Truck drivers face numerous issues on the road. Since they have to deal with fatigue, unpredictable weather, and difficult routes, they make essential stops to rest and refuel. However, not all stops are safe. Choosing the wrong place can be dangerous, leading to theft, vandalism, accidents, or worse. This cautionary guide for truck enthusiasts, current truckers, or anyone connected to the transport industry highlights 15 spots truckers hate to stop.
Abandoned Gas Stations on Route 66
The “Mother Road” is famous for its abandoned gas stations that line the historic highway. These stations were once bustling with travelers seeking fuel and a break from their journey. Many of them fell into disrepair and were abandoned as the route lost popularity with the construction of the interstate highway system.
Death Valley
On July 10, 1913, scientists recorded Death Valley’s temperature as 134°F (56.7°C). This place still holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded. The searing heat can strain both the vehicles and the drivers. Nobody would want to stop where their vehicles can easily develop overheating issues and potential health risks such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
West Memphis, Arkansas
Truckers often express discomfort with stopping here due to reports of a negative atmosphere. Reviews from truckers suggest that nothing good ever happens there, leading to a general unease about the area. Even locals are rumored to refrain from making truck stops in West Memphis.
Interstate 70 in Colorado
This area has several steep grades and climbs to high altitudes, which can stress trucks, especially those hauling heavy loads. These conditions can lead to engine overheating, brake issues, and increased fuel consumption. Also, unpredictable and severe weather conditions, including snowstorms, strong winds, and icy roads, can make driving dangerous for trucks and increase the risk of accidents.
Route 50 West Virginia, Near the Flinderation Tunnel
The steep grades and sharp curves make it challenging for large trucks to navigate safely. The road’s design also makes it difficult for trucks to maintain speed and control while driving through this section. The Flinderation Tunnel has low clearance, which poses a risk to tall trucks carrying oversized loads. Above all, truckers avoid stopping here because of the eerie stories about the lady in red who haunts the tunnel.
Burlington-Bristol Bridge
The Burlington-Bristol Bridge connects New Jersey and Pennsylvania; it often experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. The road has a 36-ton weight limit, restricting the types of trucks that can cross it, so truckers carrying heavy loads or driving oversized vehicles will often drive past as fast as they can; only stopping in case of an emergency.
Deserted Highway Diners
These areas lack proper facilities such as clean restrooms, sufficient parking space, or amenities like showers and laundry facilities. Since truckers rely on these services during their long hours on the road, stopping at places without essential facilities is unnecessary. They are also mostly isolated, with fewer people around and almost non-existent security or supervision measures.
Louisiana Highway 57
Louisiana Highway 57 is prone to flooding, especially during heavy rains and hurricane season. Flooded roads can be dangerous for large trucks. Besides road conditions and amenities for truck stops, some truckers avoid this area for superstitious reasons. They believe it’s haunted because the road was built right on the burial grounds of indigenous peoples in the area.
Near Rodney Ghost Town, Mississippi
Over two centuries ago, Rodney was a river port between St. Louis and New Orleans. Thanks to constant flooding, this area is now a ghost town, and truckers tend to treat it as such. Besides the limited truck stops, rest areas, or other necessary services for truckers, it also has a reputation for crime, making truckers hesitant to stop there.
Western Avenue at Peterson Avenue, Chicago
This intersection is known for heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Truck drivers could face significant delays when attempting to make deliveries or pickups in this area. It also has a limited turning radius, making it difficult for large trucks to move through the intersection safely. Truckers avoid stopping here due to speeding motorists, drivers running red lights, and a bad yearly record of about 50 wrecks.
Abandoned Warehouse Districts in Detroit
This abandoned area often has higher crime rates due to increased criminal activities such as theft, vandalism, and illegal dumping. It also lacks adequate security measures such as lighting, surveillance cameras, and patrols, making it unsafe for truckers, their cargo, and their vehicles.
Forest Roads in Oregon
Over a quarter of Oregon is covered by thick forests, and several roads pass through these places. Unfortunately, they go through places that are far from civilization and need more basic amenities such as rest areas, fuel stations, communication coverage, and better road signage.
Petro Atlanta, I-285 Exit 12, Georgia
Many truckers share their experiences online, and Petro Atlanta #6322 has garnered numerous negative reviews. This area is notorious for high crime rates, including theft and harrassment, so drivers avoid keeping valuables in the car. When they know they’ll stop there, they travel with a partner as a security measure.
Briarcliff Road and North Druid Hills Road Intersection, Atlanta
This area has narrow roads and limited space for large trucks to move and park. The intersection is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and commercial establishments, which are not suitable for truck stops and can lead to complaints or fines for parking violations. Also, the severe traffic congestion, numerous blind spots, and challenging left turns lead to frequent accidents.
Sinking Villages in Alaska
“Sinking Villages” refers to areas experiencing severe ground subsidence due to permafrost melting and soil erosion. Alaskan communities and villages like Kwigillingok deal with high erosion, harsh and unpredictable weather, and crumbling infrastructure from poor maintenance. Roads in these regions can become impassable, especially for large trucks, due to constant shifting and sinking ground.
