Truckers Across the US Fight for More Truck Parking: A Risk to Lives and a Violation of Laws
Truckers are facing an uphill battle as they struggle to find adequate parking spaces across the United States. This shortage of parking spots is not only frustrating for truckers but also poses risks to their safety and that of others on the road. In an attempt to secure parking, truckers are often left with no choice but to break the law, putting themselves in danger and potentially causing accidents.
Brent France, a seasoned trucker, understands the challenges all too well. Every year, the parking situation worsens, leaving fewer and fewer spots available. France explains that the lack of parking forces him to make the difficult decision between accepting fines or losing out on income due to driving fewer miles. It’s a Catch-22 situation for truckers who are left with no viable options.
The issue is exacerbated by the fact that truckers are required to follow federal regulations regarding rest stops and driving limits. However, due to the severe shortage of parking spaces, they are often unable to comply with these regulations. This means that exhausted truckers are forced to continue driving, even when they desperately need a break. The consequences are dire, as not only are these truckers at risk, but everyone around them as well.
Truckers resort to parking in unauthorized areas, such as exit ramps, which is against the law in Illinois. However, police tend to turn a blind eye to this issue, well aware of the critical parking shortage. Truckers like France are left with no choice but to risk breaking the law, as the alternative is far worse.
The problem extends beyond Illinois, with truckers across the country struggling to find available spaces. Rest stops are often overcrowded, with trucks spilling onto off ramps, on ramps, and even the shoulder of the road. The situation has become untenable, prompting U.S. Representative Mike Bost, who hails from a family of truckers, to propose legislation to address the issue.
Bost’s proposed legislation, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (H.R.2187), aims to allocate state-specific funding for additional commercial parking spots. The current situation, where truckers are forced to park illegally or drive fatigued, necessitates urgent action. The safety and well-being of truckers and the general public are at stake.
Critics argue that infrastructure funds could be better utilized elsewhere, but bus and truck drivers insist that parking shortages directly impact road safety. The legislation is currently under debate in the House and, if passed, will proceed to the Senate. The hope is that the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act will become law as early as January.
To gain insight into the funding allocated for commercial parking in each state, we reached out to the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Transportation. In Missouri, approximately $12.5 million of the total $24.5 million facilities budget is designated for the improvement of welcome centers, rest areas, and truck parking facilities. In Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker has budgeted $7.2 million for the expansion of parking spaces at three rest areas, as well as plans for real-time information on available commercial parking spaces.
It is crucial for everyone to recognize the significance of this issue. Inadequate parking not only affects truckers’ livelihoods but also threatens the safety of road users nationwide. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act aims to alleviate this crisis by providing the necessary funding for increased parking spaces. With lives at risk, it is imperative that we prioritize the safety and well-being of truckers and everyone who shares the road with them.
