Driving on the open road and looking for rest areas.

Be alert at rest areas and choose stops wisely

Rest areas are convenient places to take a break. Here's some safety advice when pulling over at rest stops.

Located just off the side of the road, highway rest stops are convenient spots for travelers to use the restroom, stretch their legs and enjoy a snack. However, rest areas are often in unfamiliar and remote locations, so it's important to be cautious when stopping.

Be alert

Only stop at a well-lit location. Put the transmission in park and immediately verify that you have cell phone coverage at that rest area. If you don't, continue driving.

Protect your property

Take your cell phone with you wherever you go, but leave your other belongings — such as your cash, wallet, purse and electronics — hidden in your locked vehicle. Carrying these could make you a potential target for thieves.

Don't go it alone

Walk with someone to the bathroom, vending machines and other areas. If you're traveling alone, try to avoid rest stops at night. Rather, opt to break at a gas station or restaurant.

Never sleep in your car

Sleeping at rest areas can make you vulnerable to attackers. In fact, many states have outlawed sleeping at rest stops. Spend the night at a hotel or campground instead. These options may cost, but extra safety may be worth the money.

Plan ahead

Before your trip, research rest areas on your route to find the safest places to stop. If there aren't any appealing options, plan stops in different cities or towns you'll pass through. The United States interstate rest stop information may be helpful as well.

Lost items

If you have lost or left behind items at a stop, you can contact the appropriate transportation office that maintains the rest area.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

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