[Filulah]

So last night, I was doing a Maccas dessert run through the drive through (around 10pm), and just as I'd finished ordering, a young guy (probably around 20ish), quite intoxicated I think, ran up and shouted "I'll give you $10 if you drive me to [insert nearby suburb]!"

Surprised, a bit shaken, and instantly having thoughts of ending up dead in a ditch, I declined and quickly drove through to the next window...
Now, in all good sense, he was probably just a young guy who had a few drinks and wanted to get home, and possibly the $10 wouldn't have been enough for a taxi (??) and I woke up this morning thinking to myself how terrible it would be if something had happened to him, when I could have quite easily taken him home (although our sundaes would have melted).

To be honest, while it was a completely different situation, one of my first thoughts were of Jill Meagher, and how easily a situation can turn bad. My logic says I did the right thing, and one should not drive strange men around, even for $10. I just think about my sons being grown up one day, stuck somewhere with not enough cash for a taxi, and hoping someone helps them.

Of course, I also hope they don't randomly run up to strangers in the maccas drive through to get help.

Would you give a stranger a ride home? Or am I possibly a little paranoid and untrusting in my old age?

This post has been edited by Filulah: 25/11/2012, 06:59 AM

[miinii]

Absolutely not! Never! If they decided to go out and drink the it is their responsibility to make sure they can get home safely.
I would never put my children's mother in a position that could potentially end very badly

[mum201]

No no no no no
Thinking about my son, I would like to think he would have the sense to call me if stranded

[ForsakenTruth]

No. I have little sympathy for drunk people and it's simply not worth the personal risk.

[BlackKitteh]

You did the right thing, there is no way of you knowing if it would have been safe or not.
Had it been a woman, I think I would still feel the same.

In regards to my own children, I will make sure they pre plan how they will get home. Also make sure they know it's always ok to call me for a lift.

This post has been edited by GrumpyTurtle: 25/11/2012, 07:18 AM

[froggy1]

Not a drunk person no. But I have picked up strangers before. I've given a lift to a lady who frantically flagged me down at a bus stop - she'd missed the bus and was going to be late for work - it was only 5 mins away. I've also picked up a hitch-hiker before.
I hitch-hiked when I was young - so if I think they look reasonable, I take a chance. Sometimes people genuinely need help.

[Pooks*potters]

No.

With first aid training, the first thing they tell you is NOT to help someone if it puts you at an unreasonable risk.

The same thing goes for helping others more generally.

Generally in this kind of situation, I try to identify another source of support for the person involved which is not risky for me. For instance, I might suggest calling a taxi, or asking them if there is someone I can call for them to come and pick them up.

But there is nothing wrong with feeling a bit surprised by the approach of a drunk stranger, and politely declining the request.

[Bacongirl]

In that situation? No. But I have offered, and given lifts to elderly ladies waiting at our old bus stop. The bus was never on time and if it was raining or really hot, I'd pull over and ask if I saw them there.




I'd have offered it to elderly men, too but never seemed to see any at that stop.

[hunter4]

Nope would never pick them up. If I thought that they were truely in need I would offer them a bit of money for a Taxi but I wouldn't pick them up myself.

[leisamd]

No I wouldn't. My DH might though, if he assessed the situation as safe for him, he has before.
If I feel I can't adequately protect myself should it go bad, then no. I have given strange (as in stranger - not 'strange' ) little old ladies lifts home because they missed the bus. I felt safe.