How to Hitch Hike

How do you feel when you think of hitch hiking? Do you get a sense of excitement or a sense of dread? Overall it seems more feared these days than it was in the sixties. Many times I have overheard people say that they would never pick up a hitchhiker, usually with the reasoning “just in case, that one time... it's a psycho.”

I do pick up hitchhikers, and have hitchhiked myself a couple of times. Overall I haven't had any mishaps with the hitchhikers I've picked up and even met a lasting friend that way, and though one time a hitchhiker did steal a wallet out of a backpack in the back seat, I don't let that stand-alone negative experience dissuade me from helping other people in need in the future.

Use Common Sense While Hitchhiking

It's just a matter of following your gut, your sixteenth sense, in learning how to be receptive to someone's vibe. We don't give our intuitions enough credit. The trick both to hitching, and to picking up hitchers, is to be in-tune with the subtle signals under the surface- that you may read someone's intentions clear as day.

The vast majority of people don't have an alternative agenda and basically kind, but you may run into those that are just plain out for an easy buck.

Hucksters learn to capitalize on people who are kindhearted but naive, bending the awareness of their shadiness into a situation of need. This occurs successfully I think when the people being taken advantage of are helping out of a feeling of social obligation, rather than genuine compassion.

The Etiquette of Hitch Hiking

Stand somewhere where it is easy for people to pull over, or at least get close to you. Interstate on- or off-ramps are great, as long as there is plenty of room for deceleration and clear vision of the area.

People are much more likely to pull over if they see you for a few moments prior to passing you, wherein their brain can process the decision to stop.

Stick your thumb out in a relaxed, not insistent manner, facing traffic. A simple cardboard sign (“A1 North”) can work also.

You don't have to stick your thumb out when there are no cars around, unless you happen to be superstitious that way. Never gesture angrily or yell at people who don't pick you up as you'll just contribute to the negative imagery of hitchhikers.

When a car pulls over, run to it on the passenger side and wait for a door to open or window to roll down. If you get an uncomfortable ('bad') vibe, politely tell the person no thanks you'll wait for the next one. If they are insistent, walk away. If they continue to follow you, run screaming or bust out the judo.

When you do get a ride, thank the person immediately and introduce yourself. Ask where you should sit if there is any question. More than likely they'll ask you where you're going and you'll figure out how far they'll take you. Offer a couple bucks gas money if you have enough to spare, especially if they take you a long distance or are inconvenienced by your presence.

Make small talk if the person seems chatty, bask in the scenery if they prefer silence. During rides is a prime opportunity to gain knowledge about surrounding areas. You can ask the denizens of the vehicle if they are from the area, what it's like, nearby areas of interest, etc, whatever you want to know. People usually love to talk about such things to strangers, for it makes them feel like an expert somehow, the local tour guide, in a position of power.

When they drop you off, thank them again by name (if you remember it). If you don't remember, ask them their name again. Perhaps swap contact info if you really liked them. Most importantly, have fun!