You may be right, but I recommend off ramp because it'd be best to cruise through and see if there's an actual space open before parking on the shoulder in either location. But either way, you're going to be one of many parked alongside those ramps in areas where there's not enough spaces at rest stops/truck stops. As for safety, they're probably less likely to get hit parked on either side than they are when they're out rolling on duty.
The only way around it I found was to be able to drive right through the night, if that was legally possible of course. Other options I found if it was safe to park near a Walmart although i hear that option has now been put to bed.
