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The most common [[hitchhiking|hitchhiker]] '''mistakes''' to avoid if you want to go as fast and efficient as possible:
# '''Not communicating clearly'''<br />You want to go South and end up going East. Make sure where your driver goes before you are heading off...<br /><br />
# '''Losing items on route'''<br />Hitchhiking requires going into and leaving vehicles, sometimes very quickly depending on the situation. It happens easily that you forget an object, for example the map that you use to study the best place to change cars, or to know where about you actually are. Don't unpack anything, and keep your stuff in your pockets & bags. When getting out of the car always look at the seat to make sure nothing fell out!<br /><br />
# '''Discussing controversial matters with drivers; losing control over conversation''' (e.g. Religion, Politics or Sex)<br />Some drivers need to bring over extreme political opinions. This is not food for debate, you only need to hear it because for one you were to accept the ride from a stranger. Discussing those matters too fiercely has a negative impact of the joy of the conversation and the pleasure experienced during and after the ride. As ridiculous or extreme as his points of view may be, agree with the driver, and take it an exercise in diplomacy: laugh it off afterwards!<br /><br />
# '''Sticking to a [[gas Petrol stationhitchhiking|Gas Station]]'''<br />You're at a gas station on the [[highway]] and the next gas station on the highway is 122 km away. Don't be set upon finding a ride that takes you there. If you end up not getting a ride for more than 30 minutes you're probably better off at an on-ramp half way -- as long as there's enough daylight left. However, keep Mistake #3 in mind.<br /><br />
# '''Going one gas station too far'''<br />Missing your exit or last station before your destination might cause getting off at first station after your destination. It is deadly situation, unless you find an Extremely Friendly Driver with a lot of Free Time (this creature is half-mythical, and may fall into the same category as unicorns, etc) who is happy to drive you back. You do not want to walk kilometres back along the motorway, even if this may seem tempting. Get a lift to the next off-ramp, walk across, and hitch back to where you came from.<br /><br />
# '''Two or more people hitch-hiking at truck stops'''<br />Truckers are often happy to take hitchhikers. But in [[Western Europe]] and [[North America]] they're unlikely to pick up two hitchhikers, especially if their colleagues can see them. Avoid places with only trucks if you want a ride for 2. Also, it is illegal in some countries for truck drivers to take 2 people, as the truck cab only has 2 seat belts. If this happens to you your best shot is to look for trucks of one company, it's likely that they're driving together into one direction.<br /><br />
