Student Research Spotlight: Jason Anderson
Large Truck Parking Deficiencies in Oregon
Jason C. Anderson just concluded an Oregon Department of Transportation project focused on large truck parking. Parking deficiencies in the context of freight is of increasing concern, yet research on this issue remains limited. Such deficiencies often lead to large trucks parking on freeway shoulders, on/off ramps, and other unsafe locations. In addition, this can prompt drivers to exceed their regulated hours-of-service (HOS) in an attempt to find safe and adequate parking. The latter results in fatigued drivers, in which crash risk is vastly increased.
Therefore, utilizing a stated-preference survey administered to drivers that deliver goods in the Pacific Northwest, driver behavior and opinions with regard to truck parking deficiency were gathered. Nearly 75% of the surveyed drivers indicated they experience truck parking issues. Further, using Oregon crash data, a hot spot analysis was conducted to detect a correlation between crash hot spots and existing truck parking facilities. It was discovered that hot spots, each with a high level of confidence, are present near parking facilities and/or along stretches of highway with no parking facility. Upon establishing crash hot spots, a truck parking demand assessment model was applied. This model accounts for several factors, such as the proportion of short-haul to long-haul trucks, proportion of demand to rest areas and truck stops, and most importantly, HOS. The assessment results indicate that severe parking shortages are present at rest areas and truck stops along the study corridor. To conclude, a crash harm analysis was done to quantify the cost of assumed parking related crashes. These costs included monetary values related to damage, medical bills, loss of life earnings, pain and suffering, etc. Crash harm showed that parking related crashes totaled greater than $70 million.
Findings suggest a need to address the truck parking deficiency in Oregon. A practice-ready solution may include the use of Oregon’s 511 Traveler Information System, in which truck drivers can call to receive information regarding parking availability at upcoming facilities. In addition, the use of ITS signage can be implemented across the state to disseminate parking availability updates to drivers.
