About 10 years ago I was working on a Bellsouth project in the Charlotte area. I was filling up my truck at about 11:30PM, just before starting my nights work, and had a guy try to get in the truck with me. He was waving a pistol around thinking I'd be scared, but mine was bigger and he didn't seem to like me pointing it directly at him because he ran away rather quickly......
Having spent 18 years traveling 49 of 50 states of this country I NEVER stop at rest stops. My experience is they are THE best place to get thumped on the head and relieved of your wallet, especially after dark. I certainly would never, ever sleep in one.
Wasn't Michael Jordan's father killed while sleeping on the side of the highway in NC?