Transport Topics reports, new research suggests that two primary factors contribute to truckers missing out on safe, open authorized parking spaces: the often incorrect assumption that no parking spaces are available if truckers see other rigs parked in unauthorized areas, and lack of visibility to spot open spaces. Jack Kong, assistant research scientist at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, presented those findings (see below) made in collaboration with institute colleagues at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting this week. Kong believes the research could lead to solutions — including geofencing, parking area redesign and new technology to inform drivers about parking availability — with the potential to improve designated parking area utilization and help ease the nation’s shortage of roadside truck parking spots. Those issues have safety implications because perceived lack of parking may discourage truckers from pulling over for mandated rest breaks.
