Once a long time ago I used to pick up hitch hikers.

@lookatdesktop yes I agree and plus most that I see hitchhiking a ride has a backpack of clothes, stuff who knows what else is in there! Like weapons!

You are smart to not pick up strangers. You see, many of these people are convicted felons or runaways who have no business on the roads or highways. In any case if they are on foot they are not using much common sense, as the driver of the next car that stops and gives them a ride could just as well be a dangerous predator!

You are wise to think like this. Always deal with any stranger as a danger when on the road. I mean on the streets be it on foot or bike or motor car.

But the statistics of this happening is higher than normal these days. People still feel too safe with strangers and they should exercise common sense and caution and never ever ever accept a ride from a stranger under any circumstances, even if you think your life is in danger and need a ride to safety. This can only double your dangers.

@DWDavis , Yep. I had survival instincts on overdrive. No way they were gonna mess with my wife and I would have done my level best to stop them if they even made a move. Thank God my smooth recovery and speed of actions prevented a bad outcome.

@lookatdesktop This is what we always do, it is even dangerous to stop to help people.

That is correct. Never pick up a stranger no matter what. If you see what appears to be a stranded motorist, don't stop to offer then a lift or even let them use your phone if you have on on hand, instead, call the local emergency services and give details of the person and their vehicle to the law and they can handle it from there. That way you are still safe and sound inside your car. Don't wait for the police to arrive, be on your way!

I have been lucky I never got into a fist fight nor had my car hijacked. Or myself shot in the back of the head. I did however have an interesting thing happen up in Montana, when I picked up an ex con who offered to share a beef steak as we slept on the side of the road, just beneath a group of high mountains, where it is known that the Grizzly Bear sometimes comes out to hunt for people meat. The next day he got out cause he has reached the end of the line for him and I was so relieved that I counted my lucky stars. The steak was not worth the risk of having my throat slit in the night and car stolen but he turned out actually to be a nice person even though an ex con.

@lookatdesktop that's good to hear... And i'm glad that you were both fine. I salute to your kindness, sir

In a way it's a paradox. It takes bad acts of people to make others wise to the dangers but at the same time creates complete distrust of all people in similar situations. But it is better to be afraid and avoid potential dangers than to blindly go into the night.

Don't kick yourself in the you know where! We all do stupid things when we are young. Hind site is 20/20.