Hitchhiker's safety

From Hitchwiki
Revision as of 02:32, 25 July 2007 by Zac Stewart (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Hitchhiking is usually very safe. The most encountered feelings of unsafety are probably concerning the driver's driving style.


Road Safety

Hitchhikers like to claim that the #1 danger to a hitchhiker is not violence; it is traffic accidents. 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 someones car if you are suspecting this might be the case. Even if you can't find a conversation topic, stay alert.

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. Most reported cases of murder or rape of hitchhikers involve women hitchhiking alone. Here are some tips to consider:

  • It is a good idea to get yourself some pepper spray, just in case.
  • You can also check if the doors open from the inside by pretending not to have closed the door properly.
  • It might be useful to send the license plate of your driver to a friend in a SMS.
  • 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.

Apart from being more dangerous, hitchhiking as a woman can be easier. Often, women stop for other women or girls. Even families (or other usually not hitch-hiker-friendly car owners) stop to "save" women from a situation in which they think she could be in danger.

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.
  • 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.
  • It's probably safest to accept a ride from a couple or a female driver.
  • It's better to sit in the front of the vehicle.
  • 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.
  • Aim to leave the vehicle at a safe spot.

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.

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