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Why drivers stopped

The reasons drivers gave for picking up a hitchhiker, as logged by the hitchhikers they picked up.

Cultural or personal values around helping strangers32%

Used to hitchhike in the past23%

Wanted social interaction / conversation22%

Curiosity about hitchhikers20%

Wanted company while driving11%

Was in an unusually good mood / feeling generous11%

Interested in cultural exchange8%

Hitchhiker looked non-threatening7%

Felt pity or concern (weather, appearance, …)7%

Is a hitchhiker themselves4%

Environmental reasons (reduce empty seats)1%

Opposed the pick-up but was overruled by another occupant1%

Believed the hitchhiker might be in danger0%

Where drivers were going

Commute12%

Business10%

Holiday8%

Recreational8%

Errands8%

Waits by season

Europe

winter	20 min median	525 rides
spring	20 min median	1550 rides
summer	20 min median	5320 rides
autumn	20 min median	2145 rides

Based on 706 rides where the hitchhiker recorded why the driver stopped. A ride can name several reasons, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Recalculated daily; last run 2026-10-19T10:53:36Z.

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