I often stop for cars broken down at the side of the road to see if everyones OK, ( hey after owning Landies it's often been me in that situation). 90% of the times it's cool and they've either got help on the way, or if it's beyond my skills / tools I offer to take 'em to a garage or go for help. A couple of times I've inadvertantly scared the occupant, usually a lone female, and feel bad. People aren't used to folk stopping to help and a lone bearded male stopping for a lonely female can appear threatening I think. So now in that situation I keep a good distance until the other person makes it clear I can appraoch. If I get scared vibes I ask from a dstance if they'd like me to go and get help and if they're OK. The last thing I want to do is freak out an already stressed person.
It's sad, but we do have to think of how we offer help.
Similar to hitch-hikers, I used to never pick up lone females ( not that many folk hitch these days anyway) unless my partner was in the car with me. Sad and possibly expossing them to possibly unsavory folk but a mate in haulage once got "rolled" by a girl saying she'd scream rape at the next stop unless he gave her cash.:yikes: He handled the situation in his usuall way and explained ( without conviction I hasten to add ) that if she did - he would! He then stopped and let her out and contacted the cops as soon as he could.
So yes help all you can in anyway you can, but be carefull.
GB
