That's how I met my husband to be!...
My girlfriend and I were walking from her house to mine (about 2 miles) and she sticks her thumb out being funny. Well this good looking guy in a convertable stops and says get in. I wouldn't get in but she said she knew him so I got in the back seat.He had the top down so I felt like I could jump out anytime...(stupid) She sat up front with him.
I was only about 13 or 14 but was tall for my age 5' '7.
He dropped us off so he knew where I lived. Later he came by for my phone number and we were a steady thing after that.
My one time trying it alone was when I was walking to the store and thought I would be funny and gutsy (something to brag about to the other kids) so I stuck my thumb out. Well this good looking guy in a sailor suit stops and tells me to get it. I thought "Wow..will I have a story for the girls"..
Well once I was in his car he stopped at the stop sign a block from the store and said...You are really lucky you know? I could be a rapist or murderer and you would be dead. Don't you ever do this again...(I was ready to pee my pants by then). He read me the riot act and told me to get out of the car. I shook all the way to the store and (ran) back. NEVER hitchhicked again.
That guy may have saved my life. I was young and nieve and could have got picked up by the wrong guy!!!!
Snoozy..
edited to add..this was in the 50's...