Sleeping in Rest Stops

It should be noted that Truckers do sleep at rest areas all the time, but usually because they don't have a choice. Truckers are required to follow very specific rules about how many hours they can be on the road (it works out to roughly 600 miles a day), and when that time is up, they have to stop - and if a rest area is the closest place to stop, then that's where they stop. Nearly all truckers much prefer to stop at a Truck Stop if possible.

Of course, Truckers also have the distinct advantage that they have sleeper cabs to isolate themselves from the outside - unlike someone who is sleeping in a car, where the only thing between you and a potential problem is the glass in your windows.

No such thing as a stupid question. I'm glad you asked.

For me the biggest difference is the security. Brightly lit with people coming and going all night. You have told the management that you will be there, and they told you where to park, meaning they will keep an eye on you. Furthermore, many have extra security all night long, and the local constabulary regularly loop through the lot, even if only to get a coffee. All this helps to keep trouble at arm's length.

Lastly, should anything happen you have somewhere to go or hitting the horn would soon bring management/security to your vehicle.

As Michael said, truckers often do not have a choice. But then trucks are not as easy a target as cars, though I have read about loads been stolen from trucks at rest areas.

Lifey

Thanks so much for clarifying! I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain it to me. On my trip, I didn't leave the freeway much so I was more than likely never at a truck stop. In the future, I'll probably just make sure I have the money for a hotel before hitting the road.

Truck stops are right at freeway exits. You might well have purchased fuel at one, without realizing. Prices are often less at truck stops/travel plazas because of the volume of fuel they sell every day.

Mark

That is the best thing to do, but if you must you can be relatively safe in the parking lot of a 24 hour truck stop/travel center such as Pilot, Flying J, Petro, Loves, or TA. Ask permission, park where directed, and give the establishment some business such as buy a tank of gas, a meal, stuff out of the convenience store, etc. You can also buy a shower if you need one, expect that to cost $10 to $15.

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Originally Posted by glc

That is the best thing to do, but if you must you can be relatively safe in the parking lot of a 24 hour truck stop/travel center such as Pilot, Flying J, Petro, Loves, or TA. Ask permission, park where directed, and give the establishment some business such as buy a tank of gas, a meal, stuff out of the convenience store, etc. You can also buy a shower if you need one, expect that to cost $10 to $15.

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Ah, I think I stopped at a Flying J while I was living in Florida but I was just driving a few hours for the holidays so there was no need to spend the night.