is driving cross country safe? are rest areas safe? how about truck stops?

Question

I'm traveling from Florida to California! I'm just concerned because its my first time traveling by myself for such a long distance. I plan to drive 8 hours in the day each day, and then sleep, and eat. ect.

I'm going to be sleeping in the car, what are the safest places to rest? truck stops, rest areas, off the road?

Answer 1

OK, I may be qualified to answer this. Over 1.5 million miles accident free throughout the US. Your plan to drive 8 hours per day is a good start. Bring plenty of good listening music, as some of the areas you will travel through may or may not have the radio station type music you typically listen to. As for sleeping in the rest areas. The State Patrol routinely patrol rest areas, a great place to find stolen vehicles..etc. They can however get busy and noisey with the in and out traffic. Truck stops are relatively safe and generally well lit. You can park a car far enough away from the building to remain well lit and still have a secure feeling. DO NOT park off the side of the road, this would be very unsafe and most certainly you will recieve a wake up call from a friendly law enforcement officer. I agree with a previous poster in that you should figure a way to get into a hotel/motel each night, it will alllow you to clean up and get better rested for the next day. If completely unable to get a motel (some as cheap as $30 nightly) then think about traveling at night. Night travel provides less traffic, which results in better speed management....i.e. better fuel mileage and less fatigue. One last thing...if you can not afford to stay at a motel remember that most major truckstops have shower facilities for the drivers, they generally charge between $5 and $10 for the shower and clean towels. The showers are kept clean (cleaned after each use) and are private. Have fun and be safe!

Answer 2

If you are going to actually sleep in the car, then do so at truck stops. Rest areas are good for a pit stop and to stretch your legs, but only during the day and not at night. In some areas, you will be forced to rent a room for the night, or be faced with 3 to 5 days of jail time for vagrancy in a vehicle, and also face having your vehicle impounded.

Call AAA and ask them for a route map that shows all the truck stops and rest areas on them, and ask them to recommend a few cheap motels as well. They provide this service for free.

Answer 3

8 hours a day is nothing. I would usually drive 12 to 15 hours and make it across in 5 days. I always stayed at motels though, as good rest and staying clean makes the whole thing more enjoyable.

Answer 4

You will be fine driving across the country, just keep a map and be smart. Don't sleep in your car though... if you are already nervous then you probably won't get a wink in your car. With the cost of gas alone, you could buy a plane ticket.

Answer 5

Dude, have you not seen "The Hills Have Eyes" or "Wolf CreeK"? Just kidding, of course its safe, just make sure you have all the necessites like a flashlight,batteries,cellphone,gas can. People do it all the time. Just be careful not to pick up hitchhickers and you'll do great. Good Luck. Oh, Cali. from FL. isnt that long, relax and enjoy the sights.

Answer 6

That's interesting

Answer 7

thats a long trip, I wouldn't advise sleeping in your car, but if you cant stay in a hotel, pick a well lit rest stop.. and sometimes even those aren't too safe... I would advise driving at night and sleeping in the day, if at all possible.....be careful!

Answer 8

Just pull into the highway rest stops. I did it.

"Ye'all wanna have sex in the back of my truck?" asked the friendly trucker. "Got me some dogs back there."

Answer 9

i think that i would much rather fly cross country than drive because of the safety. it's very dangerous.... especially with the truck driver these days.

Answer 10

well, day time rest stops are safe, but in the nighttime beware..because murders and carjackers would be out there waiting.