by Tria Ross

Created on: May 05, 2009

No matter where you are, or how you choose to get around, there is always a catch. Cars need gas, buses require a fee, and for many people, walking or bicycling requires just a bit too much effort for daily chores. However, there is one alternative that many people see it wise to avoid: hitchhiking.

It isn't that hard to imagine why, either. For most of the population, the mention of hitchhiking brings to mind images of Hollywood films; of the axe-wielding murderer smiling cheerfully by the side of the road, or of a deranged rapist pulling over to "assist" some poor young girl. The reality of hitchhiking is much different, however- especially if you know what you're doing.

The most common misconception about hitchhiking is that it is one of the most dangerous things a person can do. This is, of course, nothing more than a media-fueled hype. Most people who pull over for a thumb in the air or a makeshift sign are generally kind people. In fact, it is the ones who keep driving by that are usually of the less pleasant sort. Pulling over for a hitchhiker usually indicates at least some level of pity, and these are the types of people who can get you at least part of the way to where you're going.

That's not to say you should hop in to ride with every Sally and Joe you manage to flag down, however. This is doubly true if you are a lone female and the beat-up car that just pulled over contains a single, leery male. There are many red flags that should alert you to potential danger in a ride. Any visible drugs or alcohol is a big sign that this might not be the best of options. Even if you just smell what you suspect to be beer (or pot, or any other drug), kindly decline and wait for another to pull over.

And sometimes you know more than you think you do; if you ever have a bad feeling about a certain ride, play it safe and pass it by. Even if intuition alone shouldn't be your saftey net, it always helps to listen to that little voice in your mind.

Again, there is the need for added safety if you're a lone woman. If you can, hitchhike in pairs. The other person can be of either gender. The simple existence of a second person is usually enough to stave off some of the less desirable members of society. If this can't be done, try to only accept rides from other women- young mothers or pregnant women are a blessing, if any ever pull over.

There are also indications that show what people will be a great ride. If you can get around a truck stop, try to flag down truckers that

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