Hitching the from Invers to Picton

I know it's supposedly not safe but really I'd like to see the stats and anyway I'm guy! But here's how the hitching went, for those who are curious about who hitches / picks up hitchers etc:

Ride 1) Invers to Gore:
Male driver, early 30's, works in submarine logistics and has written a book! , is on his way to pick up his wife and child

----- Random local kids start a conversation with me about the pro's and con's of hitching. I wonder what their parents reaction will be??

Ride 2) Gore to Dunedin:
2 Males and a female, early 20's, students, Gore locals, off to the Pink Floyd (someone Waters) thing in Christchurch

Ride 3) Dunedin to Christchurch:
2 Females, sisters, wouldn't you know my luck going all the way to Christchurch!! Thanks mum

Ride 4) Christchurch to Amberly:
1 Female, 30's, radiography student, lives in Amberly

Ride 5) Amberly to Hamner Springs turn off:
1 Female 50's ? , Told me her late husband told here never to pick up hitchers 'cos they're all on drugs and just outa jail!

Ride 6) Hamner Springs turn off to Ward:
Father (late 40's) and daughter (16?) from Aussie visiting rallies and dropping her off at a boarding school in Palmaston North. Water and droughts was the conversation of the day.

Ride 7) Ward to Blenham.... after almost an hour waiting:
1 Female mid/late 20's, studying OT after blowing the trust fund and spending a year on the dole, was looking for the magical passive income combiined with low cost life!

Ride 8) Blenham to Picton ( after only2 min!!):
1 Male 60's, works in Blenham, lives in Picton, claims "I owe a few rides"