Many truck accidents today occur right in the vicinity of truck stops and for several reasons. Plenty of these truck stops were built in the 1970s, and at that time, they were smaller with fewer trucks. Nowadays, there are a lot more trucks on the road, and they’re also a lot bigger. Think about it: back in the 1970s, trailers were 40 feet long and 96 inches wide. Now, they’re 13 feet longer and 6 inches wider! With their sheer size, trucks are more difficult to maneuver, yet the parking spots remain the same size.
Rookie Invasion
The increased influx of first-year drivers on the road over the past several years has been a prominent plight for veteran drivers. Gone are the days when driving experience was an everyday thing; today’s highways and truck stops are flooded with inexperience. Unfortunately, inexperience often translates into accidents and mishaps where the damage to vehicles can be extensive. One needs to be alert and aware of the patterns of less experienced drivers since their erratic behavior may present unexpected challenges. With these factors in mind, you will be able to better navigate your trips and reduce potential risks associated with sharing the road with them.
There are certain steps you can take as a veteran owner-operator to better secure your truck, especially when stopping at truck stops. Even the basic things, like selecting parking spaces that provide adequate space and visibility, can help prevent accidents. Also, be aware of your surroundings and take notice of other drivers’ actions. In most instances, you will know very quickly if you need to extract yourself from the situation to keep the peace. Not only will you make your truck safer with these tips, but it will ensure that you don’t have sleepless nights since you know ahead of time exactly what’s occurring on any street. You can minimize the risk of having rookie drivers on the road by being proactive and prepared, making the driving experience much smoother.
The deductible insurance on your truck is probably around the same price as the damage that you receive from being backed into! It takes very little for a driver to back into you and do thousands of dollars worth of damage to your equipment, and it happens more often than you would imagine. So, it’s very important to establish things you can do to minimize your exposure because downtime is costly. The expenses related to repair, hotel stays, and towing add up quickly if you get hit hard enough.
While you can’t entirely avoid getting hit at a truck stop, you can lower your chances. Here are a few things you might learn over the years:
First, when you come into a truck stop, go to the back of the lot and try to park there. Aim to nose into a spot at the back so that if a rookie driver backs in beside you, they will probably hit your trailer instead of the front of your truck. It’s better to get damage to the trailer than to risk getting a major hit on the front, which might take out the engine, radiator, or other major components. If those are damaged, you will not be going anywhere anytime soon!
One good trick when parking is to park in a place where you can block one side of your truck. Try to find a light pole or other such obstacle to park beside so that someone cannot back in beside you on that side. This will effectively reduce your risk of getting hit by about 50% by doing so. You might think it is an easy precaution to take, but over the years, this method has been proven to work.
Avoid heavy traffic areas and truck stops if possible. Steer clear of parking near the shop or close to the building where there’s typically a lot of in-and-out traffic from drivers trying to park near the restaurant. Instead, look for spots in the back where there’s less congestion. Most traffic at truck stops tends to occur in the closest third of the lot, so avoiding that area can make a significant difference.
Aim to park between a couple of trucks that don’t seem like they’re going anywhere. If they look like they’ve settled in for the night or are gone for a day or two, sliding in between them can provide you with some peace of mind. If you do park beside someone, consider keeping a record of their license plate numbers, unit numbers, and the companies they belong to. This way, if you come back from dinner and notice any damage on your truck, you’ll know who was parked next to you—this can be a helpful tip for tracing down the person who might have hit you.
It’s also worth noting that some mega carriers, like Swift and Schneider, send their driver trainers to truck stops to let rookie drivers practice their backing skills in between parked trucks. This can be quite frustrating! Those carriers have ample space in their own yards to train their drivers without risking damage to your vehicle. It’s understandable that many driver trainers may not grasp the personal investment you have in your truck or the financial implications of damage and downtime. However, it doesn’t hurt to explain your concerns to them. Most trainers should understand, and you never know; they might take your feedback to heart. Overall, it’s best to keep an eye out and voice your concerns if you see driver trainers practicing with their trainees in the truck stops.
When you’re on the road, it’s best to avoid parking at truck stops with really small, limited parking areas. Places like Pilots are often notorious for this; they might look set up for fueling, but they usually have only a few spots available. These locations are often jammed into town, so while it may seem convenient for an early morning delivery, the tight quarters can lead to potential damage. You wouldn’t want to deal with a mess like that, right?
Instead, try to stick to the larger truck stops outside of town. They typically experience less traffic compared to those smaller locations right in the city, reducing your risk of getting hit by other vehicles.
Investing around $100 in a dash cam is a smart move. Keep it running while you step inside for a shower or dinner. These cameras record everything happening in front of your truck. If you’re unable to park nose-in and have to back in, this footage can be invaluable. Should someone hit you and drive off, the dash cam might capture crucial details like the truck’s carrier name, the time of the incident, and even the trailer number. If you note down the specifics, you can contact the carrier and provide them with the details of the incident. They’ll be able to trace who was driving that truck.
Try to land early for the night. Arriving sooner allows you to secure a good, safer parking spot instead of settling for whatever’s left around 11:00 or 12:00 at night. Remember, if your truck gets hit, it’s a loss of money, plain and simple. By taking these steps, you’ll help protect your truck and minimize downtime.
Choose I-55 Truck Repair For Your Diesel Repair Needs
When you need reliable diesel repair, choose I-55 Truck Repair for all your needs. Our skilled technicians are committed to providing you with top-notch service and expert repairs. You can trust us to get your vehicle back on the road safely and efficiently. Let us take care of your diesel repair requirements today!
Give us a call today at (870) 635-4003 for more information or two schedule our professional services.