Giving Strangers/Hitchhikers A Ride

I don't pick up hitch hikers...these days people will take a life over a fuckin $10 bill.

 

Edit: Basturd..I didnt see the fine print...

 

most crackheads are pretty family oriented

 

Gas, Grass or Ass...no one rides for free!

 

merica

 

No, never, not in a million years.

 

All kinds of weirdness to be seen hitching and picking up strangers. The only time that was sketchy for me though, I pulled over to offer a ride and my dog went ballistic when the hitcher opened the door. I accept a warning from my dog. Me and dog drove away and left angry drunk guy to walk it off.

 

Back in my ski bum days, I used to have to hitch a ride to and from the mountain to get to work when my car was dead. And at that time, my car was dead often. I would be EXTREMELY greatful to anyone who offered me a ride in the cold and snow so I could make it to work on time.

When my car was running, I would often return the favor and pick up anyone needing a ride in the area.

There are some strange people out there for sure. Though I never felt in immediate danger, there were some people who put me on edge.

If I am in an unfamiliar place, no way I will pick anyone up. Society is pretty F'd up these days.

 

If I had a concealed weapons permit I might if it felt right. Just like everything else the creeps ruin it for the ones who need help.

 

Sure any day.... if they don't mind wearing handcuffs and riding shotgun where I can keep an eye on em always have a spare set in the glove box for work... figure why not put em to use. Quick pat down and I'll take them wherever.

If they are dirty or stink though.... sorry, not in my truck. Nothing against dirty stinky people, but I don't need dirt or nasty smell stuck in my seats for weeks.

 

My barber and his dad were both killed by hitch hikers on separate occasions, so no I'm good on the hikers. Some sketchy guy wouldn't take no for an answer at the gas station one night and tried to jump on the back of my motorcycle...and them he pulled a knife out, but I carry so he ran.

 

The only time I picked up hitch-hikers was just outside of Seaside, Oregon 20 years ago. Two hot chicks about my age. I thought to myself, "I am the man!" I was only 22 years old. They then proceeded to eat all my Sun Chips, drink my soda and fall asleep. So they had to be hungover. Got into town and had to drop them off at a bar. Too young and naive I was at the time...stupid young girls, probably mooch off everyone.

That's the only time, I wish it would have turned out to be a Penthouse letter but like I said I was young, naive and drove a Bronco II. I usually have my dog with me nowadays and she wouldn't allow anyone else in my truck except for my son and girlfriend.

 

I gave an older lady a ride once. She wasn't looking for a ride, but she was about 1/2 beyond a broken-down pickup and it was snowing. She had no coat. I stopped to offer a ride. It ended up being about 5 miles to her house, and she was pleasant and appreciative. I can't believe she was going to walk the whole way!

I have been approached for rides a couple times at gas stations, but the answer is always no. Luckily I haven't even had to lie, I have always been headed the opposite direction.

Since I moved to North Dakota I have been offered help on the road a number of times. "Rural" is an understatement. I work in the oil field and some of the locations I work are 20-30 miles from the nearest town, and often you have to drive up the road to find cell phone service then park there while you make your call, and people who drive past generally stop to check on you. Especially in the winter you don't leave someone out there. And I have stopped to check on people, at least offer to make a call for them. When I am in a city I don't feel obligated to help, but 20 miles from town you have a real problem if your truck breaks down, so it's just how people are up here.

 

Just happened:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/23/charles-kelley_n_1907166.html

Never given a ride myself, but am curious about hitch-hiking across America one day.

 

My dad is a remarkably successful hitchhiker. He used to hitchhike back and forth from college to his parents house. Little old ladies with grandkids pick him up. Once he got in a car with 3 drunk Indian guys, they kept saying they would kill the next white guy they saw, then they offered my dad (who couldn't possibly be any whiter) a beer. They let him go without incident, albeit about 15 miles from where they had agreed to take him, he just wanted out of the car quickly!

He said the most trouble he ever had getting a ride was when he was leaning on a sign post and couldn't figure out why no one would give him a ride for almost an hour. He finally decided to start walking, then read the sign: Federal Penitentiary. Do not pick up hitchhikers in this area. Someone gave him a ride about half a mile down the road though.

His secrets: don't carry anything you don't need, if people can see everything you have on your person they will likely pick you up. A backpack kills your chances.

And above all, WALK. Look like you have a place to be and you're going to get there whether you walk or ride. Sitting by the road just makes you look lazy.

 

not in this town.

 

oh god.

 

HAAA!! That's so cool! I wonder how different the landscape/mentality is towards being picked up today (guess this thread is an indication, at least). Hopefully your dad is writing a book on How To Be A Hitchhiker. I'll take these pointers when sticking my thumb out....

 

My dad and I gave a couple a ride after the Nascar race in Sonoma.....to their car in the back of the parking lot.



That was harmless enough because they weren't sketchy, and the race had just ended.



I would never give some random person a ride though (unless it's a cute girl maybe...), especially a hitchhiker on the side of the road.