Running some 366 miles from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley, Interstate 65 is one of the longest interstate highways in Alabama. If you’re traveling along I-65 for business or pleasure, the seven rest stops and one welcome center provide convenient places to stretch your legs, use the facilities, and even have a picnic.
However, stopping at a rest stop or welcome center is not without risk. With I-65 serving as one of the nation’s major north-south corridors, Alabama travelers may encounter accidents, crime, and other dangers if they’re not cautious.
Below, we will briefly discuss the potential dangers at rest stops along I-65, ways to stay safe, and what you should know about Alabama’s rest-stop laws.
Are I-65 Rest Areas Safe?
Rest stops along Alabama’s I-65 are generally as safe as any other public place. Yet, with a high number of travelers driving on I-65 daily, they can also attract a criminal element. Some rest stops are remote and may not be frequently patrolled by local sheriffs or state troopers, putting visitors at risk of theft, burglary, and even assault. Motorists should prepare for these risks to keep themselves and their passengers safe.
Ways to Stay Safe at I-65 Rest Areas
Staying alert is the best way to keep safe when pulling over at an Alabama rest stop.
Here are seven more tips to keep yourself safe:
- If stopping at night, only use well-lit interstate rest areas. Park your vehicle as close to the lights as possible.
- Make sure you have a strong cell signal before you stop.
- Take your cell phone with you when you get out of the car, but leave any other valuables hidden in your locked vehicle. Carrying items such as your wallet or cash can make you a target for criminals.
- Don’t park near people acting suspiciously.
- Limit the time you spend at the rest stop, particularly after dark.
- Avoid going to the bathroom or vending areas alone.
- Don’t sleep in your car when parked at a rest stop.
What to Know About Alabama Rest Stop Laws
When traveling along I-65, you should be familiar with Alabama’s rest-stop laws. For example, there is no overnight parking or camping. The only animals allowed inside buildings are service animals. RV dump stations may not be available at every rest stop, so these travelers need to plan ahead for legal dumping.
Contact Our Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a public rest area in Alabama, you need the guidance of an experienced attorney to demand the accountability you deserve. At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our goal is to seek the best possible outcome with maximum compensation.
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