The ASA/GLEN Hitch

About Hitchhiking 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

• How to start?
• Where to start?
• How safe is hitchhiking (on of our society’s major concerns)?

…

• How to start?
  The best way to learn hitchhiking is to just do it. You might have a look on the below mentioned pages before, but then hit the road and thumbs up!
  • http://en.hitchwiki.org/?title=Top_Tips
  • http://en.hitchwiki.org/?title=First_time
  • http://abgefahren.hitchbase.com/ErstesMalTrampen (de)
  • http://abgefahren.hitchbase.com/Sicherheit (de)
  • http://girls.hitchbase.com  

• Where to start?
  The most difficult and time intense while hitchhiking is to get to the motorway in the first place. In oder to reduce those times and maximize the chance that you start at a good spot, the hitchhiking community is collecting good spots. Those you can find under…
  • http://maps.hitchwiki.org
  • http://www.hitchwiki.org
  • http://www.hitchbase.com

• How safe is hitchhiking (on of our society’s major concerns)?
  (taken & translated from Abgefahren e.V. – Sicherheit)
  Hitchhiking is usually very safe. The most encountered feelings of unsafety – and also the greatest risk – are probably concerning the driver’s driving style. However, it is good to know the risks and keep some rules in mind.
  • When you hitchhike you risk:
    1) being involved in a road accident, and/or
    2) become a target of a crime.
    .
    Basic Rule: It all depends on the driver. 
    .
    • Code of conduct
      • chose a save and good spot
      • do not jump into every car, check first (e.g. alcohol?)
      • listen to commonsense and gut feelings
      • say no
      • get out
  • Minimizing Risks
    • Risk of theft
      • wear valuables and documents close to the body
      •  keep luggage when possible in the front
      • keep the magic get out sequence in mind: front open – back open – back close – front close
    • Risk of rape
      Problem: When hitchhiking the rape supporting stereotype of sexual availableness manifest.
      • Possible approaches to reduce risk
        • self-confident appearance
        • dress adequately
        • hitchhike in teams (not alone)
        • avoid to hitchhike short distances
        • do not get into a vehicle with a man 
        • do not get into a vehicle with more men 
        • send number plate via SMS
        • pepper spray (?)
      • What to do when in danger?
        • 1. build up a personal relationship with the driver/suspect
          2. keep cool
          3. resistance 
        • talk, talk, talk
        • unambiguous verbal negation
        • in a good situation force a stop (hand break, burning paper in the back, pushing the door open with the feet)
        • fight, scream, kick, bite, hit, …