Truck Stop Tips
Any driver who wishes to spend the night or take a brief break at a
truck stop can benefit from the advice in this article.
The United States has a vast number of truck stops spread out across
all the main highways traversing our country in every direction. These
truck stops are generously stocked with all the necessary comforts
and amenities so that every
driver who has chosen to park
there, either for a short break or
an overnight stay, can experience
a real sense of homeliness.
Traveling around with your truck
can be both an exhilarating
experience and a source of worry
— but with the right set of
knowledge, you'll be better
prepared to get the most out of the journey. We've taken the time to
research the best truck stops in America, so you don't have to! This
collection of stops will give you a leg up in planning your journey and
make sure that you stop only at the most optimum spots.
However, there still exist certain risks when stopping at any of these
locales. Your truck can be easily damaged due to any number of
incidents: for instance, many old stops have not updated their
parking slots to make room for modern trucks, and the tighter
parking only increases the chance of damage. Additionally, due to
their location near highways, truck stops often become places for
training drills, with new truck drivers potentially getting too close to
your parked rig. Even more experienced drivers may find themselves
in an accident at some point — it's always important to stay safe and
aware when out on the roads.
Of course, truck stops are also
places susceptible to crime.
Different states have different
levels of danger — California,
Texas, and Florida being some of
the most risky areas according to official accounts — and the third
quarter of 2021 alone saw a sadly large number of 359 reported
theft incidents across the country.
To minimize the risks and ensure that your trip is as safe and
stressfree as possible, we've composed a list of helpful tips to keep in
mind. Additionally, if you are hauling hazardous materials, make sure
to read up on how to get a hazmat endorsement, and prepare for
every situation that could be thrown at you.
• Before you drive, plan your trip so that you can pick the best
truck stops with higher ratings.
• Take your own toiletries with you because many truck stops
have showers and laundry facilities. It's possible that you'll need
your own razor, flip flops, soap, towel, and other items.
• Safe leaving at the truck stop can diminish the gamble of harm.
• It implies stopping appropriately at one stopping place, not
involving two, so different drivers can undoubtedly stop close to
your opening.
• Leave away from truck stops' entrances, exits and fuel siphons:
Avoid leaving your truck there because there are too many
trucks passing through these locations.
• It's more secure to stop at openings where there is some free
space around.
• Try to see who is parked nearby and who is walking around, and
steer clear of areas that are poorly lit. Find a better parking lot if
you hear or see anything suspicious.
• To prevent your truck from rolling out of nowhere, don't forget
to turn off the engine and pull out of the parking lot.
• Always proceed slowly and cautiously through truck stops: keep
an eye out for pedestrians and other drivers. Maintain your
distance and examine your blind spots: Maintain your focus so
as not to injure anyone at the truck stop.
• Make sure your high beam headlights are off at night to avoid
blinding anyone.
• Continuously investigate your truck prior to driving. Particularly
on the off chance that you have been away for some time and
left it at the truck stop, that is pivotal for your own wellbeing
and security of different drivers. Especially in the winter, walk
around your truck and inspect the tires, fluid levels, shock
absorbers, kingpins, brake lights, and windshield washer level.
In the event that your truck is stacked, remember to actually
look at the heap.
• Don't be afraid to tell the driver of the other truck if you find
something wrong with it. Inform the staff at the truck stop if the
worst happens and someone breaks into your truck so they can
check the cameras and help you.
• Take care of yourself and your health. If you're feeling tired or
drained, don't ignore it. In that condition, driving is extremely
risky, so it's best to rest at the truck stop.
• Always bring your phone with you, and don't forget to charge it
so you can always contact someone in an emergency.
• Using reward or loyalty cards at some truck chains can help you
save money on fuel and even on bathroom expenses.
• Regardless of whether you are managing truck stops everyday,
be respectful and remember that different drivers may be
exceptionally drained after a long ride. While some drivers may
be very open and willing to talk to you, others may prefer to rest
and sleep in silence.
• Always pay attention to the person parked next to you and move
to a different spot if you notice anyone suspicious. To lower your
risk of being robbed, try to select a parking spot that is close to
other drivers.
• Instead of waiting in line at a fuel lane, drive your truck to the
parking lot after filling up.
• Take care of yourself. Clean the shower, restroom, and laundry
facilities, as well as the trash. So that other people can
comfortably use all of the facilities, don't leave any mess behind.
• Keep an eye on your surroundings and lock your doors. Keep all
of your valuables and belongings hidden from view. You can pull
the blinds over the windows, so you are not apparent to anybody
from an external perspective.
• Be answerable for your own security: Avoid arguments and be
on the lookout for reckless drivers. Additionally, you might want
to bring pepper spray with you. This is a weapon that won't
harm you or kill you and can make you feel safer. However, local
regulations may prohibit it in some states.
• If you have a cargo, try not to talk about it in public or on the
phone: If the load is valuable, it might entice a thief.
• If you want to keep criminals out of your cargo, you might want
to get a padlock. Obviously, this cannot guarantee your truck's
total safety, but it can still deter thieves.
Staying at truck stops in a responsible manner can significantly
improve your safety. You'll be safe at any truck stop in the country if
you follow these simple safety tips.
Here is a summary of what needs to be done to make your stay safe
and pleasant:
• organize your route;
• select the park stops based on crime statistics and rankings;
• take care and keep an eye out;
• be kind to other people.
I appreciate your reading and wish you a safe trip!