The Accidental Hitchhiker

Hitchhiking and offering rides to strangers present a unique blend of adventure and risk. Both have their pros and cons. For the hitchhiker, it's a cost-effective way to travel with no fees involved. The adventure and spontaneity of meeting new people can be exciting. However, there are significant safety concerns to consider.

First and foremost, when you pick up a hitchhiker or accept a ride from a stranger, you don't really know who you're letting into your vehicle or whose vehicle you're entering. In some areas, it's even illegal, which can lead to problems if you're spotted by the police.

The condition of the vehicle itself can be questionable, potentially breaking down, causing accidents, or worse. You have no control over how someone else drives, whether they speed, or take safe routes. Furthermore, in a world of unknowns, you never know if you'll make it home safely.

Hitchhiking can be unpredictable and potentially risky, so it's essential to exercise caution and prioritize personal safety when deciding whether to hitchhike or offer rides to strangers.

The Rider

As you'll discover in this story, I offered a ride to someone whom I initially believed was harmless. He didn't directly ask for a ride but expressed a need for help, and that vulnerability drew me in. While the encounter ended without harm to me, it was undoubtedly nerve-wracking because I sensed he was not stable.

I met him at a rest stop along a highway in the northwest of Canada, a spot I frequently visited to enjoy the scenic mountain range view. On that particular day, I had gone there to explore the nature trails.

Sitting against a large rock on one of these trails was a young man. He asked if I had a tire inflator, explaining that he had a flat tire on his bike. Unfortunately, I didn't have one.

My first impression was that he was no more than 18 years old, and he seemed somewhat immature for his age, soft-spoken and shy. He appeared polite with a slim build, average height, unusually pale skin, and no visible hair under his ball cap. His attire included a blue jean jacket, jeans, a white T-shirt, and sneakers. Although he had a somewhat scruffy appearance, I initially attributed it to outdoor work.

My empathy compelled me to help as I watched him struggle to carry his bike down to the highway. I offered to drive him back to town so he could get his tire fixed. 

Despite my history of bad encounters and reservations about the safety of this decision, I couldn't leave him there. I reasoned that if my sons were in a similar situation at that age, I would want someone safe to assist them. So, I took the chance.

However, once he was in my vehicle, I had an uneasy feeling that something was amiss. I couldn't pinpoint it, but it created a sense of discomfort. Despite this, I continued driving because there was no one else at the rest stop, and I felt that changing my mind might lead to potential problems.

It was not the first time I had found myself in a difficult situation, and it probably wouldn't be the last. And I ultimately felt that I'd probably be ok and proceeded.

I later learned that he was not 18; he was 25 years old and a father to two toddlers, raised by his aunt due to his history of problems with the law. This news made me sit up and listen. Among other things,  he said his mom worked at a local store in town, and his dad was not in the picture.

He claimed his mom and dad had a volatile relationship, and she had paid his dad $3,000 to leave town. A week earlier, he had been involved in a violent altercation with his stepfather at the trailer park where they lived.

He freely expressed he had criminal conditions from being in trouble with the law, and he rode a bike instead of a vehicle as, due to these conditions by the police, he couldn't obtain a driver's licence.

When I asked him about his brushes with the law, he said it came from an assault charge at age 12, where two girls of the same age had charged him with attacking them over a drug deal gone wrong. I immediately felt he was being deceptive about this story, and he had or possibly attempted a sexual assault. 

The mysterious aspect was his lack of hair and apparent instability. My intuition immediately pointed to drugs and brain damage from a head injury, a suspicion he confirmed. 

He had sustained a severe head injury during an accident just 30 days prior when he went over the handlebars of his bike, causing significant damage to his forehead and face. Everything seemed relatively fine until I empathized with his challenging life, particularly his family situation. 

Surprisingly, this triggered anger, which I recognized as a concerning lack of empathy for himself. Which I also saw as a huge red flag. As we approached the trailer park where he lived, the atmosphere in the vehicle grew unsettling. He began glancing around, shifting in his seat, and turning his legs toward me in a suggestive manner. 

I knew this signalled trouble, as I had been in similar situations before. It suggested he might offer sex in exchange for the ride or attempt a sexual assault. Panic set in as we were in a secluded area, far from help.

For This Next Part...

I understand that my readers come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, but I felt compelled to share this story based on my personal experience. I hope it helps anyone, regardless of their faith, understand what I did to stay safe in the presence of someone I considered unsafe.

It's normal to read this story and think, "If it were me, I would have done x, y, and z." That's perfectly fine. If you have other methods that have worked for you in such situations, please follow them.

What Happened Next

During this time, I felt led to keep showing compassion and kindness and not express pity towards him. As I learned from prior experience. I thought that this would help avoid a possible attack. On the road in this secluded area, my intuition told me to silently say a prayer and that it was to plead the blood of Jesus over him, to which I complied. 

"Pleading the blood of Jesus" is often used in some Christian traditions. Believers use this phrase to symbolize the cleansing and purifying power of the blood of Jesus. It also signifies the forgiveness of sins, spiritual protection and removal of negative influences, as with the belief in Jesus's power to intervene.

It's a deeply personal and symbolic expression of faith within certain Christian traditions. As I expressed previously, I respect that this is only some people's belief.

But, almost immediately, the ominous, creepy feeling in my SUV dissipated. He turned, swung his legs back to face forward, quickly thanked me for the ride, opened the passenger door, and got out.

This wasn't the first time I'd prayed this way over someone I felt was dangerous or unpredictable, and it had helped me out of potentially dangerous situations.

This story also has a happy ending, as I was not harmed here either. But looking back, there were warning signs that he possibly wasn't the safest person to pick up:

The Signs

Below are some signs that I saw that suggested he may not have been safe that may possibly help prevent you from harm one day. He had the smell of drugs on him and some other kind of off-outting odour I couldnt identify. As well as nervous behaviour and a shaggy appearance. At the first sight I also noticed his eyes were dark and trouble. I initially dismissed it as possibly he was under stress or tired.

The biggest mistake I made was comparing him to my sons. Due to his age and more diminutive stature, I assumed he must be harmless. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has made this mistake when deciding to trust someone based on appearances.

 Warning Signs

While most hitchhikers and drivers are likely harmless, it's crucial to be cautious and aware of potential warning signs indicating someone may pose a threat. Here are more signs I've noticed over the years and what others have shared with me when encountering similar situations:

1. Aggressive or hostile behaviour.

Unusual reactions to everyday conversation, yelling, irrational behaviour, and refusal to follow your rules, like wearing a seat belt, may indicate a severe character or personality problem 

2. Invasive Personal Questions

If they ask overly personal or invasive questions about you, your destination, or your plans, it may be a sign of ulterior motives.

3. Carrying Weapons or Suspicious Items

Be cautious if you notice the hitchhiker/driver carrying/possessing weapons, tools, or other suspicious items that could be used for harm. 

4. Refusal to Share Basic Information

If the hitchhiker is evasive or refuses to share basic information about themselves, such as their name or where they're headed, it may raise suspicions. If they provide inconsistent or contradictory information about their situation or plans, it may be a warning sign. 

5. Exhibiting Mental Distress

Exhibiting visible signs of mental distress, such as talking to themselves, shouting, or acting erratically, it could indicate mental health issues and alcohol use.

6. Overly Persistent or Pushy

Someone overly persistent or pushy about getting a ride, even after you've declined, could be cause for concern.

As I mentioned earlier, he didn't request a ride or attempt to coerce me in any way for assistance. It was I who offered to help him, yet I still ended up with someone I initially considered safe, and subsequent events proved this assessment inaccurate.

Once at the trailer park destination and he quickly exited the vehicle, it became apparent that I had got away scott-free. I sincerely regret that many other people have not been so fortunate. 

I should add that many dangerous characters in this world target specific groups and minorities. Especially along these roadways and locations such as truck stops and other remote areas. Unfortunately, this is something else to consider when asking for or giving a ride to someone you do not know.

But there are times when we want to help others out and also need assistance ourselves and have to accept a ride as in my case. As well as there are times that in cold or other dangerous weather, we feel we must help someone in distress alongside the road or highway. 

Other Ways I Could Have Protected Myself

Even though I chose not to do this, it's entirely acceptable to decline giving them a ride or to ask them to leave your vehicle if they're already inside. It also would have been good practice to have someone I  knew along when I picked him up.

Informing a friend or family member about my plans and location before picking him up would have been more responsible as well, along with verifying his identity and destination. I had no knowledge of local laws and regulations regarding hitchhiking and ridesharing in this area as I hadn't lived there long. Staying informed could have helped me make safer decisions and avoid potential legal issues.

What I have done in the past if I saw someone in distress on the side of the road, like in the case of an accident (or even a staged accident to commit crimes against good samaritans. Yes, this happens!) or freezing weather I could have call the police to do a welfare check on them. 

My friend's young daughter lost her life to homicide by accepting a ride on a social media ride-sharing forum over a year ago from this writing. I mention this as confirming the driver's identity would have possibly helped avoid this horrible tragedy. This was not something I ever thought of but should be considered due to the unpredictable world we live in.

In Conclusion 

Whether you're a hitchhiker or a driver, being cautious and aware of your surroundings is essential. Always trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. When hitchhiking, stick to well-lit and populated areas.

By remaining vigilant, following best practices, and staying informed, you can reduce the risks associated with these activities and ensure a safer journey for yourself and those you encounter on the road. Remember: Your safety should always be your top priority.

Thanks for Reading.




Peace and Love ✌️