I hitched a few times in the 60's and 70's. Mostly in Colorado and New Mexico. Never had a problem or impression that I remember.
I would pick up hitchhikers in those days too but kind of got selective about it unless they were obviously stranded and then only a family group with small kids.
A friend of mine picked up a guy when he was going to a place during the Sturgis Rally a few years ago. They guy stabbed him. He came out okay because there were people close enough to call 911 and get him to the hospital but that incident cured me of being a good samaritan for just about anybody.
