Truck Parking Shortage in the United States

While truck drivers have tons of steel protecting them on the road, they can still be in danger. There are some safety tips to help ensure truck drivers are safe on the roads, and that makes the safer for everyone else in small vehicles as well. A truck driver needs to take care of his or her own needs before anything else. Failing to get enough rest, not eating properly, and not getting enough exercise can all affect a person physically and mentally. Taking care of the truck they are driving is very important as well. There is plenty of routine maintenance that needs to be done on a semi-truck. This includes checking the fluids, checking hoses, changing the oil, and looking for any leaks or problems. Tires need to be in good condition so they don't blow out. We have all seen though large pieces of rubber on the roads that comes off of big trucks. These can create a hazard for other drivers when they are driving behind a big truck. Even if you don't own the truck you are driving, it is your responsibility to make sure it is in good enough condition to be on the road. If you are picking up a trailer you need to inspect it as well. Make sure the trailer is properly connected to the semi-truck before you leave so that you don't cause any problems when you get onto the road.

Despite these safety precautions exhibited by these unique people, these truck drivers a faced with the challenges of shortage of parking spaces in the United States and across the globe at large. Shortage of parking lot for truck drivers in rest areas has led to increase in accidents on highways. Tired drivers are faced with the problem of driving for hours in order to search for a space, thus forcing a risk in truck and car accidents along the motorway. As some states distraughtly seek methods to balance their budgets, these indispensable truck parking lots have been closed or destroyed as a way to save on maintenance cost As a result, these drivers find themselves random targets of violent crimes after they seek parking in dangerous and insecure places.  This incident has led to the untimely death of hardworking truck drivers such as Jason. Before the law (Jason's Law) was passed, some states' transportation personnel did not see the provision of secure, safe parking lot of truck drivers as their concern and obligation.

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (DOT) is concerned about these challenges they face. A survey conducted by DOT, in partnership with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, describes the problem as a crisis and wants to find out from drivers as to the location and the time the shortages take place. Truck parking shortage is a subject matter that has been on the rise and studies for some years, several research projects are now struggling to cope with it.

How many more intelligent and industrious truck drivers do we have to loose before plans are made to change truck parking policies or build additional truck parking places to keep them alive and well? This is appalling!