Sleeping in your car...safe? Yay or nay?

[Midwest Michael]

Just to be clear, the reason is that we recommend strongly that people do not sleep in rest areas because there have been many cases of serious and violent crime against travelers.

Rest areas by their nature tend to be a long distance from populated areas and see relatively little patrol. On top of that, their locations right along the a freeway are an ideal target for criminals because it provides the perfect opportunity for a quick getaway. A sleeping traveler is just about a perfect target for a criminal, and putting up shades is practically an invitation that a defenseless victim is inside.

Florida now has armed guards patroling their rest area, because of the murder of several travelers a number of years ago, but almost nowhere else offers such security. There have been several other cases of robbery, rape, and arson throughout the country, and most of those cases are never solved.

I would never tempt fate just for tradition sake, especially since there are so many other options - like truck stops - where you can pull over to sleep, in a much safer environment.

[DuckInTheLake]

Interesting. I would have thought that putting up shades would not only give you some privacy, but would also make a criminal think twice because they can't see inside to see if they will be dealing with the terminator or minnie mouse, and they might pass up the opportunity.

Do campgrounds have security? I would feel less safe in a tent than sleeping in my car.

Determined Duck

[Lifemagician]

... dealing with the terminator or minnie mouse ...

A criminal would know the value of surprise and a half asleep occupant of a vehicle. This will always give them the upperhand.

Many campgrounds have security, especially the commercial ones. They often have gates with swipe cards or such.

But even when they don't have lockable gates, the very fact that they have the plate number of every vehicle on their register, and they ask for ID when you book in, is a measure of safety. And of course, you will rarely find a campground which does not have a manager onsite. That in it self gives me a feeling of security.

Besides, you get to know the people around you, when setting up a tent, cooking a meal, etc. The better you know the person(s) camped near you, chances are the safer you will feel. In the very remote chance that something could happen, you know they will hear and come to your assistance.

Funny part is, when I stay in a motel or hotel, I always make sure there is a safety chain on the door. Only then do I feel safe.

Lifey

[Mark Sedenquist]

In many states there are signs....prohibiting sleeping in State rest stops. New York is one state where you can almost be guaranteed that a state trooper will rap on your window and remind you that the rest stop is for resting only --Sleeping is not allowed.

Mark

[Midwest Michael]

I completely agree with Lifey, the very nature of a campground makes them much more safe.

First, many of them do have gates or 24 hour security, and nearly every developed campground will have a campground host that actually lives in the campground.

On top of that, a campground by its very nature means neighbors, many of whom are also sleeping outside and/or in a tent. A criminal looking for an easy opportunity, isn't going to target someone when a simple scream will likely be heard by a couple dozen other people.

And one other big difference between campgrounds and rest areas is location. While they both are typically far removed from cities, Rest areas offer the perfect opportunity to get back on a freeway and be miles away within minutes. Campgrounds on the other hand are typically located at least a bit of a drive away from the highway, meaning that it requires a rather significant effort to both get there and get away.

Its not to say that crime can't happen or never happens at a campground, but its much more rare, and requires much more effort by a would be criminals - and even dumb criminals usually know to look for the easiest possible victims, which won't be in a campground.

[Bob Don]

Much is said for the location choices of sleeping in the car, but not on how to sleep comfortably in the car. What if you want go to toilet in the middle of a freezing night? Or where to take shower? I am in CA and the rent is simply too high so I plan to buy a big SUV and just sleep in the car. Is this feasible? I have parking sticker in the university where safety is not a big issue.

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the forum, Bob!

I'm not sure I am completely following your plan, but if you are thinking of this as a long term living situation (aka choosing to be homeless), I'd very much consider it a last resort.

On the road, Truck Stops are a great place because you have restrooms, showers, etc available. I'm going to doubt that you'd have that available at a university unless you are living in a dorm. Additionally, while you may have a parking permit, I'd be a bit surprised if you didn't end up with a security guard waking you up in the middle of the night if they notice you sleeping there.

Finally, what will you do when you are not sleeping? Again, this is a case where if you are looking just to get off the road and sleep for a night, its not much of an issue, but it is something to think about if you're going to chose to make homelessness your lifestyle.

[Bob Don]

Thanks Midwest Michael, for your thoughts and information.
This is some sort of mid-term plan, I'd like to try it out for a couple of months. I can hold pee during the nights, and do it morning in the building, but shower would be a problem. I know some water-free hand washing stuff but not sure for body. In winter it'd be fine if not exercise much, but can't avoid in summer.
For security guard, I can put some nice curtains on all side and rear windows and sun-shade on windshield, or alternatively go to highway rest areas every night (which would be legal for 4 hours according to the lengthy discussion here?).
Regarding the rest of the time in a day, I simply stay in office.

You're right, this is more a matter of lifestyle choice, i.e., I find this idea appealing since I was college kid but never had a chance to practice. Now this forum gives a practical guide.

[Midwest Michael]

As has been said many times in this thread, a highway rest area is not a safe place to sleep in your car, even in areas where it is legal.

I supposed I could ask, if you can spend 16 hours of your day in your office (the time you are not sleeping) when why not just sleep there too? That however, is more of a rhetorical question as your plans are really extending beyond the scope of this forum.

Best Wishes.

[Bob Don]

The point is that it's a shared office. Alternatively, rent someone's driveway for the nights and park the car there. If I were the owner of the house, it would make no sense if I turn down such an offer for making extra bucks. Of course this is beyond the scope of this forum, as you said.

Now for those on the trips, parking at legal rest areas doesn't sound that bad, to get away from the criminals, why not put some funky tattoos (washable) and get a couple of inflatable guys from adult shops and place them in your front seats with proper dressing, and hats? This is no kidding. Criminal are rational, they wouldn't jeopardize themselves for (possible) small amount of money from a tough victim. I suppose placing some toys in the car isn't against the law.