Do you stop...

[JustaBill 0]

...for a car broke down on the side of the road? I'm asking this cause I did it twice yesterday, and I'm curious if anyone else does it or if I'm begging to be a statistic. The first one they had already called someone by the time I had stopped and the 2nd time I let them use my jack to change a tire (they were trying to use a bumper jack and I have a small floor jack I carry). I know in this day and age it probably isn't the smartest thing to do, but on the other hand I've been the car that's broke down watching everyone (including the police) drive right by. So I'm just curious if I'm the only idiot that still stops for someone stranded on the road.

------------------------------------------------
I've done so much, with so little, for so long
I'm now expected to do everything with nothing forever

[cocheese 0]

If they are stopped in a hazardous area, like a busy highway, and not far enough to the side of the road, i won't stop. No need for me to get hit by a car.
If they are outside the car and standing in a safe place away from the car like they have 1/2 a brain, i'll stop.
If they aren't asking for help... just sitting in the car or changing the tire themselves, no stop.
I'll pick up hitchhikers if i have room for them and if they look like they owned a car in the last 30 days.

[Dumpster 0]

Depends on the area - If I'm familiar, perhaps so. If it's a hot-looking chicky, absolutely yes!

Easy Does It

[unformed 0]

I like to, sometimes, I do, sometimes I don't. I know what it's like to be stranded on the highway about 30 miles from home late in the afternoon (as the sun is setting) without any way to contact anybody ... not cool at all ... so i like to stop....

i don't mind picking up hitchhikers if they look like they're actually trying to go somewhere. The one's who stand at the side of the road with their thumb out obviously have nowhere to actually be. If someone is walking down the road like the actually have somewhere to go, it's a different story.

This ad space for sale.

[shropshire 0]

As a motorcyclist - I pretty much always stop for bikes if they are on their own (unless it's obvious that they stopped for a smoke or comfort break! or to don waterproofs).

Cars, hardley ever unless it's a woman on her own or with kids..

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[wmw999 2,515]

To actually help with the car work, probably not. I don't carry tools any more, and I'm usually in a hurry.

But I'll definitely stop and ask if I can call for help. Of course, now that practically everyone has a cell phone (I think I was the last person in Texas to get one), they can all call for help.

One nice thing I notice is that quite often, when I see one car, I see two -- either someone has already stopped, or they've already called for help and it's arrived.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[AggieDave 6]

I've stopped quite a bit, sometimes its not practicle that I stop, though (there's help there already or I'm running behind for something important...funeral, etc)

I have tools in my truck as well as a hi-lift jack and some misc fixit type stuff (zip-ties, duct tape, etc). I've done all sorts of repairs for folks on the side of the road.

Now a days, though, I'm usually on my motorcycle instead of in my truck, so I stop sometimes and help if I can, usually I'm not that much good without my tools since most folks (dumbasses) don't carry any tools.


If you own a car/truck and drive the vehicle, you should have even a small (by small I mean 50 piece, atleast) tool set in your trunk. You should also have jumper cables and some fix-it items such as duct tape/zip ties/WD-40. Anything less and you're worthless, unless you're motivated for tow trucks.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[smellysue 0]

It would all depend on if the person was injured or not if it was just a broken down car then no not unless i knew the person in the car.
You can never tell what the person is like if you stop then you may end up been the injured party.
So unfortunately not in these day and ages.

[sunshine 2]

Since i'm a girl and know nothing about cars, i don't stop.

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[kelel01 1]

Same here. I don't really think it's safe for a woman to stop on the side of the road to try to help someone. Kinda makes me think of how Ted Bundy lured some of his victims in.

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

Same here. I don't really think it's safe for a woman to stop on the side of the road to try to help someone.

I agree with yall.

If I found out Morgan stopped on the side of the road to help someone out I would be pretty upset.

Me? I'm a big redneck, I'm not worried about a situation. That and if I pull over and feel that something is wrong, I'll pull right back out and keep driving.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[d_squared431 0]

I usually stop unless I see the person is on a phone. The winter time more then the summer months. If someone broke down on one of the mountain roads here they are there for hours on in. Who knows, maybe one day if I was stuck broken down on the side of the road someone might stop to help.

TPM Sister#130ONTIG#1
I love vodka.I love vodka cause it rhymes with Tuaca~LisaH
You having a clean thought is like billyvance having a clean post.iluvtofly

[JustaBill 0]

Ok, here's another question for the ladies. You are driving alone and your car breaks down. How do you feel about strange guys stopping to help? I've changed a bunch of tires for women, and none of them complain, just curious on how it makes you feel to be out on a road and some strange vehicle stops to help you out.

------------------------------------------------
I've done so much, with so little, for so long
I'm now expected to do everything with nothing forever

[kelel01 1]

That's a little different. I won't say I'm not a little on edge, but I'm also grateful, as long as it ends with them getting back in their car and driving away without me in the trunk. I'm a bit paranoid, I guess. I think my mom instilled that in me.

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

I'm a bit paranoid, I guess.

That's a good thing!

The easiest way to not end up in someone's trunk is to have a plan for situations like the car breaking down. Join AAA and call them when you break down. Stay in your car and lock your doors, don't open it for anyone. If anyone stops, that's cool of them, but I promise they'd understand if explained, BUT don't try to explain it to them.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Vallerina 2]

Quote

Since i'm a girl and know nothing about cars, i don't stop.

I taught you all about turning the stereo up louder to make the problems go away!

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning

[kelel01 1]

Yeah, it's not too much of an issue for me. I have Hyundai Roadside Assistance, so I just call them. If you're in an unsafe spot, they get there really quickly, but if you're in a secured location, like your home or office, they might take a couple of hours. But I really appreciate having that service available.

• Quote

[sunshine 2]

Quote

I taught you all about turning the stereo up louder to make the problems go away!

That was funny. Ooh, and you locked me in the back seat with the child locks to keep me safe!! You're a great mom!!

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[cvfd1399 0]

I posted never, B/C my stopping on the side of the interstate to help a 40 year old man change a tire is not worth getting ran over by someone at 80 mph. If a elderly couple or a woman were pulled WAY off the shoulder, or I saw them at a rest stop in time to exit I would help.

[peregrinerose 0]

I just did last week. Guy and his 12 mos pregnant wife broken down (though I didn't see the wife in the car til after I stopped). Took him to Walmart to get the things he thought he needed to fix it, still didn't work, so I drove them home. Ate up 2 hours of my time, but it was worth it to them.

Do or do not, there is no try -Yoda

[shropshire 0]

O.K so what is the best way for a bloke to stop and help a woman with car trouble? (especially at night)

I'm guessing dont pull up and stop hehind, go in front and leave lots of room? What else?.... Over there in America (and other places too) the helper may not want to make any unusual moves - you dont want to scare the helpie too much ... she may have a gun!

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[kelel01 1]

I would say pull up beside her with the window down and ask if she needs help. If she doesn't want help from a starnge guy, she'll just say she doesn't need it, and with you still in your car, you don't pose an immediate threat. But there might be a better way. This is just what I've personally experienced and felt most comfortable with.

[shropshire 0]

good answer

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[JohnRich 4]

Quote

Me? I'm a big redneck...

I'm half-hick and half-hippie, so I guess you can call me a "hickie".

Nowadays, so many people have cell-phones, that you figure they have already called a friend for help.

I've had some people help me out in tight spots. And I return the favor when I can, and it doesn't look dangerous.

I was once a young, poor Marine, trying to get home for xmas with my wife and two babies. My car broke down at sunset, in the cold snow. Babies, middle of nowhere, no heat... A nice man stopped and gave us a ride to a motel, and paid for our motel room for the night. The tow truck driver the next day donated his services. And the repair shop made the simple repair for free. I was on my way, with hardly any money spent to get back on the road.

On another family trip, the engine blew a rod, destroying the engine. Another nice guy bought the junk car off of me, on the side of the road, giving me enough money for bus fare to complete the trip.

You have to re-pay such great people, by "paying it forward", doing such favors for other misfortunate people whom you encounter in the future. I've filled up a gas tank for a family who was broke and only a few hours from home, given rides, bought meals, and so on.

But you have to beware, because there are also plenty of crooks who will make up stories to rip you off for your generosity. Once such fellow in a parking lot once asked for money, offering to repay it. When I asked for I.D. as proof of his address from which I could expect repayment, he claimed he had none on him, nor in his car. The warning signals went off, and he got nothing from me.