You’re merging onto I-77 when a massive semi-truck suddenly drifts into your lane. Your heart stops as you swerve to avoid a potentially fatal collision. This terrifying scenario plays out daily on Ohio highways, but the root cause might surprise you: truck drivers simply have nowhere safe to rest.
Governor Mike DeWine recently announced a groundbreaking $150 million initiative to address this crisis by creating over 1,400 new truck parking spaces across 33 sites in 19 counties by 2027. This investment could save lives—including yours.
The Staggering Reality of Drowsy Truck Drivers
The shortage of safe truck parking isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s creating deadly conditions on Ohio highways. Here’s what the data shows about this growing crisis:
- Ohio Ranks 8th Worst in Fatal Truck Crashes. The numbers tell a sobering story. Since 2015, drowsy driving by semi-truck drivers has been linked to nearly 700 crashes in Ohio, resulting in 345 injuries and two deaths. When exhausted truckers can’t find safe places to rest, they face an impossible choice: break federal hours-of-service regulations or drive while dangerously fatigued.
- There’s Only One Rest Space for Every 11 Trucks. Ohio has approximately 14,000 truck parking spots, mostly at private truck stops. With trucks logging over 27 million miles on Ohio roads annually, the shortage forces drivers into desperate measures. They park on highway entrance ramps, exit ramps, shoulders, and any space where an 80,000-pound vehicle can physically fit.
- Freight Traffic Will Grow 26% by 2045. As Ohio remains the nation’s third-busiest state for truck traffic, this crisis will only worsen without intervention. DeWine’s plan will increase public parking by about 10%, making Ohio the state with the most long-term parking on state-owned land.
What This Means for Truck Accident Victims
Ohio’s parking crisis means many truck accidents involve clear violations of federal safety regulations. When truckers are forced to park illegally or drive while exhausted, the consequences extend far beyond traffic violations. These scenarios create clear cases of negligence that result in catastrophic accidents—and you deserve compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries and losses.
Drowsy Driving Creates Liability
Don’t let trucking companies or their insurers downplay the severity of your injuries or their driver’s negligence. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by a drowsy or negligent commercial driver, the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you fight for maximum compensation.
When trucking companies put profits over safety, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 944-4373 so I can evaluate your case right away.
