Safety Tips
If you're a woman, don't wear revealing clothes
Look and act self-confident - people with bad intentions tend to look for potential victims, not fighters
when going towards your ride, try to memorize it's licence plate - and use your cell to send it to a friend
find out where they're going before you volunteer where you're headed - it gives you time to check them out and decline the ride if you don't like the look of them, because yes, it is your right to say no
don't get into a car with a man alone (or worse, with several men!) - a couple is better, a family is best (though plenty of solo female hitchhikers do ride with men - if they feel non-threatening)
make sure your doors stay unlocked, especially if you have to sit in the back - check that the child locks aren't activated
if a driver looks drunk or stoned, don't get in!
never fall asleep in someone's car - always stay alert