Hitchhiker's safety

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Revision as of 00:30, 14 January 2008 by 213.46.66.142 (talk)
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Hitchhiking is usually very safe. The most encountered feelings of unsafety are probably concerning the driver's driving style.


Road Safety

You should make sure you are standing along a safe portion of road, 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 to drivers from a good distance (100 meters or more is ideal) to allow them time to safely pull to the side of the road. Wear visible clothes, also while walking on the road!

Sometimes, especially but not exclusively at night, drivers will 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.

The hitch-hiker should see himself as an agent 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 hitch-hiker should stay safe, be seen especially at night, remind the driver of the speed limitations, 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 traveling 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 his 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 his/her 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 drivers reaction can give you some information about him or her. Trust your instincts! If you do not feel comfortable accepting the ride, thank the driver and say no. Walk away.

Women hitchhiking

For women, hitchhiking seems to be more risky. 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 (as a product of homophobia in the world), and murders are not getting the label of "hitch-hiking-murders" as often with male victims.

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". As a product of sexism in the society many people think that women are more safe to take up as hitch hikers. And, possibly as a result of sexism in the society, women tend to be more safe to take up as hitch hikers.

Top tips for safety

  • Wear well visible clothes, stand at a safe spot, be careful while walking on the road.
  • If you doubt about the ride offered, turn it down.
  • You can also check if the doors open from the inside by pretending not to have closed the door properly.
  • Some say to note the registration number or vehicle model and colour (SMS this to a friend).
  • Hitchhike with someone you know. On hitchhike forums (such as at Hospitality Club or DigiHitch) you can find other hitchhikers.
  • Hitchhiking at night is more dangerous than at daytime.
  • It's probably safest to not go with more than one guy in the car.
  • It's better to sit in the front of the vehicle.
  • It is 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 be aware.
  • Keep your backpack close to you (i.e. on your lap), so you grab it if you need to get out quickly.
  • Wear your most valuable stuff on your body: passport, wallet, money, mobile phone. This way you will keep these items in case you should abandon your bag.
  • 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.
  • If getting in a truck or car driving longdistance, maybe to where you want to go, including sleeping in the truck with the driver. Never tell yes to go all way from the beggining. 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 wisit your friend some other time and go all the way now.
  • Aim to leave the vehicle at a safe spot.
  • Always trust your insticts.
  • Think positive and you will attract positive. Do nothing of this and you might be safer.

It is preferable to choose your drivers. You can ask for rides at gas stations or truckstops. Briefly profile people by their appearance and talk to folks that seem safe/interesting. But always remember that appearances do not guarantee safety.

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 dont jump wile the truck are moving if you like your life moving again). Big trucks in Vestern europe anyway also have a sensor on there trucks that let there 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...

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.

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 you 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.


See also