Truck Stop Safety

I recently came across a post in one of the RV social media groups discussing overnight stops at truck stops.

Many RV travelers use truck stops, rest areas, Walmart stores, Cracker Barrel restaurants, and similar locations as convenient places to rest during long travel days. Sometimes you only need a few hours of sleep before continuing down the road.

The post included a list of truck stops that a major trucking company had reportedly recommended its drivers avoid because of repeated cargo thefts and criminal activity.

While I wasn’t able to locate the original document, I did find discussions about the list on several trucking forums. The consensus was that cargo theft and other crimes tend to be more common around truck stops in some larger metropolitan areas. Several drivers also pointed out that similar problems exist in cities that weren’t included on the list.

Whether the specific list is completely accurate isn’t really the point.

The important takeaway is that where you choose to spend the night matters.

If you use truck stops during your travels, consider stopping at locations outside major urban areas whenever practical. In general, smaller or more rural truck stops tend to be quieter and may offer a more comfortable overnight experience.

Wherever you stop, a few common-sense precautions can go a long way.

• Park in a well-lit area whenever possible.
• Lock your RV and tow vehicle before turning in for the night.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Avoid walking around the parking lot late at night unless it’s necessary.
• Be aware of your surroundings whenever you arrive or leave.

The same advice applies to rest areas.

Some are well maintained, well lit, and regularly patrolled. Others are much more isolated. If a location doesn’t feel safe, trust your instincts and move on.

The same holds true even at campgrounds.

Overnight or transient sites often have a steady flow of people coming and going. Most campers are friendly and respectful, but it’s still wise to lock your doors, secure your belongings, and remain aware of who is around your campsite.

One habit we’ve developed is to arrive early enough that we aren’t searching for a place to stay after dark whenever possible. It gives us more choices and lets us evaluate a location before settling in for the night.

Traveling by RV is one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to see the country.

A little planning, some basic awareness, and a willingness to trust your instincts will go a long way toward keeping your travels enjoyable.

Safe travels.