The Question of Belief

Ultimately, the legend of The Vanishing Hitchhiker while entertaining is not an original tale. While a key feature to the legend is the specifics (example of location) the general structure of the myth inevitably can be identifiied by one of the four major categories. The legend itself has been developed from very early cultures to serve automobile legend interests. The legend in Africa, similar to America has spread widely and also complies to the sub-types formulated by Beardsley and Hankey. In some versions of the story an automobile may not be directly involved, however, at times the protagonist may be a taxi driver, or another occupation related to automobiles. Since Beardsley and Hankey first critical study of The Vanishing Hitchhiker legend, the tale has become more wide-spread than they had first anticipated. It can be suggested the Vanishing Hitchhiker has become an urban legend built upon centuries of mythology and  the question of its validity is still very relevant. 

If you have had your doubts, they may be erased by the video above. This video has circulated the internet under the premise of it being geniune footage before a car crash.