Currently I drive a truck for an oil company and put about 5,000 miles a month on my F250 Pickup (love this truck). Because I do oil field deliveries I have to drive at all times of day and night, including overnight runs to west Texas and the Pan Handle. It’s not my favorite.
Texas has created some amazing rest stops, with free Wifi. The problem is they aren’t always safe. Most are built far from anywhere. Law enforcement is miles away and the scum of the earth know that. They will sit at rest stops waiting for people to show up to victimize.
I only use truck stops that are well lit, have a lot of people, and many trucks parked outside. Most are very well lit and well taken care of here in Texas. I’m also looking for people. A couple people are not enough. It might be a group of bad people. I am looking for multiple groups out of multiple cars. The last and most telling sign for me is the trucks. Truckers depend on their trucks for their living and it’s their home. They won’t park anywhere it may be damaged or they may be victimized. If one of them is a victim of a crime at a truck stop it will go around to all the other truckers and they will continue down the road to stop somewhere else.
If you can, go on to the next town/city to stop. If not look at those three things and make sure they are in your favor. If not continue on. It’s safer to sleep on the side of the road or use a bush then to stop at partially lit and deserted rest stops.
When you do stop at a well lit, with lots of people, and lots of trucks, make sure you lock your doors. If you are going to sleep, park next to the big rigs and then if possible have someone stay awake, or take turns sleeping. When you go to the bathroom, try and use the buddy system whenever you can. If you have a buddy or not, make sure you are looking around and at the people there. Look for the ones that don’t look like they have been traveling. Those are the predators looking for prey.
Stay away from anyone that looks wrong or out of place. If things look bad, or you get a bad feeling, get back in your car and leave. A rest stop in the middle of nowhere is the most dangerous place you can be on most road trips.
Stay Safe,
Ben