Changes

Whatever statistics are concerning violence to women, there are some things you can do in order to avoid/go out from difficult situations

There are many different ways to get a ride from staying on the side of the road to asking directly to people at petrol stations. I personnaly like better to ask to people because you can then have a feeling of who is driving. It is of course difficult to know what kind of people could a person be just from the look but the first contact when asking them may let you avoid guys who already have matcho or strange behaviour towards you.

If you want or have to stay on the edge of the road, your attitude will of course attract differently and different people. The 'positive attitude' thing is important but be aware of what you may suggest when standing and smiling. Body language is really important.

Also the car of the people sometimes tell also about their owner. I am personnally more careful when asking for example fatly tuned car with big sound installation and loud music played since this can show that the driver gives a lot of importance (and money) into appearance, and likes probably to be seen, to impress and it is not rare that their car is also a tool to flirt and impress girls. This is just an example and there is of course no generality. I have often met really nice people, which at first glance I wouldn't think of as sympathetic. Just follow your feeling and '''don't hesitate to refuse a ride if you don't feel like it'''!

'''Set up some rules for yourself''' before begining to hitch hike. I personnaly have this one that if I happen to think/feel something is strange with somebody, I refuse the ride or ask to be dropped as soon as possible, even in the middle of nowhere. This is also valid for your security whith some drivers driving like crazy or really fast because they usually do so or because they want to show you how fast is their Audy TT. It may be better to spend an extra night in the middle of nowhere (which can actually be really nice) than begin raped or smashed in a car accident.

Finally take something with you to defend yourself in case of trouble. A knive can often be enough to dissuade your agressor. There are also pepper sprays you can find in some specialized shops, thought difficult to use in closed spaces. Take care, in some country it is illegal to use it against people or to use it at all... Having a mobile phone and knowing the important number (police, friends, ...) may be useful. You can also set up your own safety rules as for example always take your bag at your feet if it is not too big, in case you have to leave fast, etc...