Are Rest Stops Safe to Stay At?
Is it safe to stay at a rest stop on a road trip?
Whether you’re driving across Ontario or on the Interstate highway in the U.S., you’ll likely come across a number of rest stops throughout your trip.
While rest stops can present a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, do your business, and grab a bite to eat, it’s likely not in your best interest to stay at one for an extended period of time.
Safety danger
Many people tend to confuse rest stops with cheap hotels. They fall asleep without taking the proper precautions, and leave themselves in potential danger.
Many U.S. cities have outright banned sleeping at rest stops since drivers are so vulnerable. If you do want to stop at a rest stop for a quick nap, make sure to lock all doors and windows and drive away immediately if you sense any potential danger.
While you never want to be on the road when you’re tired, you should look for a nearby motel instead if you’re desperate to catch some zzz’s. You can even look for a cheap campground if you’re really not interested in spending a lot of money.
Due diligence
Before pulling your car into a rest stop, you should look at online reviews to get a feel for how safe the area is. Since you’ll be coming from out of town, you really won’t know what the reputation of the area is, so it’s important that you perform the proper due diligence beforehand.
Stay in the light
If you want to decrease the chances of having your car broken into, you should always make sure to park in a well-lit area. If you’re having trouble finding good lighting, consider parking closer to the building.
In general, it’s always better to stop at a rest stop during the day as opposed to at night.
Carry your cellphone with you
If something actually does go wrong, you’ll want to make sure you can contact the police as quickly as possible. Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times, in or out of the vehicle.
Don’t stay if it’s not busy
The more secluded the rest area is, the higher the chance for problems. If possible, always park near other vehicles. A thief will be less likely to try to break into a car that’s in a crowded area.
Go to a restaurant instead
If you’re worried about leaving your car outside a rest stop, it may be in your best interest to avoid them altogether. Instead of stopping at a rest stop, you could always find a nearby restaurant if you’re looking for a quick bite or washroom facilities.