What are the safest and most dangerous truckstops??

Never had that happen and haven't seen it happen. If I am not mistaken Kentucky's policy is that once you have passed the scale and entered the rest area you are "safe" from being inspected/bothered by police.

 

The only reason they would do this is if you are spilling fluids of some type, or something is really wrong with your truck and in plain sight. That is the purpose of the Safe Rest Haven, is so you can park safely, sleep, and not be bothered. When you leave in the morning you go thru the bypass lane and not over the scale also.

 

Ok.... so I have read the majority of this thread and being a greenhorn I have to ask..... WITH SO MANY BAD TRUCK STOPS, WHERE DO YOU PARK FOR SAFETY?

Shopping Centers with grocery stores as the anchor?
Highway "on ramps" on the side?
Hidden spots only you know about?
In front of a police station?


Please share your thoughts on the "NON TRUCK STOP" safest places to park for the night.

 

Despite there being a lot of "un safe" truck stops listed the fact is that many of us still park at them. If your time runs out and you need a place to park you don't have many other options. There are many things you can do to remain safe, such as staying with your truck or not venturing far from it, avoid talking to other people in the lot, especially not making eye contact with others as that is usually when they decide to come up to you. Try to park in the most well lit or visited area of the parking lot.

I do not think that any of the spots you listed would be an advisable place to take a break at.

 

I would have to agree with joeybowman on that. As drivers now a days it is hard to be picky where you park when your clock is up. Proper trip planning can make it easier but even then, #### happens. Ie alawys tried to stay in the truck after the sun goes down and if I had to get out after dark I wouldnt walk between trucks in the shadows. There are precautions you can take, you just have to be smart about it.

 

You can usually get into a Walmart. Most shopping centers have landscaping throughout the parking lot that precludes us from taking an 18-wheeler in without destroying something. You don't win any points that way.

Extremely dangerous from a collision standpoint, especially the exit ramps. This is a serious last resort.

May be more dangerous than truckstops. Jason Ryvenburg was murdered in a place like this a couple of years ago.

You'll most likely get a very expensive parking ticket.

Despite what's written in this thread, most truckstops are relatively safe - its not like everyone walking around with a thunderstorm nearby is hit by lightning. Use some common sense, stick to the lighted areas, and act like you have a pair.

 

HIDDEN SPOTS ONLY YOU KNOW ABOUT?

Ironpony,

I was shocked (and then not because of the time we live in) when I heard about Jason and especially WHERE. I know the spot where he died very well as I pass it from time to time. I only live about 15 minutes from that abandoned gas station. This is an area nowhere near a large city. I guess this is why I am asking this question. I appreciate your responses.

Here's another question to throw out there. How many of you drivers have security cameras mounted on your trucks?

Oh... the police station comment was just a joke given the desperate need for safety LOL

 

I dont think I have ever heard of a security camera mounted on a truck for that kind of use.

 

they should have shaved that meal before serving

 

Watched an auto hauler with a gooseneck trailer attemping to put a tractor on trailer and just about crush somebody and the side of another rig. I guess he didn't think to maybe attach the other tractor first and then try to drive it on.