Is it still safe to hitchhike in the UK?

Answer 1

no but if you do go in two's or more and be very careful

Answer 2

It very much depends on who's asking and who's doing the picking up. Hitchhiking has always been a risk, where ever you were. In the UK there has been a big increase in the number of hitch hikers being taken advantage of, and a corresponding drop in the number of hitchhikers, in the last 20 or 30 years.

There are two considerations. The first, of course, is the safety (or self-perception of safety) of the hitchhiker. Two travelling together will always be safer than a lone hitchhiker and females are more at risk than males. The second is the safety of the person giving the lift. A lone female would be unlikely to pick up any hitchhiker but would be more inclined to give a lift to a lone female if, by her dress and mien she seemed to be non-threatening and, indeed, in trouble. Most lone males would be disinclined to pick up two hitchhikers but might pick up one, again provided that the hitchhiker looked presentable and not a threat (physically or sanitarily). Whereas a lorry (truck) used to be universally considered a safe bet, most commercial drivers are now forbidden to pick up hitchhikers.

Position and time of day are important, too. It is undoubtedly safer to hitchhike in daylight on a local country road with only local traffic than it is at night on a main road, motorway or near or in towns.

My impression is that, overall, hitchhiking always carried an element of risk (and often of serendipity) and the risk has undoubtedly increased (both the risk of harm and the risk of not getting a lift) but that it is exaggerated by fear and a perception of statistics fostered by the media such that crimes are reported and cases with happy outcomes are ignored.

I would advise against hitchhiking in the UK as a matter of choice and over long distances. If you were trying to get from a local railway station to a secluded Youth Hostel, then it's still an option.

Answer 3

Have you been in a coma for a long period of time. Just not watched or read the news?

Sure go ahead and hitchhike. The rest of the world will be waiting to see when you make the headlines because some wack job hacked your body to pieces because you were to cheap to take a bus, train or taxi.

Answer 4

yes all the bad people are in jail, think not ! but on the other hand some people still do it and they are ok so its a un safe gamble but who's to know th driver could suffer a spasam or heart atcak and you get the car under control and stopped and use his cell phone (just thinking if hicking u dont have one) to call for help the it would be a happy ending you never know till your in the spot if you must than well , take a bus but you can get assalted in those as well too, so if its not your time then , but i live in the USA an people still do it

Answer 5

Depends what your definition of 'safe' is. I was in the UK back in 2004, and wouldn't have a problem doing it. I'm female, but I'm fairly burly. I'm also prepared to offer a small amount of money to the driver for their troubles. Most of the people I've run across are really friendly. I'd stick to doing it during daylight hours, my worst fear would be getting picked up by a drunk driver.

Answer 6

I hitched a few times when I was at college through necessity, although I wouldn't advise it as a woman. If you've got your wits about you (and don't dress sexily) you'll probably get by with nothing more than a couple of unwanted approaches, but it'd definitely be my last option.

Answer 7

Generally yes, but it requires common sense. It's better to travel as a couple or take lifts from a couple, ie, mixed sex. preferably from an older age group. Be clear about your detination and always carry a map so you can check the directions you are being driven

Answer 8

Hitchhiking is a great way to travel that allows you to really get to know the locals. Many people prefer hitching to other forms of transport because it you can get dropped off anywhere, allowing you to discover places you may never have dreamed of visiting.



Many European countries are great places to hitch in and it is a popular way of getting around. Most hitchers say that you don't have to wait much longer than 15 to 20 minutes for a lift although it may take longer on deserted country roads due to the lack of traffic.



Unfortunately hitchhiking gets a lot of bad press. It seems that everyone thinks that you'll get murdered if you hitch. This attitude has two negative effects – people are too frightened to pick you up and a lot of other travellers are scared to hitch-hike meaning less hitchers on the road which ultimately leads to hitch-hiking becoming a dying art.

Where to hitch
It is important to choose a good spot to hitchhike.



If you are leaving a big city it is a good idea to take a bus or train to the outskirts of town to get to a road leading to a motorway (expressway).



Choose a spot with plenty of room for the driver to safely stop. If possible try and stand in a spot where the traffic isn't too fast. It is much safer and also most drivers want to size you up before deciding whether to pick you up.



If you've got a lift on a motorway, try and get dropped off at a rest area rather than in town. If you're dropped off in town you may have to wait hours in local traffic before getting a lift back on to the motorway. If you hitch at a service area you have facilities like a restaurant, shop and toilets; you can chat to truck drivers and ask about getting a lift and you can get a good safe spot to stand where all the traffic is long distance.



Don't hitchhike on motorways, stick to the entrance ramps and service areas. Not only is hitching on motorways dangerous, it is difficult for cars to safely stop and in most places it is illegal.

Signs
A lot of hitchers debate whether to use signs or not. Some argue that drivers won't stop if they don't know where you want to go, while other hitchers say that it is safer to avoid using a sign. If you don't use a sign you can ask the driver where they are going before accepting a lift – the driver won't be able to lie about his destination to get you into the car.



A good compromise is to use a sign indicating the name of the road you want to travel on. This is especially useful if you are on a busy road before a major intersection, without a sign you may get a lift going in the wrong direction.

Tips for getting a ride
You'll find a lot of rides come from regular stoppers – people who've hitch-hiked themselves and are repaying the favour and frequent solo travellers like couriers and truck drivers who want some company. Although you'll find that different people have different reasons for picking you up, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of getting a lift.

Look neat and respectable. Not only should you look non-threatening to any passing driver, but you also help to improve other people's impression of hitchhiking.
Face the oncoming traffic and smile. It is important that people can see you, so avoid wearing sunglasses.
Try and look smart and clean, but don't overdo it. If you dress up in a business suit, people will think you're a bit strange (or they might think that your car has broken down and give you a lift).
When a car stops ask the driver where he is going to. At this point it is easy to decline the lift, if you don't like the look of the driver or if he/she isn't going your way.
Never smoke in someone else's car.
Travel light. The lighter your load, the quicker you travel.
Take your drivers licence. Many people stop because they want someone to share the driving with.
Safety
Although hitchhiking is more hazardous than bus or train travel, it is still safer than many other forms of transport such as cycling.



The most dangerous thing about hitchhiking is the possibility of being involved in a car accident or being hit by a car if you stand too close to the side of the road.



There is also a very small danger posed by accepting a lift with a driver that you do not know. The driver could either be a dangerous character or simply a bad driver.



Despite the perceived danger, there are plenty of ways to minimise your risk.

If you're a single female you'll travel quickly, however you'll also attract your fair share of obnoxious drivers. It is a good idea to travel with someone else, preferably a guy. This way you will be perceived as a couple which means that you shouldn't have any sleazy old men trying to come on to you, and if they do at least there is someone to help you out.



Many hitchhikers travel with a mobile phone and only hitch where there is coverage. Being able to call for help makes hitching a safer transport option. For this to work you need to keep your phone charged and in your pocket and you need to know the emergency number (112 is the international emergency number from GSM mobile phones, although the British and Irish emergency number 999 should also work).



Don't let the driver put your backpack in the car boot. Try and keep all your stuff with you, even when you stop for food and fuel.



Don't feel compelled to accept a lift just because someone has stopped for you. If it doesn't feel right, don't get in. Another ride will come along.

Ride sharing
Ride sharing agencies are a good alternative to hitchhiking. These agencies act as a matchmaker between drivers and riders and cost around half what the bus fare would be.



http://www.bugeurope.com/transport/hitch.html

Answer 9

I wouldn't advise it to be honest. I drive and refuse to pick up hitch-hikers. After all, it could be the hitch-hiker who is the nutcase rather than the driver!

Answer 10

Its illegal in some places here...and I really wouldn't suggest it! There are a lot of bad things that could come of it!

Answer 11

Are you nuts? Where have you been for the last 20 years? No it's not!

(And i'm not sure it ever was ...)