News, Thanksgiving drivers will find fewer open rest stops. (regulations, best, facilities)

[John1960]

NORLINA, N.C. — That old adage "No rest for the weary" could have been coined with Mark and Barbara Van Art in mind.

Driving from their home in Glendora, N.J., to North Carolina, the Van Arts wanted to stop at a rest area on Interstate 85 in Virginia, but it was closed because of state budget cuts. Exiting the highway, they headed for a fast food restaurant — only to discover that it was the same one they had stopped at during an earlier trip and found dirty. It was back to the highway in search of a rest area.

Thanksgiving drivers will find fewer open rest stops - USATODAY.com

[Mattie]

We drove from GA to NJ three times this summer. Starting in August, VA had started shutting down some of the rest areas along I-81. It wasn't too bad, because there were still only 100-150 miles between the ones that were still open. I hate having to get off the interstate to find a restroom. I would prefer the states open them up to private firms to run. Maybe a Starbucks concession?

[scarletneon]

wow, really? because it's that hard to stop at any of the 15 million fast food/walmart/whatever other sprawl that can be found on the side of any interstate, right?

I'm not trying to bash anyone, but rest areas really aren't that necessary at this point considering they're just sandwiched between all the different great American sprawlvilles.

[pcity]

Originally Posted by Mattie

I would prefer the states open them up to private firms to run. Maybe a Starbucks concession?

That's against federal law on a free highway. Only tollways are allowed to have food service at their rest stops. Free highways are limited to vending machines only.

[pcity]

Originally Posted by supernerdgirl

wow, really? because it's that hard to stop at any of the 15 million fast food/walmart/whatever other sprawl that can be found on the side of any interstate, right?

I'm not trying to bash anyone, but rest areas really aren't that necessary at this point considering they're just sandwiched between all the different great American sprawlvilles.

I agree with this.

The state of Utah closed a bunch of their rest areas at some point and, as a replacement, they put up signs at exits directing people to businesses that allowed non-customers to use their restrooms. It worked out well for the businesses because some people ended up buying something on their restroom trips.

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by supernerdgirl

wow, really? because it's that hard to stop at any of the 15 million fast food/walmart/whatever other sprawl that can be found on the side of any interstate, right?

I'm not trying to bash anyone, but rest areas really aren't that necessary at this point considering they're just sandwiched between all the different great American sprawlvilles.

And fast food restrooms are usually filthy. Why should a business establishment have to provide facilities for non-customers? There are expenses (water, soap, toilet paper) involved. I don't eat fast food, and I don't like the idea of taking advantage of them to use a bathroom when I won't be ordering.

I also don't like the idea of long distance truckers losing a break spot. It seems like a safety risk. The rest stops that are still open are packed with big rigs. There is a need for these stops.

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by pcity

That's against federal law on a free highway. Only tollways are allowed to have food service at their rest stops. Free highways are limited to vending machines only.

Well that answers that. I was thinking of the rest stops in NJ and Delaware that have food concessions. But, you are correct. Those are on toll roads.

[Crew Chief]

Originally Posted by Mattie

I also don't like the idea of long distance truckers losing a break spot. It seems like a safety risk. The rest stops that are still open are packed with big rigs. There is a need for these stops.

AMEN, Mattie!!! There is a dangerous shortage of safe & legal parking for trucks, especially near major cities and ANYWHERE is the Northeast. Truck stop operators suffer from their neighbors who insist on the NIMBY defense against building or expanding trucks stops anywhere near their homes. Some states even have 2- or 4-hour limits to parking, which prevents truckers from complying with federal Hours-of-Service regulations. Most states ticket truckers who park on highway on- and off ramps. The truck parking situation is one of the reasons I'll never drive a sleeper truck on it ever again, if I can help it...

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by Crew Chief

AMEN, Mattie!!! There is a dangerous shortage of safe & legal parking for trucks, especially near major cities and ANYWHERE is the Northeast. Truck stop operators suffer from their neighbors who insist on the NIMBY defense against building or expanding trucks stops anywhere near their homes. Some states even have 2- or 4-hour limits to parking, which prevents truckers from complying with federal Hours-of-Service regulations. Most states ticket truckers who park on highway on- and off ramps. The truck parking situation is one of the reasons I'll never drive a sleeper truck on it ever again, if I can help it...

Another penny-wise, pound-foolish idea to save money.

So many people sign themselves up for some unrealistic driving plans for the holidays and the state closes up the best place to rest.

As for all those "terrible" fast food places every mile along the way, at least 90% of them will be closed by 9 pm on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

[scarletneon]

Originally Posted by Mattie

And fast food restrooms are usually filthy. Why should a business establishment have to provide facilities for non-customers? There are expenses (water, soap, toilet paper) involved. I don't eat fast food, and I don't like the idea of taking advantage of them to use a bathroom when I won't be ordering.

I also don't like the idea of long distance truckers losing a break spot. It seems like a safety risk. The rest stops that are still open are packed with big rigs. There is a need for these stops.

lol, what? and the rest area places are cleaner, and less sketchy at night?

you really drive around never needing anything? nothing at all? gas stations usually have more variety of drinks and snacks.

ok.... maybe i just have low standards.