How to Spot the Dangers of Hitchhiking

There are many dangers associated with hitchhiking and accepting rides with strangers or from people you barely know. Keep in mind that hitchhiking is illegal in many countries or sharply restricted in most states and punishable by fines or imprisonment. Hitchhiking puts the travelers at the mercy of others. Rather than putting yourself in that position, travel safely with family, friends or use public transportation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Recognize that by hitchhiking and standing near or by the road, you are increasing your risk of a roadside accident. Many people become the victim of a car accident themselves or create accidents for others by standing too close to the road.

2. Learn that getting into cars with people you don't know can expose you to dangerous driving activity such as drinking and driving, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic or careless drivers in general.

3. Realize that when you hitchhike you must stay alert to your surroundings. Make sure you do not fall asleep and that you know where you are at all times.

4. Acknowledge that when you hitchhike, you may end up stranded or in a deserted or unfamiliar area.

5. Know that there are bad people in the world and some display anger, outrage and abusive behavior, either verbally or otherwise.

6. Understand that hitchhiking can lead to physical danger such as abuse, kidnapping, robbery, abduction, rape or murder.

7. Protect yourself by not hitchhiking or accepting rides from people you do not know well. There are many missing persons reported every day in the United States; do not become a statistic.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not pick hitchhikers up. This can be just as dangerous as hitchhiking yourself.