It never went away, of course.
It’s as safe as ever. That is, it’s safe.
Bad routes are still bad, though. —Complex entries or exits from desired areas are bad. But once you get a straight shot, make yourself a clear, simple, friendly sign. Carry a modest rucksack. Be clean. Carry a cellphone and away ya go! : )
I did it in the 80’s—when everyone already said it was dead and dangerous—it was fine. I had a great time. It was usually faster than driving. I did local, statewide and national. All dandy. Met good folks, had good adventures. Out west there were still some places where hitchers would queue up and take their turns. I *hear* that’s not as common anymore—but, ya know, I bet I hear wrong. Hitching is a reality-based activity of true community. A lying culture gets it wrong, naturally.
I’m guessing that cells have made it somewhat safer—though I’d say that the actual safety has been steady state. I’d also guess that the safety *mentality* of a cell hasn’t quite caught up with the hitching world.
Gas prices will fix all that.
Some good articles of interest:
*an interview with a guy who’s always hitched, who wrote a book: www.alternet.org/story/36149/
*tips for girl hitchers: girls.hitchbase.com/doku.php
