Any suggestions to ensure safety while hitchhiking?

Question

A female friend of mine plans to travel trough Europe next month. She wants to hitchhike. Although she has done it several times before, she is looking for some tips to make the tour safer.

I could recommend here the following hints:

• Always ask the driver where he goes before you say where you go

• Dress appropriate so that you're not confused with a prostitute which are also very often standing at streets and waiting for cars

Are there any other hints?

Answer 1

• If possible, try to hitchhike with someone else - it's slightly harder as two to get a lift, but much safer.
• Text someone with your route when you get a lift, as a back-up safety so that someone knows where you are. Include the make and model and license plate of the car.
• I've heard people suggest carrying a knife, but to me that feels like it might end up doing more harm than good, plus it's not permitted in some countries
• Don't put your bags in the boot, try to keep them accessible in case you need to leave in a hurry.
• First sentence out your mouth should be 'Thanks for stopping - where are you headed?' - always find that out first before saying where you're going, gives you the opportunity to decide.
• If getting in the back seat, check that the kid locks are not on.
• Don't choose a car full of people, try those with single drivers.
• If in doubt, TURN DOWN THE RIDE. Better late and safe than sorry.

Answer 2

I've been hitchhiking all over the world for the past year and a half, currently in Europe. But we're not supposed to do broad or list questions on Stack Exchange.

So rather than list out all kinds of stuff I can think of I can make it one right answer by pointing to what might be considered the current best online resource:

The Hitchwiki page on safety.

Now if you have specific concerns I'd love to share my advice in individual questions.