Adding parking spaces for large trucks a good move for Ohio

Ever been driving out the interstate and watched a commercial truck swerve a little — maybe cross the center line and quickly right itself — and wonder how in the world they drive as much and as often as they do and keep themselves and the rest of us safe? Well, the truth is (just like drivers of smaller vehicles) sometimes they don't. Sometimes they make mistakes because they are distracted. Other times, it is because they are exhausted. But Ohio officials have a plan to make a difference on that front by adding at least 1,400 truck parking spaces across the state where drivers can stop to rest for as long as they need. "As Ohio's economy continues to grow, so do the number of trucks traveling on Ohio's network of interstates and state routes," Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday. "By expanding safe, accessible places for drivers to rest, we're supporting the people who keep our economy moving and making it safer for everyone on our roads." Thirty-three sites in Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Auglaize, Belmont, Clermont, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Henry, Lake, Mahoning, Medina, Ross, Summit, Warren and Wyandot counties will get either new or expanded truck parking lots. That more than doubles the previous truck parking capacity at Ohio Department of Transportation-maintained sites. ODOT data shows 689 crashes have been caused by drowsy semi-truck drivers in Ohio since 2015. But nationwide there is only one truck parking space for every 11 trucks on the road. Drivers are sometimes forced to keep moving rather than pull over to sleep or park somewhere that is not safe. "Ohio's new truck parking plan is a major step forward in improving safety for truck drivers and everyone on the road," said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. "These projects will make our state a national leader in total truck parking capacity — setting the standard for safety and service." (Each site is expected to include proper lighting and restroom facilities, too.) Buckeye State drivers don't have to be reminded how important our roads are to national commerce. We experience it daily. Thanks to this effort those roads will be safer — for everyone.