How to avoid crime on Route 66

Those about to travel the Mother Road for the first time regularly ask what to do to avoid crime on Route 66.

I admit I never have fully addressed this issue, probably because I spent decades in the high-crime industrial Midwest and became somewhat accustomed to it. I also regularly ventured into places — East St. Louis, Illinois, for example — that would make many wannabe gang members wet their pants. I didn’t do the latter out of a sense of bravado. I simply learned when to go to these places and keep yourself reasonably safe.

However, many Route 66 travelers don’t hold those same experiences or knowledge, especially foreigners who believe the United States overflows with crime. The impetus to discuss crime here was sparked by a recent case where a couple moving from the East Coast to Las Vegas had their moving truck stolen in Albuquerque and their belongings set afire. This didn’t occur on Route 66, but it is understandable why such an incident might alarm Route 66 tourists.

With that, here is crime-avoidance advice for those about to travel Route 66:

Keep everything locked up. Why I say “everything,” I mean it — your vehicle, your motel room, your luggage, etc., when you can’t keep an eye on it. I’ve heard countless stories about belongings being stolen because a car, room or bags wasn’t secured. Don’t make it easy for thieves. If you’re not an easy mark, criminals will move on to a softer target or not even bother. And if you’re driving through what appears to be an unsafe neighborhood, it’s prudent to lock your vehicle’s doors from the inside.

Stay aware of your surroundings. This doesn’t mean your head should be on a 360-degree swivel every time you step out of a car or motel room. But glancing at your surroundings using peripheral vision should give you a sense whether a place is unsafe or benign. If your instincts tell you to pack up and go elsewhere, trust them. The so-called “sixth sense” exists for a reason.

Don’t engage in risky behavior. My old employer once analyzed dozens of area homicides and found 70 percent of the victims were impaired by drugs and alcohol. The coroner explained the victims, addled by booze or narcotics, made them more vulnerable to killers. This sounds obvious, but it was a clarifying story at the time. You may feel euphoric after a thrilling day on Route 66 and want a few drinks to celebrate. Don’t do it, unless you’re already in your locked room.

Nighttime is not the right time. Daytime by far is the best time to travel Route 66, namely because you can see more landmarks and scenery. Daytime also proves to be a safer time to explore the Mother Road, even in higher-crime areas, because criminals lack the cover of darkness. If you’re taking photos of neon signs at night, make sure a buddy keeps an eye on you.

Smaller is better. In general, your chance of crime goes down in a small town. Crime doesn’t get as much of a foothold in small towns because the locals tend to notice more if things don’t look right, and criminals have less of a chance to blend into the crowd. That doesn’t mean crime is absent — a Route 66 business owner once was inexplicably assaulted in broad daylight in Stroud, Oklahoma — but the odds are stacked more in your favor.

Carry nonlethal defense weapons. Some might be tempted to carry a firearm while on a Route 66 vacation. But that’s inadvisable for several reasons (accidentally shooting yourself or someone else; running afoul of local laws). That’s especially true for someone who doesn’t have much gun training. If you feel the need to carry some sort of self-defense, pepper spray or Mace will prove effective against attackers. You also won’t maim yourself if you have an accident with either.

This advice isn’t meant to make any prospective Route 66 travelers paranoid. The chances are high that nothing untoward will happen during your journey. But following at least some of the above tips will give you more peace of mind and a greater ability to enjoy yourself while on America’s Main Street.

(Image of crime-scene tape by Yumi Kimura via Flickr)

8 thoughts on “How to avoid crime on Route 66

  1. This is some good general advice for sure. Most of it common sense, some a bit extreme especially about the drinking, but overall sound. About the lethal weapons… Interesting how predictable your views on firearms was. it’s probably not good to encourage carry to those who are not familiar with their use, but accidentally shooting oneself is a pretty far comedic stretch! Please tell me how this occurs? I’ve been around firearms all my life, got my first .22 rifle when I was 11, carry a firearm in my vehicle on nearly every road trip I’ve been on as an adult (minding local and state laws of course), and yet have somehow avoided this fate! My advice is watch out for California and Illinois, not because you can shoot yourself, but because a more menacing problem – over the top gun control. Thankfully all the other states on 66 are 2nd amendment friendly and you should have no problem.
    In fact, maybe instead of a blanket discouragement you can inform trippers who do wish to carry what the laws are in each state so they can be in compliance. I know, that would mean you’d have to drop the editorializing and opinion and just provide information, but I’m certain you’ll be okay!

    1. I suggest you re-read my recommendation; you must have missed the nuances.

      For the record, I’m a supporter of the Second Amendment. I do not, however, advocate poorly trained people to carry firearms for obvious reasons — hence one key reason for my recommendation. Then you have the restrictions that vary widely in states, municipalities and even businesses, hence the so-called “blanket” recommendation.

  2. It is not a simple matter to legally carry a gun on 66. Both Illinois and California DO NOT recognize permits from other states and have strong penalties for violations. Secondly; Indian reservations have gun laws that supersede state and federal laws. Across much of New Mexico and Arizona you will be within the jurisdiction of tribal police even if you are on a state highway or public road. Laws on the reservations may or may not recognize a concealed carry permit. Best bet is leave it at home. The vast majority of 66 is safe anyway and with the precautions in the article the rest of it is safe as well.

  3. Having lived in London (UK) for decades, in other UK towns and villages, in Africa and Asia – and backpacked in the British Isles, Africa and Australasia, along with visiting North and South America, my advice is this: “Crime is everywhere. Criminals are everywhere.” As the travelling salesman said, “It comes with the territory”. Be as defensive and alert away from home as at home. Look out especially when you are enjoying yourself.

    1. Joe – basic common sense. Do you have locking nuts on the RV’s wheels? What about the liquid gas bottles? How secure are they?

  4. Good advice! I believe this article addresses folks new to Rt 66, many traveling from overseas, and those who perhaps are flying into either end of the Mother Road, picking up a rental car and hitting the road. Most do not carry weapons. I carry a can of Wasp and Hornet spray which shoots a longer stream of chemicals much like pepper spray. Aim this at the assailant’s forehead, empty the can, then RUN! (Chemicals run into eyes, nose, mouth) Purchase a can at the first Dollar Store you see. Your parents probably warned: Don’t talk to strangers, stick together, look before crossing the street, etc. Stay in motels, eat at restaurants mentioned in Rt 66 books. We tourists tend to stick out in a crowd driving vehicles with out-of-state plates, wearing souvenir T-shirts, carrying cameras, etc. Utilize the same safety precautions as if you were going to a shopping mall, Wal-Mart and driving through an unfamiliar area at home. Stay safe and have the time of your life getting your kicks on Route 66!

  5. Thanks, Brenda. You reminded me of some other advice: walk or drive with certainty, as though you know where you are going; be aware of who is around you; dress and behave as a local. I once walked at 2 a.m. in New York, from the YMCA to the bus station to catch a Greyhound to the Mexican border. With a yellow backpack, I really stood out. But I had already walked the route during the day, knew exactly the turns I had to take, and stayed aware of who was around me. A brisk walk and I was there.

    I also remember the sleazy Los Angeles bus station, and stayed very alert around there. Both were some years now.

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