November 19, 2024
After countless hours of driving in a cramped cabin, keeping your eyes glued to the road, and fighting hunger pangs, the last thing weary drivers should have to worry about when finding a place to rest is personal safety. Yet countless long-distance drivers face the daunting task of finding secure truck stops along their routes.
Truck stops are roadside facilities designed to cater to the specific needs of long-distance drivers and their vehicles—both commercial and personal . They typically offer services like fueling, rest areas, restaurants, showers, and other amenities. But despite their convenience, some truck stops have a reputation for theft, vandalism, and even violent crimes—like those listed in this viral “DO NOT STOP” list a trucker shared earlier this year on Reddit.
This led us to ask: What do drivers really look for when stopping at truck stops, and is security always top of mind? We surveyed over 1,000 adult drivers to find out how they perceive truck stop safety and the lengths they’d take to avoid stopping at a dangerous-looking facility.
Key Takeaways:
Truck stop safety is the most important thing drivers look for when stopping at a truck stop.
4 in 5 drivers (80%) would be willing to pay a premium for truck stops with cleaner facilities and superior security.
More than 1 in 3 Gen Z drivers (35%) report feeling unsafe at truck stops.
Nearly half of women feel unsafe sleeping overnight at a truck stop.
While a warm meal and a clean restroom are important, our survey found that safety is the most important factor drivers consider when choosing a truck stop (21%), followed by amenities and services (19%) and distance from the highway (18%).
When assessing truck stop safety, drivers want to see security features like adequate lighting, surveillance cameras, and visible security personnel.
Organized crime and individual criminals are exploiting the vulnerabilities of truck stops, contributing to a surge in crime nationwide. Cargo theft incidents alone hit all-time highs in 2024, with 500 incidents documented in the third quarter alone. Nearly 20% of these incidents occurred at truck stops and fuel stations.
Based on our findings, the adage "never judge a book by its cover" clearly doesn't apply to truck stops. While nearly 95% of drivers surveyed said security concerns like lack of lighting and remoteness would prevent them from stopping at a truck stop, the biggest deterrent for drivers was simply that the “facility looks unsafe.”
This means that drivers are more likely to be put off by a general feeling of unease rather than the absence of specific security features like lights or cameras, highlighting the importance of well-maintained and welcoming truck stops in making drivers feel safe.
We also discovered that over 1 in 20 people would stop at a truck stop despite security red flags like these, indicating that factors like convenience or cost take precedence over safety for a small percentage of drivers.
When it comes to personal safety at truck stops, most drivers have no problem shelling out more cash for clean facilities and superior security features. Our survey revealed that 8 in 10 respondents would pay at least 5% more for services at a truck stop where they felt safe, while 2 in 5 would pay up to 25% or more.
The survey results also shed light on interesting gender-based trends. When it comes to personal safety at truck stops, both men and women are willing to pay a premium for cleanliness and security. However, men are significantly more likely to pay higher premiums, with over half of male respondents willing to pay up to 25% or more for services at a safe truck stop. In contrast, only 42% of women would be willing to pay this same percentage more.
With gas prices approaching $5 a gallon in some parts of the country, these findings are especially telling of the lengths drivers will go to when prioritizing their well-being and the security of their vehicles.
Gen Z has less experience on the road, so it may not come as a surprise that 35% of drivers ages 18-29 felt either “somewhat unsafe” or “very unsafe” when breaking at a truck stop. But experience isn’t the only factor at play here.
Raised in an era saturated with 24/7 news coverage and social media, Gen Z has developed a heightened awareness of crime and violence. This awareness has made them more attuned to potential risks at truck stops.
While Gen Z accounted for the highest percentage of feeling "somewhat unsafe" or "very unsafe," older generations expressed less concern. Notably, the 45-60 age group had the highest percentage of feeling safe at truck stops (86.21%). This could be attributed to factors like more life experience and a sense of familiarity with the road.
Our survey revealed a significant difference in perceived safety between male and female drivers when it comes to spending the night at a truck stop. Over a quarter of women claimed they’d feel “somewhat unsafe” sleeping overnight, and another 24% said they’d feel “very unsafe.” Women are 12% more likely to pay for a hotel than stay at a sketchy truck stop than men.
However, most men (76%) have no problem catching a few Z's overnight at a truck stop.
We also discovered a disparity in overall safety perceptions between men and women when it comes to truck stops. Men are significantly more likely to feel safe, with nearly half (49%) indicating they feel "very safe." In contrast, only 28% of women feel "very safe” at truck stops.
This heightened fear isn’t unwarranted. Research has shown that women drivers are more likely to be targeted by criminals, especially when driving alone or at night. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that women were more likely to be victims of road rage and other aggressive driving behaviors. Additionally, a survey by the Truckload Carriers Association found that women drivers were more likely to be targeted by thieves and vandals, especially when breaking at a truck stop.
When it comes to truck stop safety, due diligence is key. These tips cover some of the most important truck stop dos and don'ts for keeping you, your passengers, and your cargo safe during a much-needed break:
Research reputable truck stops: Look for truck stops with good reviews and a reputation for safety. Apps like Trucker Path make it easy to find and research truck stops along your route.
Check for security features: Seek stops in well-lit areas with security cameras and locked gates, especially if you plan on staying overnight.
Avoid isolated areas: Opt for truck stops located in well-traveled areas with nearby businesses or public spaces. With more people around, there’s typically less risk of crime or other safety issues.
Know where to park: While it might be easier to sleep in a dark, secluded area of the parking lot, consider the risks and choose a location near other drivers in a well-lit area instead.
Secure your load: Before leaving your car or truck, double-check that any cargo accessible from the outside of your vehicle is properly secured to prevent theft or accidents. Use appropriate tie-downs or chains to secure your load, and avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight.
Lock your doors: Always lock your truck or car and any trailers or attachments before leaving or while sleeping.
Despite our findings on truck stop safety perceptions, most stops are generally quite safe. Responsible truck stop managers are on excellent terms with local law enforcement, and if there is ever any trouble, the police can be there in a matter of minutes since most truck stops are located close to highway exits.
However, there’s room for improvement when educating the public and commercial drivers about truck stop safety. By understanding the unique safety concerns faced by truck drivers, especially women and younger drivers, we can work toward creating a safer and more welcoming environment at truck stops.
Safe pit stops are important, but don't forget about keeping your vehicle safe on the road. At FinditParts, we sell big rig parts to help you keep your truck in top condition and ensure a safe journey.
The survey of over 1,000 adults ages 18+ was conducted via SurveyMonkey Audience for FinditParts on October 17, 2024. Data is unweighted and the margin of error is approximately +/-3% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.
Yes, you can sleep at a truck stop. Many truck stops are designed to accommodate overnight parking for both truck drivers and those traveling in cars or vans.
It's generally safe to sleep at a truck stop. However, it’s always a good idea to choose a reputable truck stop in a well-lit and busy area. Lock your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid displaying valuables. By taking these precautions, you can minimize risks and have a safe night's sleep.
While most truck stops are safe, it's important to be aware of potential risks. Some truck stops, especially those in high-crime areas, may be more dangerous than others.
