Depends on the situation. If it looked like they had it under control, for example they have the spare tire out and are jacking up the car, then I would probably keep going (unless it was a woman then I would stop and offer to put her spare tire on for her). Now if it was parked to the side of the road with the hood up and smoke billowing out or something like that, then I would stop and help out or ask if they need to use my cell phone.

 

this is interesting as my psychology teacher taught me that men are almost twice as likely to stop and help a woman in need than a man in need. and even more so if the woman is pretty.

 

I don't doubt that. When I see a woman pulled off on the side of the road, I think on some subconscious level I imagine my mother being in that same situation, and knowing how clueless she is when it comes to cars, how cool would it be if a nice gentleman stopped to either offer use of his phone or change her tire and get her back on the road again.

I think when you see another guy pulled over on the side of the road, you just think "meh, he's a guy, guys are good with cars, I'm sure he's got everything under control"

 

Maybe it's because we're Bay Area folk and we have all the crazies. I wouldn't stop either. There are so many call boxes, highway patrol, police, tow trucks, and enough cell phone reception that anyone with a car can get help quickly. Unless they were in an accident or were flagging someone down for an emergency, they can wait for a tow in their car.

I stop for motorcyclists as they're unprotected, but that's another issue. Shrugs.

 

i never stop on the side of the road. +1 for paranoia.

however, if I'm in a well-lit parking lot I'll help people out if they need a jump or directions or something... thats why i keep cables in the car