Hitchiking ain't dead

fun idea, my husband hitch hiked from idaho, to rhode island and back, but back in the 80s

thats cool! it doesn't matter if it was 20+ years ago. maybe get him to write down a story from the trip!

I've only picked up a hitchhiker once in my life, but boy do I have a story about that guy!

Hitchhiking ain't dead, but it sure is DEADLY. In the US, at least.

When I was growing up in Arizona in the 80s, there was a PSA (public service announcement) on TV that went a little like this:

"The thumb can do many things . . ."

(cut to lady's thumb strumming a guitar, opening a soda can, typing on a typewriter)

". . . but this is the deadliest."

(cut to lady's thumb sticking out over a road as cars wiz by)

This is still the source of ongoing jokes with me and my sister. Though, there is a sad truth to the PSA. Unfortunately, I can't find it on YouTube.

Bad things in hitchiking are so rare though. its just the bad stories get the biggest exposure. you'll never hear in the news about a hitchiking getting fed a meal and a sofa to sleep on by their lift. most of the times its usually just the driving just asking for sex/handjob/blowjob. just say no. if they continue to nag just ask to be let out of the car. kick and scream and go fucking crazy. they'll stop. seriously. i've done A LOT of reading on hitching. talk to LOTS of people.

I think it depends on what country you're talking about. In Australia it has been so dangerous in a significant enough amount of cases that people are more cautious than ever. You only have to Google Ivan Milat or The Backpacker Murders to know what I mean.

That said, I've hitched (with a very tough-looking ex-BF!) and once we truly thought our number was up....

[Watching this swap for now.]

sorry, didn't mean to be sensationalist. I thought the PSA was funny (and sad) and wanted to share that perspective.

In small town British Columbia, hitching is still alive and is an effective and safe way to get around. It's also quicker and easier than the local bus in most cases too. I'm definitely in!

UK & EUROPE it's still good that's for sure. and really safe. probably the safest? my USA friends tell me its okay in america, but keep your wits with you.