Lack of Truck Parking Options Creates Safety Concerns  

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Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers discuss how the lacking of parking can lead to drowsy truck drivers and preventable crashes. When a truck driver is nearing the end of a shift or needs to pull over to take a much-needed nap, it can be extremely challenging to find a safe and convenient place to park the rig. Metro areas with heavy traffic are particularly challenging, but according to a safety official from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), it is a problem in all states and corridors.

Truck drivers need to take specific rest periods, according to the Hours of Service rules. These can help prevent truck accidents.

Safety officials from the FHWA, National Coalition on Truck Parking (NCTP), and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are working hard to develop effective approaches that will help solve the problem.

Due to the scarcity of parking spots, truck drivers often end up parking their rigs on the side of highway ramps, in vacant parking lots, and other unauthorized locations. A survey of 277 truck drivers found that more than half of truckers spend over an hour looking for a place to park.

In addition to being inconvenient and potentially unsafe for the truck drivers, city planners and elected officials in certain areas have complained about seeing these large trucks parked in various locations where they should not be parked. Unfortunately, zoning restrictions and apathy from residents have made it difficult to make more legitimate parking spots available to truck drivers.

Steps to Fix the Problem

According to the assistant administrator for operations at the FHWA, the lack of parking available for truck drivers is a national safety concern. The FMCSA is conducting a study that will examine a range of parking technologies, investigating the costs associated with these technologies, look into opportunities and potential challenges, and create a plan for releasing a “SmartPark” program.

The following are examples of current and future solutions to the parking issue:

  • The Meijer grocery chain is allowing truck drivers to park in a designated area near the entrance of its distribution centers.
  • In cities like Boston, Memphis, and parts of Arizona and Texas, planning organizations have updated their freight plans to include truck parking.
  • The Florida Department of Transportation will be installing and testing technology that will be able to monitor over 2,350 parking spaces at 45 rest areas, 20 weigh stations, and three welcome centers.
  • City officials in Carson, California have made additional parking spots available in designated areas for up to 72 hours.
  • The Wyoming Department of Transportation used a grant to build 43 new parking spaces conveniently located off Interstate 80 in Wamsutter, Wyoming.
  • Parking spots for up to 200 trucks are available in Big Springs, Nebraska near where Interstate 80 and US 138 meet.

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Truck Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will thoroughly investigate your case and determine the exact cause of the accident, including whether the truck driver was drowsy or distracted while trying to find a parking spot. Our experienced legal team is committed to protecting your rights and securing the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.