Nashville, TN - According to a new report, hikers across the United States are just one thumb away from being hitchhikers.
The study, conducted by the United States Hike-it Coalition, found that each year over 2,000 hikers inadvertently become hitchhikers by accidentally raising their thumbs near country roadways. These unintentional hand gestures are misinterpreted by motorists who stop to offer them a ride.
Bill Underwood, a spokesperson for the coalition, told The Inquisitor, "Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference. Our hope is this report will help to better define each category."
Aside from a protruding thumb, Underwood went on to spell out the main differences:
Hikers are people walking to get from one place to another, usually for enjoyment in a hilly or wooded area.
Hitchhikers are also people walking to get from one place to another, but only when they don't have a ride. They are less commonly found in woods and tend to stick closer to roads and interstates where they are more likely to attract drivers.
Underwood says there is still a lot of work to do to increase awareness but hopes this report is a step in the right direction.
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