Month: October 2023

One of the coolest parts about a career in truck driving is being able to travel and see beautiful sights across the country. But as the nights stretch on longer and the leaves start to rustle in the breeze, here are seven supposedly haunted stops along America’s most popular trucking routes.

1. Uniondale, Indiana: A Rest Stop’s Restless Spirit

Tucked right off I-69 in Indiana, Uniondale appears to be like any other small, quiet, Midwestern town. But its rest stop has a chilling secret behind it. Local legend has it that the ghost of a grieving mother has made the truck stop her home as she endlessly searches for her missing child. Some truck drivers have reported that they’ve heard faint cries in the dead of night.

2. Resurrection Mary: A Hitchhiker’s Ghost

Moving north to the Windy City, Chicago, several truck drivers shared stories of a ghost named Resurrection Mary. This ghost takes on the appearance of a hitchhiker and is most frequently spotted along Archer Avenue. Mary attempts to lure drivers into stopping and giving her a ride… destination unknown. Witnesses have described her as a young woman in a white dress, but as they approach the nearby aptly named Resurrection Cemetery, she vanishes.

3. Vicksburg, Mississippi: McRaven Mansion

While not a truck stop today, the McRaven Mansion in Vicksburg deserves to be mentioned. Originally built in 1797, it served as a rest stop along the Natchez Trace for pioneers en route to Nashville. The mansion sits close to I-20 and is rumored to be one of the most haunted houses in the South. Truck drivers who have stopped to check it out have reported seeing shadowy figures dart through the halls and eerie whispers come from empty rooms.

4. Highway 666: The Devil’s Highway

Now known as US-491, this stretch of road was once known as Highway 666. Located in the Four Corners region, a long history of infamy follows this highway. Many truckers believed it had been cursed due to an unusually high number of accidents and paranormal occurrences. Some have claimed to see unexplainable apparitions and otherwise strange phenomena while driving along this eerie route.

5. Jerome, Arizona: The Ghost Town on a Hill

Jerome is an old mining town that clings to the side of a steep and treacherous hillside in Arizona. It is well known for its turbulent history, with many believing the ghosts of past minors and misfits still inhabit the town. Truck drivers just passing through on their way to other locations have witnessed strange noises, and mysterious shadows, and some have even claimed to see ghostly miners wandering the empty streets. It’s a town forever frozen in the past.

6. Guthrie, Oklahoma: Stone Lion Inn

If you’re ever in need of a place to stop, maybe take the Stone Lion Inn off your list. It has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in all of Oklahoma. This historic bed and breakfast, situated right alongside several popular trucking routes, is home to many resident spirits. Miss Mattie is one of many who roam the halls and is said to have met her demise at the inn. Apparitions, flickering lights, unexplained footsteps, and haunting whispers all come free with a stay at the Stone Lion.

7. Emporia, Kansas: Red Rocks Roadside Park

Situated along I-35 in Kansas, this is a popular resting stop for truck drivers traveling through the area. While it may seem like an ordinary rest area during the day, it takes on a whole new, darker ambiance at night. Legend has it that the place is haunted by a girl named Molly, who was killed in an accident near the rest area. Truck drivers have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a girl appear around the rest area and have also heard faint laughter.

While these stories are sure to give you goosebumps, they’re all part of the rich tapestry of American folklore and legend. Whether you’re dealing with restless spirits or just heavy traffic, stay safe out there!

Autumn is just around the corner! And while fall comes with some much-needed cooler temps, it also brings along reduced daylight hours and other driving hazards. In this comprehensive guide for driving during the fall, we’ll give you the key factors to consider for a safe and successful fall journey.

Reduced daylight hours

Shorter days are one of the first indicators that fall is coming. For professional drivers, this may mean more time traveling without sunlight. Unless your routes specifically calls for night driving, consider planning ahead and starting your day earlier so that you can end your day before dark. As the sun sinks below the horizon, some people struggle to stay awake, making it important to have planned stops along your route if you need to pull over for a break.

Sun glare

Despite autumn giving us fewer daylight hours, it does pose a higher risk of sun glare. Due to the tilt of the Earth, the sun is closer to the horizon during the fall. The lower angle of sunlight creates a more intense glare on windshields and makes it difficult to see the road ahead. Be especially aware of this during sunset when the sun’s angle gets even lower.

Dirty windshields can make this problem worse. A pro tip is to be especially mindful of keeping your windshield free of dirt and debris during the fall. And, if you find you’re really struggling with sun glare, a pair of polarized sunglasses can go a long way in helping!

Fog

While foggy weather can occur at any time during the year, it ticks up during the fall months. Driving in fog means driving with reduced visibility. Make sure you slow down and allow for extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Always use low-beam headlights or fog lights if your truck comes equipped with them; never use your high-beam lights as they worsen the glare from the fog. If conditions become too dangerous, enable your hazards, and pull over in a safe location until the fog lifts.

Wet leaves

Any road debris can cause serious risks for truck drivers. As leaves fall and the frequency of rainy weather increases, a picturesque scene of orange leaves and drizzling weather can take a wrong turn. Wet leaves stick to the pavement, reducing your tires’ ability to gain traction. They can also conceal potholes, bumps, and other hazards that can cause hydroplaning.

It’s best to avoid driving through leaf patches or piles to reduce the risk of an accident. If you’re unable to avoid driving through leaves, don’t brake or swerve abruptly; this can cause your tires to slide uncontrollably.

Increased travel

One of the greatest things about fall is that it ushers in the holidays! But it also spurs increased travel patterns. In 2021, AAA estimated that 48.3 million people would be traveling on roadways during Thanksgiving and it’s expected to be around that again in 2023 This inflated number of people on U.S. highways leads to increased traffic flow and can increase the risk of accidents. Engaging in defensive driving practices can help ensure your safety in precarious situations.

Along with a higher number of commercial vehicles on the road, there’s an increased number of trucks. The fall season has a huge impact on the trucking industry as demands for shipping increase by the millions. This comes with an influx of new CDL-A drivers. Stay aware of drivers who may be getting their footing behind the wheel and remember: Everyone has to start somewhere!

Wildlife

And people won’t be the only ones traveling on and alongside roadways. Autumn is mating season for deer, meaning that their activity increases and they pose a serious risk to drivers, especially during dusk or dawn.

Be on the lookout for deer eyeshine caused by your headlights sweeping across them. It’s also important to stay aware of road signs that signify deer crossings. If you encounter a deer, avoid swerving, as it can cause your truck to jackknife or even roll over. If you drive slower and stay “animal aware” where wildlife may be more active, you’ll be better prepared to deal with any four-legged traffic!

It’s not only time to gear up for fall driving but for a sustainable, lifelong, rewarding driving career. Connect with us today to learn more about our opportunities for CDL-A drivers.