My friend was carjacked. (Intense)

[Tokugawa]

Beware zones-----------
Gas Stations
Convienence Stores (spell check please!)
Rest Stops
Every notice how many of these type threads start at places like this? Where there is a lot of transient traffic?

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

...the best test for doing anything to help someone you don't know out is "would you want your mother or sister or wife to do this?" meaning would you want one of them to pick up a hitchhiker, jump a strangers car at an odd hour, etc...

 

[Blackbeard]

The last hitch-hikers I know of that got picked up in my town killed the driver and torn body parts off his corpse.

Is your town so small that they report when hitchhikers get a ride and nothing else happens? You will only ever hear of the ones where there's an incident.

 

[jeepmor]

Unless they have a snowboard in tow, I don't pick up hitch hikers. Skiers, don't even ask. Okay, if you have a boarder with you.

I've picked up a Pacific Crest Trail hiker before. He was a Brit on holiday and had hiked from the Canadian Border and was crossing Hwy 22 in Oregon (Santiam Pass) working his way down to California, or where ever he ran out of time and had to return to civilization. He was about 10-20 miles off course. Nice fellow, not all hitch hikers are vermin.

This story's hitch hikers did sound like ne'erdowells at the first sentence or two. Gas station folk begging for a ride get the old, "not going that way, but here's some phone call change" excuse from me. I'm with Tokugawa, stay away from the danger zones.

 

[Highpower1]

Glad your friend is okay. Wow this was the first thing that I've read this morning. This was like an action movie. Dang.

 

[cpttango30]

Unfortunatly this is the main reason why I never stop to help people on the side of the road anymore. You never know what they are going to do. If it is a single women with a flat tire who to say that she will not try to "Repay" You for helping and when you being a married man turn her down she calles the cops and cries rape. You never know who is hiding in the woods. Plus most people in my area carry cell phones anyways.

$1000 car I am not taking a ride on the stuntman hall-o-fame roller coaster for that.

 

[RubenZ]

First off I don't pick up hitchhikers. Second I wouldn't have gone back into the car or grabbed on unless I had a gun. With that being said. Lets just change this up a bit since this is the Strats and Tactics forum.


What would you all have done if say you were IN the situation of a carjacker in your car and you had Family in the back seats ?

 

[Wes Janson]

While it sounds good in theory, I'd argue that it's quite likely that anyone desperate enough to be attempting an armed carjacking isn't likely in a normal state of mind. Mutual assured destruction, ie threatening to flip the car, is only a valid deterrent if both parties fear dying. If the other guy really is crazy, then threatening to flip the car is more likely to just piss him off than to scare him, I suspect.

 

[SWATcashJeremy]

Rubenz: What would I have done if I had family in the back seat? relaxed, because the second he pulled the knife my wife would have shot him.

 

[frank23185]

"Must be a nice car."

+1

 

[KenRocks]

Not really a critique on the actual event or anything...not even really sure exactly what point it is I want to make, even...

I dont often pick up hitch-hikers, just as a disclaimer. I drive a pickup, so if I ever do, I get their destination before they get in and they ride in the bed...its not the safest thing, but I figure its better than nothing. Riding in the open air could be a mistake if I was to decide to plow my truck into a light pole.

Really, the thing that's troubling me is the way most people have responded to this post. I cant really point a morally superior finger or anything, as I dont frequently pick up hitchers myself, but I have to wonder exactly where it is that people become so fearful/concerned with their own safety that any person seeking help immediately is perceived to be running a scam/trying to get the drop on you/etc.

And to reiterate, one last time, I'm not advocating that anyone's 16 year old sister pick up that strange man with the scraggly hair, swastika tattoo on his forehead, and hatchet in his hand...I just find the closed-off, fearful attitude that I seem to be encountering more and more every day depressing...

 

[JohnKSa]

And to reiterate, one last time, I'm not advocating that anyone's 16 year old sister pick up that strange man with the scraggly hair, swastika tattoo on his forehead, and hatchet in his hand...

Agreed, I'm only in favor of picking up clean shaven serial killers with pleasant appearances and who have carefully concealed their weapons. Oddly enough, there was once a theory was that it was possible to identify criminals merely by their appearance but it was totally discredited many decades ago.

Seriously, I do see your point, and I try to help (have helped) people on occasion. I won't offer someone a ride unless I'm reasonably certain that they're really in some sort of distress and also reasonably certain that I'm not placing myself in significant danger. The last person I picked up was obviously walking from a stranded car, not trying to hitch and was wearing a picture badge from the company where I work that indicated he had a security clearance.

I will stop, crack the window and ask people if I can call someone for them but I'm not at all enthusiastic about letting strangers into the car.

 

[BridgeWalker]

My thanks to those of you who help out people in trouble. I guess I now know who was driving the *other* hundred or so cars that passed me with my tenth month old baby on my back walking five miles along a dark, icy road to a gas station in 20 degree weather last February. Sometimes S**t happens even to good people, and we don't all have cellphones.

Thankfully, someone did stop to help, and gave me enough gas to get the gas station (gas gauge stopped working, new-old car, didn't know mileage yet).

Thankfully, someone gave me a ride when I missed the last bus into Tiberias and was facing the prospect of a long, cold night in the Judean desert.

And I think the guy I picked up in Akron who turned out to live a mile from me in Michigan was glad I didn't leave him to walk miles to a rest stop only to sit and wait for hours for family from Michigan to come get him.

I can think of few thinks more worth taking a risk over than helping someone out of a dangerous situation. I would probably not give a ride to more than one person. I would probably not give a ride to someone not stranded in the middle of nowhere (or course it may be a ruse. Life is risky).

I dunno. Just awfully glad I didn't have to walk five miles on an unlit icy road that night last February with a baby strapped to my back.

Some risks are worth taking. Probably not this one.

 

[Caimlas]

Agreed, I'm only in favor of picking up clean shaven serial killers with pleasant appearances and who have carefully concealed their weapons. Oddly enough, there was once a theory was that it was possible to identify criminals merely by their appearance but it was totally discredited many decades ago.

The thing about someone who has the "crazy biker from hell" look going on is that they are, more than likely, crazy as a loon, and not just "I kill people for fun" crazy. While the distinction may not be all that important in the grander scheme of things, it is important when you're considering your tactics. Crazy biker dude isn't as likely to be dissuaded by crazy stunts like speeding up and driving erratically; clean-shaven serial killer is probably going to respond favorably to such a feat.

Personally, I've never picked up a hitchhiker, per se. I've never seen one when I haven't been preoccupied, I live in the middle of nowhere, and for the last 3 years it's infrequent that I'll be driving anywhere when my family isn't in the car.

From what I hear, most hitchhikers pose a bigger danger to your olfactory senses and upholstery than your body, but again, better safe than sorry...

 

[GlowinPontiac]

Glad your friend is ok.

I just dont pick up hitchhikers. These days almost everyone has a cell phone or can use a phone in a nearby buisness to call a friend to come pick them up.

Either that or the next cop that comes along will stop and check things out.

 

[bruss01]

My thanks to those of you who help out people in trouble. I guess I now know who was driving the *other* hundred or so cars that passed me with my tenth month old baby on my back walking five miles along a dark, icy road to a gas station in 20 degree weather last February. Sometimes S**t happens even to good people, and we don't all have cellphones.

Thankfully, someone did stop to help, and gave me enough gas to get the gas station (gas gauge stopped working, new-old car, didn't know mileage yet).

Thankfully, someone gave me a ride when I missed the last bus into Tiberias and was facing the prospect of a long, cold night in the Judean desert.

And I think the guy I picked up in Akron who turned out to live a mile from me in Michigan was glad I didn't leave him to walk miles to a rest stop only to sit and wait for hours for family from Michigan to come get him.

I can think of few thinks more worth taking a risk over than helping someone out of a dangerous situation. I would probably not give a ride to more than one person. I would probably not give a ride to someone not stranded in the middle of nowhere (or course it may be a ruse. Life is risky).

I dunno. Just awfully glad I didn't have to walk five miles on an unlit icy road that night last February with a baby strapped to my back.

Some risks are worth taking. Probably not this one.

Ok, I'll try not to be too unkind. Take the following as "food for thought".

It's dangerous to rely on the kindness of strangers. A friend of mine had a flat on the south side of Chicago. We worked at the same place at the time, the Solo Cup manufacturing plant on Stoney Island. It was the end of 2nd shift on Friday, and he had just gotten paid and redeemed his check at the Thillens check cashing van that always showed up. (lots of folks who worked there were cash-n-carry types who don't have bank accounts) Anyway, he has a flat shortly after leaving work. A couple of guys spot him changing his tire in the dark and offer to help him. They jack the car up, take the wheel off, put the spare on, let the jack down and help him stow all the gear in his trunk. He thinks to himself, "wow, what nice guys" and pulls out his wallet to offer them $10 for their trouble. At the sight of his wallet, they grab the wallet, jump in their car, and burn rubber out of there. That wallet contained every cent he owned.

It sounds like somebody (especially someone with a baby to be responsible for) would need to put priority on a couple of issues, such as getting a cell phone (even if it is one of the disposables that you keep in the glovebox only for emergencies) and/or a cb radio with emergency channel, and keeping the car in good working order, and an emergency kit in the trunk with things like a gallon of gas and other essentials. You can never tell when the "good samaritan" who offers you a ride on a cold dark night turns out to be the next Jeffry Dahmer with a taste for baby flesh. As I said, food for thought.

 

[BridgeWalker]

Anyway, he has a flat shortly after leaving work. A couple of guys spot him changing his tire in the dark and offer to help him.

Some guys offer to do for him what he could clearly do perfectly well himself? Not sure how that isn't a red flag. I don't accept help if I don't need it.

It sounds like somebody (especially someone with a baby to be responsible for)

Ah, the "bad mother" card. Thanks for bringing that one up. 'Preciate it.

such as getting a cell phone (even if it is one of the disposables that you keep in the glovebox only for emergencies) and/or a cb radio with emergency channel,

This assumes that there is service for this particular cellphone in the area I was travelling and that there was someone to call within a reasonable distance.

keeping the car in good working order,

First, all care can break down. Second, there's this slight cost factor that comes with a truly reliable car. Slight as in several thousand dollars or more. But hey, anyone worth helping ain't gonna need help, right? Besides, all *good* mothers choose to spend their money on things like late model minivans, questionable roadside assistance plans, and neat cellphones with extensive service areas.

an emergency kit in the trunk with things like a gallon of gas and other essentials.

Other essentials, yes. Possibly to an extreme, because I do sometimes travel in remote areas. It is not imho safe or advisable to ride around on a regular basis with a gallon of gas in the back of my jeep. The fumes especially are problematic.

You can never tell when the "good samaritan" who offers you a ride on a cold dark night turns out to be the next Jeffry Dahmer with a taste for baby flesh. As I said, food for thought.

Nope. Never can tell. Life is risky. Also, no matter how prepared one is, s**t can and does still happen. But thanks for letting me know how to budget my money.

 

[bruss01]

As I said, I do try not to be too unkind. However, you've chosen to cop an attitude and put your own spin on a few words of commonsense advice. Hey, if you think riding around with strangers with your baby is safer than having a gallon of gas in an approved container (fume-proof models are available) that's certainly your judgement call to make.

Do whatever you want with your money. Take whatever risks you want with your own (or your child's) life. Neither of those is my problem. I don't understand why people undertake the enterprise of raising children when money is in such short supply that basics like dependable transportation and a few little contingency items are unaffordable, but it's certainly not my business to make anyone's choices for them.

Good luck and best wishes. Hope your luck holds out and every stranger whose kindness you rely on is as benign as the one you lucked into that night. And sorry if you took my earlier post as anything more than some food for thought to a person who might have benefitted a different perspective, maybe look at the situation in a way they hadn't considered.

 

[romma]

http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_killers/predators/michael_ross/5.html

I knew one of the girls that were murdered here pretty well...

Not for a long time but Robin Stravinsky was hitch-hiking...

 

[BridgeWalker]

However, you've chosen to cop an attitude and put your own spin on a few words of commonsense advice.

Or, possibly, your post indicated that a different standard applies to parents. Or perhaps opinions are also things reserved for the childless?

Hey, if you think riding around with strangers with your baby is safer than having a gallon of gas in an approved container (fume-proof models are available) that's certainly your judgement call to make.

Hm, that's actually not even close to what I said. There is a slight risk of needing a particular supply. Those are balanced against the constant problems of having that particular supply.

Neither of those is my problem.

I didn't think it was. We seem to be in disagreement on that point.

I don't understand why people undertake the enterprise of raising children when money is in such short supply that basics like dependable transportation and a few little contingency items are unaffordable, but it's certainly not my business to make anyone's choices for them.

I don't understand why you presume to know what is affordable to my family and what is not. I do not choose to finance vehicles, nor do I choose to spent disproproportionate amounts of money of them. They are a low priority for me. But hey, if condemning strangers as unfit to have kids is your idea of a good time, knock yerself out.

My choices about cellphones have nothing whatsoever to do with money. Further, cellphones only help as much as there's someone to call who is reachable and can help. That is not always the case.

And sorry if you took my earlier post as anything more than some food for thought to a person who might have benefitted a different perspective, maybe look at the situation in a way they hadn't considered.

Hm, it seemed pretty targeted at my post, seein' as how you quoted my post and then directly criticized my response to the situation, making it clear that your criticism was based in large part ont eh fact tha tI have a child. The point is that there are always situation where one cannot plan ahead enough. "Don't get in the situation" only goes so far. Sometimes being in the situation is worth the risk, but it's still kinda' nice when on the off chance something does go wrong, there's someone willing to help out. Been the helper, been the helpee. I gave three very different examples of when things can break down despite planning. I did that for the purpose of demonstrating that it does happen that people need help, regardless of cellphone, regardless of gear, because of personal choice or circumstances or whatever other reason.

My post was not about relying on the kindness of strangers, but about appreciating when help is offered. Sometimes a need arises, regardless of preparations.

But hey, thanks for good wishes.

 

[sloppyjoec]

hey

hey you two, how about showing some strangers some kindness and dropping it¿

 

[patentmike]

Should have let him walk. This guy was not in a situation where it would be worth the risk of helping him.

I help people, but on my own terms. Last year a guy approached me (and my j-frame) at a stop light on the way to church. Turns out he wanted a ride to church. On the way he mentioned that he needed a few hundred until he got some sort of settlement. So, forgive me, I ditched him. Of course, in California, you have disarming laws, which affects the risk assessment: You'd pretty much have to be an orphan nun on fire to get me to crack open the window.