Question about hitchhiking...

Is it unheard of for a female to hitchhike alone? Is it really dangerous?

 

You can get raped.
You can get robbed.
You can get killed.

But the key word is "can". That keyword refers to the possibility for something.

You do run into the possibility of those things. However, it doesnt mean you will.

Most people dont think for themselves, let alone do what is unconventional. So its easy to see the major flaws in their fear driven arguments.

Its pretty funny, go to yahoo answers, post a question about hithchiking, and your guaranteed to get quite a few of answers like: "ZOMG YOU GONNA GET KILLED/RAPED/ROBBED! ZOMG"

Just use your head, your gut, and dont be afraid to fight dirty if it comes down to it.

I am not responsible for any harm that may, possibly, befall you. There is a increased risk of facing more danger than male hitchers, but at the same time, the right people will be nicer to you. Some genuine people may give you a free meal, or let you sleep somewhere safe. Its the whole psychological thing between male and females. People expect men to be more self sufficient, while females arent always expected of that, hence why people are nicer to women.

I reccomend awareness to protect yourself, and maybe some bear mace as a back up.

Also, if it is your first trip, maybe go with another, can be a girl or a guy, just have someone to watch your back, and vice versa.

 

How about just pepper spray? Carrying bear spray is like carrying a fire extinguisher around. But yes, try not to travel alone and always be aware of your surroundings.

 

I know of one person who would possibly go with me, a guy. I'm going to talk to him about it and see what he says. But if not I think I'm going to take the risk... and of course carry mace, knives, etc.

 

Awareness is your most important weapon. i would avoid knives, since "assault" is the first thing that comes to mind when people see a knife. if your going to carry something, carry some pepper spray. it is not as menacing to cops or people. plus its easy, point, shoot.

 

I´m a girl and I traveled through the half of European countries by hitchhike, same at home. Lot of roads (especially in Slovakia) I passed alone. I have a lot of different experiences, but like Corpse said awareness is too important. You know, for example sometimes it´s better to look like you don´t understand flirt allusions from men, than you want to please to driver. You need to be optimistic, but also realistic. Direct your (means both) conversation carefully.

 

I don't know how you all feel about guns, but if you're going to be hitch hiking perhaps investing in a concealed-weapon permit wouldn't be a bad idea. There are some creepy people out there with a busted moral compass.

 

There are many problems in carrying a firearm into the unknown. Jurisdictional issues first. If you have a CCA in Florida its useless in Arkansas and you go to jail if you get caught (I don't know the facts, just using that as an example). Second, You don't shoot to wound, you shoot to kill. Are you prepared to kill another human being without hesitation? Most people aren't. Third, if you're outnumbered you stand a fair chance of having the gun taken from you and used on you. Some would say that simply displaying that you have a gun is an effective deterrent. This is called "brandishing" and is a felony pretty much everywhere in the US. So you don't get assaulted but you go to jail for 18 months anyway. And now you have a gun charge on your permanent record.

I own and use several firearms. The hardcore 2d Amendment proponents will disagree. But carrying a gun on the road is not really a good idea. When you add the fact that you are hitching long distance, you might be called a vagrant in many places so you're already staring at misdemeanor charges. And if you happen to have a bit of the herb or some paraphernalia and a gun on your person, you're going to have major problems if you get stopped. Don't compound the effects of small mindedness by doing something stupid.

 

You'll never really know until you try it. It wouldn't be stupid to carry some sort of protection. I don't really think guns are an answer to anything but more violence. Try pepper spray or mace!

 

I don't know a polite way to put this question. Are you hot? Or do you look like the south end of a north bound hound dog? Built like a twig or strong as an ox? If you are thin, attractive, weak, and have never been in a fight - then the hitch-hiking idea is crazy.

Pepper spray (and every other weapon) has to pulled out to use. No one will stop to pick you up if you are standing there with the can in your hand. An attack can come so fast that you will have no chance to react. Think about it this way. Police officers have lots of training, but they approach cars with their hand on their gun because they know if something goes wrong, even with all their training, they can be killed before they even get a chance to grab their weapon.

On the other hand, if you have strong arms, experience or training in self defense, and carry yourself in a confident manner, you might not have any problems at all. Look plain, wear pants not skirts, perhaps wear a shirt that has not been washed in a while (not so stinky that they kick you out of their car, but enough to keep them at a distance).

 

try to look as much like a guy as possible and carry a can of wasp spray, it shoots a large stream 20 feet and no one's coming after you with that in their face. interview people briefly before getting in their car and listen to your gut feeling. i hear that truck stops are a great place to find rides. good luck