Avoid Stranger Danger on Road Trips

When I moved away to attend college I visited home as often as I could. After driving the 700 mile trip several times I experienced some close calls with potentially dangerous strangers. I soon realized the highways had more hazards than the traffic. Here are some safety tips I picked up along the way that anyone traveling alone should know to avoid stranger danger.

Never Stop in the Dark.

You should limit your stops to only well lit populated areas. I bring a small cooler with several sandwiches, fruit juice and a six pack of soft drinks so that I must only stop for gas. Truck stops are notorious for strangers that walk up asking for change or directions. Most times these are harmless events but can still give you quite scare . I was caught off guard by a stranger while pumping gas on one of my trips home. I made it to the other side of my vehicle into the store but he rummaged through my car.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

For obvious reasons you will want to be awake and alert while driving on long trips. But also you don't want to have to stop unexpectedly to sleep in a hotel because you can no longer keep your eyes opened. I became drowsy while traveling home for Christmas vacation and stopped at a hotel for the night. I called home to let my family know I couldn't go on. All the hotels in the area were booked solid and I had to sleep in my car. I parked in a well lit area for a short nap. I was startled awake by an altercation outside in which two people were fighting near my car. I was fully awake after this and had no trouble getting out of there.

In the event you cannot find a room to rest. Go inside a truck stop restaurant and sit at a booth near the back. You can buy a cup of coffee and take a small 30 minute nap. Typically, the waitress will not mind as you have purchased something. Leaving a tip showing on the table is also good. It's not ideal, but is much safer than sleeping in your car.

Avoid Detours

You should avoid detours from the main highway, especially when you are not familiar with the area. Sometimes this is unavoidable as a result of road work. It's a good idea to mark several alternate routes back to the main highway on a map. Checking your location on a map while trying to drive is not very safe. This is how I got a ticket for weaving while searching for my turn back to the main highway. To make matters worse I was nearly out of gas by the time I found my way. I could have been stranded in an unfamiliar place.

Ensure Loved Ones Know Where You Are

I never recommend chatting on the phone while driving. I have a dash mount and I put my phone on speaker with the touch of a button if someone calls. I keep conversations brief to concentrate on driving. With that said, staying in touch with those awaiting you at your destination is important. Use your stops to let those at your destination know you are okay and your current location. If for some reason you do not arrive on time your friends and family will know something is wrong.