Safety of rest stops along the 95?

[Sandy22]

How safe are the rest areas along the 95? Are there particular areas to avoid? Is it safe enough to snooze in the car for a 1/2 hour during the day? Should I avoid them completely at night? Do some of them have security, and if so, how would I know which ones have it?

 

[Sandy22]

Anyone?

 

[TDC Nala]

This is just personal opinion. I would never hang around any of these places any longer than it takes to use the facilities, especially after dark.

 

[eliza61]

How safe are the rest areas along the 95? Are there particular areas to avoid? Is it safe enough to snooze in the car for a 1/2 hour during the day? Should I avoid them completely at night? Do some of them have security, and if so, how would I know which ones have it?

We drive down to Florida from N.J using I95. I find the rest stops North of Virginia a little safer because of the size and volume of people. They're usually very busy during the day and have small security. I've taken 1 hour snoozes with no problems. Further south I would be extremely cautious about snoozing in the car. Rest stops here tend to be smaller and are usually not right off of the expressway. (you usually drive down another highway and turn into them) If you are traveling by yourself try to plan your stops below NC for as early as possible.

Safe travel

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

Wehn we drove from MA to WDW, AAA provided us with all their approved rest rest stops. MY sister, myself and my mom were the only adults. We had 4 children with us. We didnt have any concerns durign the day, but at night two adults always went together with a cell phone and one stayed behind in the car with the doors locked. Most of the ones we stopped at did have it patrolled by police, but that might not always be the case. Only one time did we encounter "undesireable "people, but we didn't encounter any trouble from them. In our case, because we had children, we would have never stopped to nap at night. During the day, well it think it would depend upon where we stopped. Most of the places were fine.

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

I used to be a truck driver and run the 95 corridor alot. To be honest I would feel more safe stopping at a truckstop. As a single female driver I learned quickly what was safe and what wasnt.You will see the signs off the Interstate.Petro's,Flying J's and Pilots are usually the cleanest ones. The truckstops have good security and are well lit. You can take naps right there in your car in front of the store itself.The semis have a separate parking areas.
I just have seen a lot of bad things at the rest areas and alot of undesirables seem to gravitate towards them.

If you have any questions let me know and have a great trip.

 

[ducklite]

The rest stops in VA and North are generally pretty safe. During the day NC are fine. We don't like the ones in SC and GA are downright scary. FL are generally safe.

I agree that often pulling into a truck stop will be much safer--car parking is generally right in view of the restaurant.

In all honesty, one of my favorite places to take a nap is any Home Depot/Lowes parking lot. They are generally VERY safe with lots of people, including employees walking through them regularly.

Anne

 

[Sandy22]

In all honesty, one of my favorite places to take a nap is any Home Depot/Lowes parking lot. They are generally VERY safe with lots of people, including employees walking through them regularly.

Anne

Good idea! Would I be able to spot them easily from the 95 or should I map them out?

 

[ducklite]

Good idea! Would I be able to spot them easily from the 95 or should I map them out?

You'll see their large and high signs as you approach the exit for them.

Anne

 

[Sandy22]

You'll see their large and high signs as you approach the exit for them.

Anne

Thanks

 

[DaisyD]

My mom and I drive down to WDW with my little DD quite a bit. We always use the rest areas on 95. Most are very well lit and patrolled by security. We have never felt unsafe but I don't think I would sleep there. As Anne said, the Home Depot or any brightly lit shopping center would be much better for a quick nap.

 

[baileybelle]

Walmart would be another good place to snooze. Well lit, lots of people,security cameras, local police, bathrooms, food.

I work at a Walmart in Maine and when I arrive in the morning for work there are lots of Rv's, campers, truckers and cars in our parking lot.

This I-95 site has lots of info http://www.usastar.com/i95/homepage.htm