Hitchhiking with strangers just seems like a dangerous thing to do
For sure. I feel that hitchhiking is a high risk, but low reward in the form of temporary transportation.
The rides are typically free but doesnt seem worth the risk
Yea exactly, that basically sums it up. Have you ever hitchhiked?
Nah im not too much about traveling without my own means of transport, not worth traveling or riding for free with people even if the rides are usually free
Good for you, there are a lot better options that to hitchhike from a stranger. 
Hitchhikers use all sorts of methods and signaling around the world