You might be on a journey, trying to take a break at a truck stop. You might be stranded in a new city and decide to take a quick nap from the stress of driving. But this might not completely be a safe thing to do, or it might be one of the safest things to do. You really want to find out!
Sleeping in your car at a truck stop is illegal in some states. It can also be dangerous and unsafe for you to sleep in your car if you do not note some factors. Truck Stops are arguably not only for truckers, so you need to consider certain factors to keep yourself safe while using them.
Sleeping in your car at a truck stop can be your only resort when traveling. You might not have enough cash to lodge in a hotel, or you can’t see any hotels around you. This doesn’t mean you should stay stranded in your vehicle roadside. It is safer to be at a truck stop than by the roadside. All you need is to choose the right truck stop for your break.
Factors to Consider Choosing the Right Truck Stop
When choosing the right truck stop for you to pass the night, you have to consider some factors. You need to ensure some facilities, amenities, and features are present at the truck stop. Considering these factors will make sure the environment is conducive and safe for you.
Here are some factors you should consider;
- Lighting: Lighting is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing the right truck stop. Illegal activities tend to occur in dark places, so you should keep away from dark truck stops. Make sure the truck stop you are choosing has enough lighting that runs 24/7 for your maximum safety.
- Size: The size of the truck stop also matters. You should go to large truck stops with at least 70 to 80 parking spaces. It will give you varieties of parking options to choose from. Large parking spaces are also always lively, full of trucks, and safer than smaller vacant stops.
- Food: Food is essential to everyone, and not all travelers will have their food with them. The truck stop should have restaurants that can allow you to eat when hungry or sit quietly. It is also an addition if the stop sells fruit as they will help you eat healthily and get more energy for driving.
- Shower facilities: After staying the night at a truck stop, you really should smell nice the following day before resuming your journey. You should check if the truck stop has a shower facility. You might need to pay for the service as you are not a registered truck driver, but it is always very cheap most times.
- Lounge: You also need to check if the truck stop has a lounge. The lounge will provide space for you to sleep and rest instead of sleeping in your car, which is less safe. People might pretty much occupy the lounge in the day, but it is usually vacant by night. So, getting a truck stop with a lounge will provide you a space to sleep.
There are also other factors to consider while choosing the truck. You can check if they have a coffee shop if you are a fan of coffee. You can also check out if the truck stop has laundry service or free Wi-Fi as an addition. The additional features you look out for can be a result of your preference.
Things You Should Take Note of When Staying at a Truck Stop
When you are at a truck stop, you should take note of some things. Taking note of these things will ensure your safety and a worthwhile experience at the truck stop. Here are some things you should know:
- Where to park: When parking your car, you shouldn’t park at the front as you will be too visible to law enforcers. In some cities, it can be illegal to sleep at a truck stop, and you don’t want to be at the hands of the law. It is also not advisable to stay at the back of the truck stop. This place is usually dark and can be full of illegal activities. It’s better to be safe than sorry. The best place to park is around the middle of the truck stop and away from the dark spots. You can park by the sides of parking lots, especially when flanked by a wooden fence.
- Please take note of parking signs: It is essential to note parking signs at a truck stop. You do not want to violate the rules of the park to avoid being sent out.
- Keep an eye on the environment: Not everyone at the park is of good intentions. You should keep an eye on the environment to ensure your safety and that of your properties. Watch out for signs of prostitution, drug dealing, sex trafficking, etc.
- Keep your properties well: You have to keep your properties well to avoid being stolen. Make sure you do not flash your gadgets and keep your vehicle locked.
- Watch who you talk to: You also have to be careful with the people you speak to in the park. Not everyone wants to make friends with you, so you need to make sure you don’t give your details to people.
You should also take general precautions and watch for suspicious strangers.
Conclusion
It can be illegal and unsafe to sleep in your car at a truck stop. But if you have no options left, you have to make sure you put your safety first. Consider the necessary factors when choosing the right truck stop. Also, make sure you act right when at the truck stop.