21st century version of hitchhiking raises concerns with RCMP

EDMONTON- An increasingly popular, 21st century version of hitchhiking is raising concern with RCMP.

It’s called rideshare; people post ads on social media websites, such as Kijiji, Facebook and craigslist, to request or offer rides across the country.

View image in full screen

The main reason people use rideshare is to split travelling expenses.

“With gas prices getting the way they are, it’s an efficient way to travel,” said Rudy Zacharias. “If I’m travelling in western Canada it’s a great way to save money on travelling.”

Zacharias has used Kijiji to post ads for rideshares numerous times. Most recently, he was looking for a companion for his trip to Winnipeg this week.

“I was looking for somebody who was mature, had a clean driving record, was of legal age to drive, over 25, had minimal luggage and was looking for a way to get from point A to point B in a cost effective way and, of course, was able to share the cost of driving as well as driving responsibilities,” Zacharias explained.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

While Zacharias says he’s always clear of his expectations in his ads, RCMP say this modern way of hitchhiking is just as dangerous as picking up a stranger from the side of the road.

“That’s kind of one of the first things our parents tell us never to do, and so I appreciate the economics of it- looking to share gas and cut down on expenses and things like that- but, it’s a high risk activity to engage in,” explained Corporal Colette Zazulak with Spruce Grove/ Stony Plain RCMP.

“You never know who you’re getting in with and once you’re in their vehicle, you’re really at their beck and call,” Zazulak said. “It’s certainly as dangerous as hitchhiking, in that someone who, maybe, is looking to lure people or has some motives that aren’t good, can go to these websites and find their targets right there.”

Zazulak strongly encourages people not to offer or accept rides from strangers, but says for those who do choose to rideshare, there are ways to make it safer.

“Carry a cellphone with you. Let people know where you’re going, when you expect to arrive, have some description of the person that you’re going to ride with and make sure that you’re in constant contact with people,” Zazulak explained. “If something does happen where they’re in a situation like that and it’s an emergency, they should be calling 911, trying to get out if they can, clearly not hopping out of a moving vehicle but, at any point that they can escape, and alerting police as soon as possible.”

Zacharias says he’s always safe when he offers a ride, and isn’t afraid to say no.

“I usually meet them ahead of time, and I get a chance to meet with them beforehand and if I have any kind of, if my spidey senses are tingling, I just say no.”

He says people shouldn’t be afraid of the idea, but they have to be smart about it.

“I think most people are good. The world is a great place. I’ve met some fascinating people while I’ve been doing this and it’s not a way to live your life, to live in fear. Having said that, do your homework and if you have any apprehension just say no.”

With files from Quinn Ohler. 
Follow @CaleyRamsay
//