(Juneau) Dodge County authorities would like to remind citizens about the legalities and dangers of hitchhiking in the state of Wisconsin. Sheriff Dale Schmidt says it is illegal to hitchhike while on the roadway.
“So, if you’re not on the paved portion, you are technically legal to be doing that,” says Schmidt. “However, I don’t recommend standing out with a thumb out.”
Schmit says there is a good chance the hitchhiker someone drives by may mug them, and it is best to call the authorities if something looks suspicious. He recommends that anyone who wishes to be on the side of the road do it in low traffic areas.
“We don’t want individuals walking down [Highway] 151 or even [Highway] 33, Highway 26,” Schmidt says. “We really don’t want those, especially on the state highways because there is a lot of traffic out there. It could be dangerous.”
The sheriff says that in those situations, authorities will pull over and ask the individual if they need a ride.
