Is it EVER okay to offer a stranger a ride in New Jersey?

Have things gotten so bad in our society that a man can NEVER offer someone, especially a female a ride, or assistance on the road? Maybe.

There was an incident, or not, this week of a man offering a 16 year-old high school student a ride in Linden. He could have had bad intentions or he could have just wanted to be helpful. It was the smart thing to do for the girl to decline the offer and notify the school.

We have had incidents recently that were thought to be a possible "luring" that turned out to be innocent inquiries. I feel badly that I always avoid even conversation with a minor unless their parents are present. I don't want anything to be misinterpreted and I certainly wouldn't want to scare a kid.

They've all been taught about the dangers of strangers and everyone these days is looked at as a potential predator. It's unfortunate but that is the climate in which we live.

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