Safe Truck Parking on PacTrans Interstate Corridors: I-5 and I-90

Abstract

An inadequate supply of parking spaces for long-haul drivers creates safety issues that may lead to severe or fatal crashes, as tired drivers face the decision of choosing between parking at unsafe locations or continuing to drive. To better understand the current use of truck parking facilities and safety issues caused by the lack of parking capacity in high-demand locations, the authors reviewed existing research and reports that describe the lack of parking in the PacTrans region. The researchers then identified and provided a qualitative analysis of future trends that will affect this problem. Finally, the research team developed and executed a survey of truck drivers at two long-haul trucking parking facilities. The research team focused on two high-volume, multi-state truck corridors, the Interstate 5 and 90 corridors, that are of interest to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and neighboring state DOTs. This study presents the data collection method, the overall survey results, and an analysis of the findings. This research provides original data as well as expert insights to support state decision-making in determining the beneficiaries of building and maintaining public and private truck parking rest stops in Washington state.