Do you think it is safe to occasionally pick up hitchhikers?

Only if they are directly in front of the car because I just had some bodywork done.

No unless I see a girl and her baby stranded or something then I'd let her use my phone first and wait with her for someone.

No. hitchikers present a special problem to society. you do not know this person. he could be a serial killer, a pervert, child molester, or running away from child support.

A hitchiker may be armed. he or she may attempt a carjacking, taking your vehicle away. he may hold you hostage and demand money from your family.

As you can see, the odds of a hitchiker being an angel is non-existent. not all hichikers fit this category, but its hard for you to make that determination on a dark, secluded and lonely stretch of road or highway. oh, and lets not leave out mental patients.

If you want to press your luck, go ahead and give hitchikers rides.

Sooner or later, your luck will run out and you will be just another statistic.

Problem is, it is impossible to know if a hitch hiker is safe. So every occasion as a certain degree of risk. Its a shame, it makes it harder for harmless hitch hickers such as myself

Yes, I would still do but only when my family is not with me. These days we travel along highways and I have not seen hitchhikers for years.

I think most are leary of strangers and should be.

Everyone recommends against both stopping for them, and hitchhiking yourself.

I see many still hitchhiking,and are picked up.Nothing has changed from the hippie days,except the dress is different.People still need rides,and it is fun to meet new people this way.I have met many being both a hitchhiker and the one that give them rides.

When I was in Austria we used to hitchhike when we didn't want to walk all the way to the train station...and we were all good people. Although, I think it's a little different there in a small town.

In America....eh, I don't think I'd feel comfortable being a 23 year old woman picking up a hitchhiker...I don't know, I just wouldn't feel comfortable.

Sure. I would if my girlfriend let me. I'd only pick up ones that I would be capable of fighting off if push came to shove.

For the most part no, it is safe. For men it may be little safer. For the ladies, If you pick up a hitchhiker you are literally placing your own, and your families life in the hands of the hitchhiker. There is too much risk involved.

Yes!

Most of the stories you hear are sensationalized. Forget the movies. You're no more likely to meet a serial killer on the roadside than when outside the vehicle. You DO go out in public, right? If you're that scared, then read the statistics on vehicle accidents; merely driving is dangerous too.

I've picked many a hitchhiker while alone, sometimes at night, sometimes 'freaky-looking' ones, and I've never had a problem. Then again, I am male (unlikely to be raped) and my cars tend to be nothing worth stealing and convey my economic status fairly well. so car-jacking and robbery are likely out too.

Personally, no - I don't. It's just too risky. It's actually illegal to hitch hike in some countries now - Australia for example.

I agree with staffie. My old boyfriend used to like to pick people up, but I hated it, and wouldn't let him do it when i was in the car. Don't risk it.

no i wouldnt take the chance i think its too risky you hear too many stories

It could well be safe to pick up some hitchhikers, but personally i would never take the risk.

No I don't think so. You may end up being rob or something.

There is risk for the hitchiker too, I ve been hitchiking a lot and some drivers are weirdos, drunks or have mental issues... But most people are nice and like to have somebody to talk with on the road. If you really dont want to take the chance stay at home,away from you car and avoid the sun you can die from skin cancer...

My friend and I used to catch rides all the time when we where younger, like 13 and 14 years old in Vegas. Now, all you see on the news is murderers, child rapists and crazy people, why make it easy for the psychos. I am surprised I made it through those years I was hitchhiking.

Absolutely not, it is not safe. Many years ago people did hitchhike even girls, but no more.