I've hitch hiked in the past when there was no other way to get where I was going. I'm lucky that all the rides were good. I don't recommend it as it seems there are more crazy people out there now a days.
I've picked up hitch hikers many times. Be careful who you pick up. Almost everyone I've given rides to have been very nice decent people. But I have given rides to a few very strange characters that I felt would try something evil if thought they could get away with it. If you do give a ride to a stranger, have them ride in the front seat where you can keep an eye on them.
Whenever you catch a ride with a stranger or give a ride, remember that if anything bad happens, it's your word against their word. Sometimes police believe the bad guy/gal.