sleeping in rest areas

[mickeymousefan]

Hi,
On our last trip from S. NJ to WDW we saw many people sleeping in their cars at rest areas during the night. Has anyone done this? Is this safe?
Also in one of the more northern staes we saw security guards at the rest ares. It was either De, Md, Va or NC. Does anyone else recall seeing security guards in any of these sates. I want to make sure we use these areas for stops on our next trip.

Thanks!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by mickeymousefan
Hi,
On our last trip from S. NJ to WDW we saw many people sleeping in their cars at rest areas during the night. Has anyone done this? Is this safe?
Also in one of the more northern staes we saw security guards at the rest ares. It was either De, Md, Va or NC. Does anyone else recall seeing security guards in any of these sates. I want to make sure we use these areas for stops on our next trip.

Thanks!!!

\\
No it is not safe and I believe it is illegal. Check this out with the state police or AAA before you try this.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I agree with Gail, even if it was legal, I would be scared to death someone would break into our car, so I wouldn't get any sleep anyway. There are a lot of reasonable hotels along 95...better yet, fly!

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I believe the VA State Police regularly patrol the rest areas here, but I've also seen signs in the VA rest areas that state a time limit for being there and that overnight parking for sleeping is not allowed.

 

[ducklite]

Generally you can stop at a rest area in NJ/MD/MA (don't know any others) for two hours. NJ and MD are generally patrolled.

As far as stopping to sleep, I've done it for an hour or so to get a quick recharge, but really don't like doing it. If I do, it's at a full service rest area, I try to park very close and under a light.

Anne

 

[BobH]

Unless you are face with the possibility of an accident if you don't stop for a nap (don't put yourself in that position) I wouldn't sleep in a rest area. Don't rely on public safety officials or security either - they can't be everywhere at once. If you plan your trip you can probably get away with stayng over one night in a National Hotel Chain for a $100 or so. With all that goes on today why risk sleeping in a rest area? I have been in public safety over 25 years from what I have seen I would strongly advise against it.

 

[Chicago526]

I'd never, ever, ever do it, even if it was legal. And I don't think it is, but it could vary from state to state.

Estimate the travel time for your first day, and figure out about where you'll be when you want to stop for the night. Then check out the rates for nearby hotels. I'm sure you can find some thing for less than $100, maybe even less than $75, depending on the area. Plus, you get a real bed and a private bathroom with a shower! You'll be all rested up for your next day's drive, and you'll be MUCH safer!

 

[bugbugmom]

I wouldn't do it! Last year we stop in a rest stop I believe in Ga. We parked right beside a car. When we got out I saw a family of 3. Mom and Dad in the front sleeping and a boy (about 7-8y/o) in the back awake with his window down. I thought that isn't really safe. Anyone could easily gotten to the boy before his parents would awake or worse.

 

[Castlebound]

If you are willing to sleep in your car a good alternative is paying for a tent site at a KOA or similar campground. It is cheap (under $20 at most places) and safe. It you have flip flops packed you can even take a show and freshen up. You can go to the KOA web site and see if there are any near the area you plan to stop at if not there might be a different campground.

The rest areas that we stopped at all said that it was illeagal to stay overnight in them. I wouldn't risk it. Besides I think it would be hard to sleep with people coming and going all the time.

Christal

 

[manning]

Think twice.

Remember all the crime in Florida at rest areas?

I pulled into a Florida rest area one evening for a pit stop. While waiting for my wife to return to the car and I was stretching my legs a young couple approached me with a story. I told them to stay at a distance. Florida has security on duty at each rest area. If they don't they lock it down.

The security person was there in a flash. The young couple left as soon as they saw her coming. I'll tell you one thing, I wouldn't put her down as being a woman. She knew how to take care of herself.

She had a gun and a radio and stayed at a close safe distance. Just right to let them know she was there and was prepared. She also asked if there was a problem. It looks like the procedure is to encourage them to leave at the same time letting them know they are prepared to react. It worked.

When the couple left the security person approached and told me she was watching them for a half hour.

If I was to stop for a short nap I will park next to the security car. And I won't stop unless it was no other choice.

 

[mickeymousefan]

I am the original poster...

I didn't intend on sleeping in a rest area. Since I am traveling with 2 DD's, I am even afraid of using one of the hotels along 95 since I hear so much about the crime's commited against travelers.

I did however find it intriguing that people slept in rest ares.

Also part of my original post inquired about with northern state had security guards on site at rest areas. I remeber on our last trip making a stop, maybe in Md or Va, where there was a guard on site. We parked close to him. My DH and DD got out to use the bathroom while myself and other DD waited in car. The security guard came and stood by my car and watched my DH and DD go into and come out of the building.

It was so comforting to have him there and touching that he made an effort to make sure we were safe. I was hoping someone could verify which state it was for me.

 

[kylara]

A number of states have security or law enforcement that are stationed in the rest stops. Usually a sign will be posted stating that security is patrolling.

I know that MD has security and I think that VA has it too. I can't remember exactly even though I have done the 1-95 drive from Fl to MA many times.

As for the hotels. I travel alone and have learned to choose hotels in more traveled exits. I call the hotel directly to find out about lighting and how far off the interstate etc. I ask about the set up...door open to the outside or main corridors. If they open to outside, I ask for a room near the office. It is usually safe if you plan accordingly.

edited to add: If you are going to drive down, rather than stopping at a rest stop, a better place to stop is at a truck stop. The truck stops always have people coming and going, are usually well lit, and have full rest room facilities and the ability to by food..often 24/7. I learned this trick from an ex-boyfriend who had been a truck driver. On the whole, 'specially after dark, I found it more comforting than walking in a dark rest area even when the rest area had security.