2 June 2011

Most drivers won't give a lift to a hitch hiker

Three times as many males as females would be willing to pick up a hitch hiker, according to a poll by the AA as part of its Summer Driving Week.

Around 13,000 drivers took part in the poll based on topical summer driving issues. These included attitudes towards hitch hikers, accepting roadside assistance from a stranger, preparing for car journeys and whether fuel prices were impacting their domestic holiday plans.

Positively 84.7 percent said they will inspect their car before heading off on long drives this summer. Some 61 percent said they would not give a lift to a hitch hiker, but 26.3 percent said they would consider it depending on the circumstances.

Half the women polled said they would accept help from a stranger if their car breaks down in an isolated location this summer. This figure was much higher among male respondents with 82.9 percent agreeing they would happily accept a helping hand. For motorists looking to avoid this dilemma, the AA is offering a discount of three months free off AA membership until 5th June.

Fuel prices are shaping the plans of a large number of motorists this summer with half of the drivers polled saying they will be cutting back on summer weekends away because of record high fuel prices.