The rising cost of gas the past couple of years has forced some people to carpool, but not always with someone they know.
And police say the risks associated with that are just the same as if you stood alongside the road with your thumb out.
Planes, trains and automobiles help us get around. But some are letting their fingers do the walking – logging onto at an alarming trend.
"One guy I rode back and forth with to D.C. three times," says frequent “rideshare” user Kevin Burcroff.
Burcroff sells cars for a living, but doesn't own one. Yet he manages to roam the country with the click of a mouse on Craigslist.
"I've taken rides from people and I've given rides to people," says Burcroff.
And judging by the posts on Craigslist, Kevin isn't alone.
You'll find numerous posts every day looking for rides to Columbus, offering rides to Chicago, the Carolinas, Nebraska.
Just send an e-mail, these strangers will pick you up.
Cost seems to be the number one reason ridesharers like Kevin choose to post.
"I looked at Greyhound and its going to cost me $120 round trip, so if someone is willing to take me for $75, I'll go that route," says Burcroff.
Throw in conversation – and conserving energy – and it seems like a win-win. But don't be fooled. This is hitch-hiking.
"They're using technology now to get a ride versus standing out on the road thumbing it," says Josh Swindell, a Lieutenant with the Ohio State Patrol. "I wouldn't take that chance of trying to put a stranger in my car."
And he suggests you don't either.
"They pretty much can control you, or do something to you and never see you again," says Swindell.
But Lt. Swindell says if you choose to rideshare, protect yourself. E-mail is not enough.
Pick up the phone – know who you are riding with. Ask for their phone number and their address.
Also, know the route you plan to take. There are many different ways to get from point A to point B. Ask for a picture of their car and tag number.
"That's good information for an officer to have to try and locate your car," says Lt. Swindell.
And finally, give all this information to someone you trust. And for long trips, set times to call.
As you would expect, Craigslist does not do background checks on people who post ads.
If ridesharing is something you're considering, it's extremely important to weigh if the money you save is worth the risk.
