make, model , and colour (, etc. You could then SMS this to a friend).* Hitchhike with someone you knowYou can pretend calling your mum and saying car type, color and licence number aloud. On hitchhike forums (such as at [http://www.hospitalityclub.org/hc/forum.php?SelectedCategory=25 Hospitality Club] or [http://www.digihitch.com DigiHitch]) you can find other hitchhikersThis makes driver believe he is under surveillance.* It's probably safest to accept a ride from a couple or a single drivernot go with more than one guy in the car.

* Keep If getting in a truck or car driving long-distance, maybe to where you want to go, including sleeping in the truck with the driver. Never tell yes to go all way from the beginning. Say you are going to visit a friend in a city on the way and then when you get a feeling of safety with the driver tell him that you will visit your backpack close friend some other time and go all the way now.* If there are other houses or people in sight, you can wave to them or pretend to say goodbye to a friend. The driver will think that somebody has seen you getting into their car. * Always trust your instincts. ''Don't panic''!* Keep up a good conversation with the driver. See [[etiquette]].* Hitchhike with someone you know. On hitchhike forums (isuch as at [https://couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=12 the CS group], or [http://www.jayride.co.enz Jayride] for [[New Zealand|NZ]] you can find other hitchhikers. on your lap) * It might a good idea to get yourself some [[pepper spray]], just in case. But it can be illegal to carry in some parts of the world so you grab be aware. Also, it if might not be a good idea to use in a closed space as you need to 'd get out quicklya good dose of pepper yourself. There are also canisters of ''pepper gel'' which emit a stream of gel instead of a spray mist, which could save you in enclosed spaces. Don't use pepper spray while the car is in motion. Blinding the driver will probably result in a crash. === Stuff safety ===* Wear your '''most valuable small stuff on your body''': passport, wallet, money, mobile phone. This way you will keep these items in case you should abandon your bag.* Remember that your backpack is the last one to enter the car and the first one to leave it. Also avoid putting it into the trunk if you are hiking alone, or if the driver has an opportunity to drive away with your luggage - though sometimes this is simply not an option. It's a good idea to keep the door open while you get your bag from the trunk. It's actually much more likely a hitchhiker ''forgetting their own bag'' or other objects than theft. Better take it with you when you go to the rest room as when you come back the car might be gone, even just due to the driver getting told to park somewhere else and now you can't find him anymore, etc.* Keep your backpack close to you (i.e. on your lap), so you can grab it if you need to get out quickly. === Road safety === * Wear well visible [[appearance|clothes]], stand at a safe spot, be careful while walking on the road.* Aim to leave the vehicle at a safe spot.* Do not hitchhike on the highways in western countries. People will not notice you, thus they will not pick you up and there have been accidents. It is very dangerous and often illegal, too. == Choose your drivers ==It is preferable to choose your drivers. Ask for rides at [[petrol station hitchhiking|petrol stations]] or truck stops. Briefly profile people by their appearance and talk to folks that seem safe/interesting. Appearances do not guarantee safety. By seeking rides at petrol stations instead of at the roadside, you have more time to talk with drivers and evaluate their character. It may be unwise to accept rides from drivers who are stressed, angry, or demanding.[http://www.adventuresauce.com/2011/12/how-to-hitchhike/] Do not accept rides from drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. One of the safest ones to get a lift from is the truck drivers. You sit far away from the driver. You are always able to open the door if needed (just don't jump while the truck is moving if you like your life moving again). Big trucks in [[Western Europe]] anyway also have a sensor on their trucks that let their boss know exactly where they are. Going off the road or stopping for some minutes and the boss will be all over the case, calling on the phone... This is not always the case, however. In [[Australia]], truck drivers drive long distances on one lane highways and are often overworked. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions and bad experiences. == Leaving the vehicle early ==When you are on the road, if the situation gets bad for whatever reason and you don't want to be in the vehicle, then find a way to leave. Get the driver to leave you at the next good hitchhiking spot (choose it yourself, don't rely on the driver to choose it for you), or in another safe area such as a city where you can contact people you know, use hospitality exchange organisations, or take public transport. Remember that if for whatever reason you are not wearing your seatbelt and the car is moving, the driver can distract or injure you by braking so that you hit your head. If you feel uncomfortable, remember that you don't have to stay in the vehicle, and you don't owe it to the driver to travel the full distance agreed upon. Good get-out tactics include faking travel sickness, or stating that you've changed your mind and want to do something else. Stay calm and be polite but direct, and most drivers will respect your wishes. === Emergency exit === First of all, don't panic. Still, a situation might occur that you want to get out of the car and the driver does not want to stop. ... '''Need more info'''...* Never use the handbrake. Using it will almost certainly lead to a car crash.* Cause a (small) accident* Call emergency number ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/112_%28emergency_telephone_number%29 112] in EU, 911 in US, 000 in Australia, 111In New Zealand ) Note: it is now possible to text/SMS 911 in the US, and doing so may lower your chances of arousing suspicion.* Prepare to loosen your seatbelt, and wait until the driver has to stop at a red light or stop sign. When the driver stops the car slide your belt off and open the door in one motion and get you and your pack out before they have any idea what you're doing.* As an emergency safety precaution, carry a roll of toilet paper and a lighter. In the event that you feel uncomfortable and the driver refuses to stop, light the toilet paper and throw it into the back seat. The smoke and fire will encourage the driver to stop and/or alert other cars on the road.* A helpful trick if you just have a bad feeling about a ride, but not really a reason to scream for help (yet): Pretend to feel sick and tell your ride to stop immediately because otherwise you might ruin his car... when they stop, jump out of the car with your backpack, tell them not to wait and head away from the road until they're gone.

It is preferable ** From personal experience: Causing a small accident may do more damage than good, since the driver will most likely just speed off, anyway, rather than trying to wait around and get caught by the police. Plus, that gives you a much greater chance of being injured. Remember that no matter where you get taken, you will still have the opportunity to choose your drivershitchhike out of, and thus get rescued by someone else. You Plus, vehicles do require fuel, and eventually run out of it. So, you can ask for rides at gas stations or truckstops. Briefly profile some point find yourself in a (very useful!) petrol station, from where you can: have contact with other people by their appearance , make phone calls, lock yourself in the bathroom to avoid confrontations, and talk hitchhike a new ride. Your best bet is to folks that seem safe/interesting. But always remember that appearances do not guarantee safetystay calm and confident, no matter the situation.

==Women hitchhikingHitching in Extreme Climates ==For women, hitchhiking can be a bit more risky. Here are some tips to consider:* It is a good idea to get yourself some [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_spray pepper spray], just in case.* You can also check if the doors open from the inside by pretending not to have closed the door properly. * It might be useful to send the license plate of your driver to a friend in a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_message_service SMS].* If there are other houses or people in sight, you can wave to them or pretend to say goodbye to a friend. The driver will think that somebody has seen you getting into their car.

Apart from being more dangerous, hitchhiking as a woman can be easier. Often, women stop for other women or girlsThe climate poses an entirely separate danger to hitchhikers. Even families (or other usually not hitch-hiker-friendly car owners) stop to "save" women from As a hitchhiker you may find yourself in the situation of being stuck in an extremely hot or cold place, both of which they think she could be in dangerare potentially fatal if not dealt with appropriately.=== Extreme Cold ===:''See [[Winter]] for more information.''

----=== Extreme Heat ===Three important factors The extreme heat poses a great risk of dehydration and sunstroke in the summer months in many countries in the world. You absolutely must bring plenty of drinking water. Try to have no less than 4L of water with you per day. If there is a risk of being stuck in direct sunlight for safe travel while hitchhiking are '''road safety'''a long time, bring sunscreen, '''awareness''' and '''communication''':perhaps also an umbrella, particularly if there are not many trees around.

===Road SafetySee also ==<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">* [[Health]]* [[Where to hitchhike]]* [[Picking up hitchhikers]], for driversThe #1 danger * [[One page guide to safe hitchhiking|Safety pdf]] - a hitchhiker is not violence; it is traffic accidents. As a result, hitchhikers should make sure they are standing along project to create a one-page guide to safe portion of roadhitchhiking* [http://wegwijzer.be/dossier/veilig-liften PDF guide about hitchhiking safety] - A complete guidebook about safety, as far back from the traveled portion of the road as possible (on the unimproved portion of the road shoulder). Make sure that you are visible including how to drivers jump from a good distance (100 meters or more) moving vehicle* [http://www.yourworldyourhome.com/hhsafe/ is Hitchhiking safe?]* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxfCLJZtboY Is Hitchhiking dangerous for girls? Sharing practical tips on how to allow them time to safely pull to the side of the road.stay safe]</div>

===AwarenessEven more info ===Awareness on the part of a hitchhiker will keep him or her from accepting dangerous rides- for example, a driver traveling under the influence of alcohol or narcotics* [http://www.couchsurfing. Examine the driver and vehiclecom/group_read. If there are signs of intoxication (slurred or erratic speech, no eye contact, open alcohol containers) do NOT get html?gid=12&post=938480 Bad hitchhiking - Sharing stories?] in the vehicle. Refuse the rideCouchSurfing group about hitchhiking.

===Communication===Communication is essential to make sure the ride offered is one that the hitchhiker would like to take, and that it will end at a safe spot to stop. Ask the driver before getting in his/her car[[Category: Where are you going? Can you drop me off at a service area or other safe place near your destination? '''Trust your instincts!''' If you do not feel comfortable accepting the ride, thank the driver and say no. Walk away.Safety]]

[[Categoryde:General infoSicherheit]][[fi:Turvallisuus]][[fr:Sécurité]][[hr:Sigurnost autostopere]][[pl:Bezpieczeństwo]][[tr:Otostopta güvenlik]][[zh:Hitchhiker's safety]][[he:הבטיחות בטרמפים]][[nl:Veiligheid]]