This study concluded as of July 31, 2020
Nationwide, truck drivers often can't find safe parking when they need to rest. This is especially true in Oregon where rest areas already experience heavy demand, which is expected to worsen over time. Public rest areas are intended for short-term safety breaks but are increasingly used for long-term parking. Private truck stops are also experiencing capacity shortfalls. Winter weather, safety regulations, and other factors contribute to this rising demand and recent studies have shown that factors related to weather and fatigue tend to increase the severity of injuries in crashes involving trucks.
Truck parking shortages and limits on stays in public rest areas may be forcing truck drivers to park in unsafe locations such as access ramps and roadway shoulders. Drivers may also be forced to travel longer distances without taking needed breaks.
Federal law (Jason's Law) requires an inventory and assessment of existing truck parking facilities in every state.
This study addressed the following:
- Truck parking issues within seven key freight corridors.
- Capacity, safety, and convenience for truck drivers and determined where additional truck parking is needed.
- Prioritized projects that allow ODOT to better plan future parking infrastructure that will better serve the trucking industry while supporting Oregon's overall economy.