Tips for Sleeping at Roadside Rest Stops

A lot of travelers save money by skipping the hotel on long road trips and crashing at a roadside rest stop instead. While not typically advisable, sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. Staying safe while sleeping should be a top priority in these cases.

Park in Lighted Spots

The key to picking a parking spot is proper lighting. Parking in a spot far away from the main building at a rest stop makes you an easier target for thieves. Stay close to the building and underneath a lamp to ward off potential threats.

Lock the Doors

Sometimes it’s easy to forget to lock your car doors while still inside. That’s a great way to let someone slip in the backseat and steal your bags. Make sure all of your doors are locked, as well as the trunk.

Notice the Mile Marker

Take note of the closest mile marker to the rest stop. That way, you’ll know exactly where to direct police if you run into trouble. Rest areas also tend to have emergency phones on site so be sure to know where it is before nodding off.

Find One Staffed

Some rest stops are staffed 24/7. These are your best bet for a safe night. They’ll provide added protection by scaring off potential thieves and criminals. If you can’t find one that’s staffed, find one that’s busy. Never rest at a stop that has no other cars in sight.

Keep the Keys Close

Keep your keys somewhere easily accessible. If you’re woken up in the night by a possible carjacker, hitting the alarm button can send them scurrying. You’ll also want to be able to quickly make an escape.