Warning: The dangers of hitchhiking

The South African Police Service (SAPS) warns members of the public about criminals that target unsuspecting members of the public hitchhiking alongside our roads. Although it is not a crime to hitchhike in South Africa, as it was stated by MEC Weziwe Tikana that people are free to ask for rides on the side of the road as long as municipal by-laws do not forbid it, hitchhiking increases your vulnerability to crime and criminal activity.

Hitchhiking Nightmares

• It increases the risk of injury at the roadside as some of the hitchhikers’ are not visible enough at night and get hit by trucks and other motor vehicles;
• Requires you to stay alert at all the times while standing on the road as some drivers or hitchhikers are wanted suspects and you might end up arrested as well;
• May leave you stranded at an unfamiliar places for unstipulated time;
• May subject the passenger to verbal or physical abuse e.g. rape , assault or  robbery
• Some of the passengers pretend to ask a lift but would in turn rob the driver who picked them up, sometimes raping or killing them
• It is also difficult to make a quick arrest on the suspect of hitchhiking because both the driver and passenger may not know the suspect’s whereabouts;
• People are also in danger of hit and run accidents especially in public roads.

TIPS on how to protect yourself when hitchhiking

• Use reflectors/ bright clothing and be visible especially at night.
• Refused rides from drivers who are intoxicated;
• Trust your instincts and refuse a hike of you feel uncomfortable;
• Avoid hitchhiking at night;
• Offer to pay for your trip even if it’s a little bit of money and avoid a lift in exchange for other favours.
• Don’t hitchhike while you are drunk or under the influence of drugs;
• Make a call to your friend about the details of the car you are travelling in or just send SMS;
• Do not accept a ride in a car full of strangers;
• Females should avoid a lift in cars with multiple men inside;
• Find a best waiting spots especially in the open or on a road that is heading in the right direction;
• Always ask where the car is headed first rather than offering up a destination;
• It is better for women to hitchhike in pairs.