Over the years, trucks have increased in length while the size of truck stop parking spaces have not changed. The number of trucks on the road have also increased while the total acreage of available parking space hasn’t changed much at all. Because of this, truck stop parking areas are more congested than ever before and have precious little maneuvering space. Not surprisingly, accidents at truck stops are on the rise and pulling into a truck stop after a long day of driving doesn’t mean the risk of an accident is over. Here are five tips on how owner operators in South Carolina can get through the night with an intact rig.
Do Some Advanced Planning
Don’t wait until you are falling asleep at the wheel before you look for a truck stop. This reduces your options to the next available stop. Instead, plan your route and stops in advance so that you can bypass less desirable rest areas for those with more space and lighting.
Choose A Protected Parking Space
When you pull into a lot with an empty space on both sides, you risk an accident from the two trucks that pull into the spaces on either side. Look for a space with a barrier on one side such as a wall or a light pole. Another option is to pull into a space between two trucks that are parked for the night.
Avoid The Heavily Trafficked Areas
Avoid the truck stop’s busiest places which are near the front of the parking area and next to the buildings. The end of a row is another risky spot because of the cross traffic and because tired drivers favor these spots. The general rule of thumb is that convenient areas attract more traffic and should therefore be avoided.
Park Your Rig Straight In
Parking your truck-trailer well centered and straight in the parking space maximizes space on either side and minimizes the truck area that others can hit when pulling in next to you.
Don’t Be Afraid To Help Another Truck Back In
If a truck is backing in next to you using mirrors only, don’t hesitate to get out and give him some help. Not only are you protecting your truck, it’s also good etiquette.
Whether on the road or at a truck stop, trucking accidents are expensive. Don’t risk your livelihood with inadequate owner operator insurance. Contact us today to get the right rig insurance coverage for your needs.
