Situational Awareness at all Times

[ARD]

I just read a heartbreaking article about a couple that stopped in their motorhome at a Nebraska rest stop. Please fellow travels, stay aware and keep safe. We are living in a crazy world.

Traveler from Missouri stabbed to death and his wife critically injured in attack at Nebraska highway rest area

Gary and Mary Weaver had been traveling across Nebraska in their mobile home before the attack occurred, authorities said.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

It's too bad the article didn't explain the robbery. The only detail was that "shortly after 7 am" deputies were called. We keep our door locked and Mr Smith and his buddy Mr Wesson are near the door.

I pray the lady recovers.

 

[old timer]

We were at a rest stop coming back to the truck once, noticed a lurker watching us,I pulled out the phone started to dial ,he turned and left before I could finish 911.

 

[Rich W.]

Well if he stepped outside in the early morning to walk the dog or check on something, not suspecting any trouble and the guy was waiting there seeing money (nice mid sized Class C and a nice jeep toad) I could see him being taking by surprise and the rest of it unfolding. As the title says, situational awareness at all times. Unfortunately that seems to be the world we live in these days. I might expect trouble boon-docking on some unmanaged open beach in South Texas known as a party spot, but I would never expect this in the middle of Nebraska. I used to travel with two large German Shepherds and never had a hint of anyone messing with us, but now I think its time to step it up a notch or two.

 

[redbaron]

This story is yet another reason why I no longer stay at Rest Stops, Walmarts, etc. Only campgrounds, BLM Land, or Harvest host type properties. Its a real shame what this world has become, but the facts are since 2020, camping in an RV has changed and the crowds of RV operators themselves are not always the best to associate with.

I used to feel very comfortable pulling up to a 1970's RV in walmart with my new RV and spending the night. Now I avoid those situations.

 

[Rich W.]

This story is yet another reason why I no longer stay at Rest Stops, Walmarts, etc. Only campgrounds, BLM Land, or Harvest host type properties. Its a real shame what this world has become, but the facts are since 2020, camping in an RV has changed and the crowds of RV operators themselves are not always the best to associate with.

I used to feel very comfortable pulling up to a 1970's RV in walmart with my new RV and spending the night. Now I avoid those situations.

Totally agree. These days I’ll pay for a slot in an RV park with hookups I don't need, just to be in a place with a reasonable expectation of not being bothered, much less being put in a position where I have to defend myself and mine. Just a different world we live in. I already went through that once in front of a relative’s house in a decent neighborhood in East Memphis in the middle of the night. I hadn’t seen good neighborhoods and rest stops as a threat but they obviously are and having to defend yourself creates a bunch of other unpleasant circumstances, even if it ends “well”.

 

[DennisT]

It's too bad the article didn't explain the robbery. The only detail was that "shortly after 7 am" deputies were called. We keep our door locked and Mr Smith and his buddy Mr Wesson are near the door.

I pray the lady recovers.

Another linked article said he demanded the keys to the toad.

Unfortunately situational awareness is needed at all times these days.

Hopefully the wife recovers.

 

[old timer]

This story is yet another reason why I no longer stay at Rest Stops, Walmarts, etc. Only campgrounds, BLM Land, or Harvest host type properties. Its a real shame what this world has become, but the facts are since 2020, camping in an RV has changed and the crowds of RV operators themselves are not always the best to associate with.

I used to feel very comfortable pulling up to a 1970's RV in walmart with my new RV and spending the night. Now I avoid those situations.

Agree,when we took a trip to Oregon, I booked camp sites well in advance there and back.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I would like to know if they had just pulled into the rest area to stretch their legs, walk the dog, etc or had they overnighted and the perp knocked on the door. It's almost like he got inside the motorhome and I say that because the majority of rest stops are packed with people so for it to happen outside sounds odd. I wonder why he wanted keys to a Jeep when he allegedly how a car capable of 120mph speed. That's not happening in a stock Jeep.

 

[Fish]

I'm glad we don't have to actually go into the restrooms at rest areas anymore.

When wife walks dog, anyone with less than a gun who plans to do them harm is in for a huge surprise, Gunner doesn't like people approaching his mom and I'm also never far from the glock.

I don't overnight at rest areas. I only stop for a few minutes to get a break from driving and let Gunner do his business.

 

[team bradfield]

Pepper spray is on both dog leashes, if anyone is brave enough to approach a German Shepard or a Bernese Mtn. Dog. Big can of Bear spray in the navigator seat JIC, our daughter was grabbed in a store many years ago, the wife was all over it, screaming, etc. many shoppers pitched in and stopped the guy, he was arrested, Wife is forever on a swivel

 

[JRS]

DW locks the door when I'm out fueling at truckstops. Single travelers should consider locking their rigs when fueling.
We've stayed at like 15 Walmarts in the past 4.5 yrs but always at small towns. It's been ok with us.

 

[AbdRahim]

I always use truck stops or rest areas. I try to be hyper-vigilant. In rest areas, I park between trucks. I try to make sure no one is near me when entering or leaving the coach. My arrival and departure times are in broad daylight.

And to coin an old TV show, what surprises may await anyone with an aggressive approach, “only the shadow knows”.

And yes. All doors are locked and steps retracted while fueling. I even lock doors when fueling my car.

 

[Rich W.]

I always use truck stops or rest areas. I try to be hyper-vigilant. In rest areas, I park between trucks. I try to make sure no one is near me when entering or leaving the coach. My arrival and departure times are in broad daylight.

And to coin an old TV show, what surprises may await anyone with an aggressive approach, “only the shadow knows”.

And yes. All doors are locked and steps retracted while fueling. I even lock doors when fueling my car.

Actually you’re quoting an old radio show…

 

[Buc]

I grew up in a trailer park in San Jose. Even though I live in a nice neighborhood, I still am constantly aware of what’s going on around me.

 

[ARD]

This article was a wake up call for me. I frequent rest areas quite a bit to eat lunch, walk Sophie and when I get in a jam when "winging it," which doesn't happen often, I will sleep in one. I typically look at reviews, security etc. on Trucker's Path before doing so and I always conceal carry when I step out my door (in reciprocating states). I always stay very aware.

However, @Rich W. mentioned a scenario of walking out the door unsuspecting a "lurker" right there at your door. I have to admit I never prepared for this scenario. I feel kind of stupid, but nevertheless, thank you Rich for bringing awareness to this type of situation. As a result, I will view all my cameras before opening my door.

I've also been meaning to purchase a Byrna SD Launcher for hiking alone in national parks where I can't carry and also for the no firearm states. Finally I got off my tuckus and ordered it. If you haven't heard of it, it is a non lethal pistol (or rifle) legal in all states that uses compressed air to shoot "a .68 caliber round kinetic and/or chemical irritant projectile."

Keep safe friends and Happy Travels.

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[Joe Hogan]

We’ve been approached a couple of times through the years, luckily it never amounted to anything. Once in the old Parking Lot at Newmar at night! Someone knocked on the door, asking for directions to a bldg at 9:30 pm.
Didn’t make sense to us, person did not fit the scenario so talked through the locked door. Waiting sedan full of men, not campers, very sketchy.
We try to be Always prepared.

BTW, Bear Spray or equivalent loose potency over time. Also, there is a gel base “deterrent “ for use inside a closed space, like a camper. That way you don’t blind yourself in the process.

https://www.sabrered.com/pepper-gel-vs-pepper-spray

 

[sheridany]

I have a Byrna, and it is a very effective deterrent. Practice with it to familiarize yourself with the trigger pull and its operations. You can order extra cartridges and projectiles from Byrna. It is a great option.

Second, if you are going to carry a firearm in your RV, I highly recommend self-defense insurance coverage. Should the time ever come when you have to defend yourself or the lives of others with a firearm, you will want this. Several companies offer it. USCCA is the largest organization, and there are others.

 

[ARD]

Second, if you are going to carry a firearm in your RV, I highly recommend self-defense insurance coverage. Should the time ever come when you have to defend yourself or the lives of others with a firearm, you will want this. Several companies offer it. USCCA is the largest organization, and there are others.

I've had insurance coverage with USCCA for years. I'm a big follower of Colion Noir (YouTube).

Colion Noir

Attorney, Gun Rights Activist, & Urban Gun Enthusiast. One of the leading voices on behalf of gun owners in the never-ending political battle to preserve gun rights and the right to self-defense afforded through the United States Constitution. Videos convey complex arguments perpetuating the...

www.youtube.com

 

[Joe Hogan]

A tool like the Byrna makes the decision to pull the trigger much easier. In worse case it buys you time to sort out a proper response.
Most urban "gangsters" run at the sign of opposition. If you are lucky, this might happen.
Crackheads and motivated Badguys, probably will need further persuasion.
In my case I would also have an additional deterrent on hand, just in case. A layered defense, if you will.

Also, this helps in the court room with 'intent' defense, if the need arises. Ample warning to the aggressor of bad things to come if they persist.