Fatigued truck driving has been linked to nearly 700 crashes in the state since 2015
Anyone who has driven on Ohio’s highways has likely seen tractor‑trailers pulled onto shoulders or crowded onto exit ramps. The sight is unsettling and dangerous. When truck drivers can’t find a safe place to rest, they face a cruel choice. They either violate hours‑of‑service rules by driving while fatigued or park in a hazardous location and possibly prevent a truck accident. Ohio is taking a big step to address this risk. That includes a $150 million initiative to vastly expand truck parking across the state.
Governor Mike DeWine’s administration will build more than 1,400 new truck parking spaces at 33 sites in 19 counties. Currently, Ohio has approximately 14,000 truck parking spots, with the majority located at privately operated truck stops. The new project will increase public parking by approximately 10 percent, but even that will only begin to meet demand. Nationally, there is just one legal parking space for every 11 trucks on the road.
Why does truck parking matter?
The connection between parking and safety is direct: without a legal place to stop, truckers may park on highway shoulders, entrance ramps, or other makeshift spaces. These improvised parking spots reduce visibility for other motorists and create obstacles that can lead to serious crashes. As one Ohio journalist recounted, driving past trucks squeezed onto a rest area entrance ramp made it difficult to see oncoming traffic and left him “frightened because the truck’s lined to both sides of the entrance ramp.”
Fatigue is another major concern. When drivers can’t find safe parking, they may be forced to either exceed federally mandated driving hours or sleep in dangerous locations. Courtney Astolfi of cleveland.com reports that since 2015, drowsy driving by semi‑truck drivers in Ohio has been linked to nearly 700 crashes. Those crashes resulted in 345 injuries and two deaths. In 2023 alone, Ohio recorded 167 fatal truck crashes, making it the eighth‑worst state in the nation for deadly truck collisions.
The shortage is likely to get worse. Ohio is the nation’s third‑busiest state for truck traffic, with trucks logging over 27 million miles on state roads in 2023. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) projects that freight traffic will grow by another 26 percent by 2045. Research shows that 98 percent of drivers regularly have trouble finding parking, and 70 percent admit they’ve had to violate hours‑of‑service rules to secure a spot.
Details of the expansion plan
Under Governor DeWine’s plan, the state will create 33 new parking lots on existing ODOT land in 19 counties. The lots will be located near rest areas and will include restrooms, lighting, and trash facilities. Once completed, Ohio will have more than 3,100 state‑owned parking spaces, giving it the largest public truck‑parking inventory in the nation. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Tom Balzer, president of the Ohio Trucking Association, explained why parking is such a pressing issue. In surveys, truck drivers rated parking availability as a bigger problem than their own pay. Law enforcement officers have expressed similar concerns, noting that sleepy semi‑drivers are a serious threat on Ohio roads. Truckers, police, and transportation officials agree that giving drivers a safe place to stop will save lives.
How parking expansions improve safety
Adequate parking allows drivers to comply with federal hours-of-service regulations that limit the amount of time they can be on the road without taking a break. By ensuring drivers have designated places to stop, the state aims to reduce the number of fatigued drivers and the need to park in hazardous locations. Increased parking also promotes better supply‑chain efficiency: drivers who know they can find a spot are less likely to speed to secure one. Over time, more parking could lead to fewer fatigued driving crashes and lower insurance costs.
Of course, parking alone won’t eliminate truck crashes. Other factors, such as distracted driving, speeding, mechanical problems, and improper loading, also contribute to collisions. But Ohio’s initiative addresses one of the most frequently cited safety concerns in the trucking industry. As freight traffic grows, the project could serve as a model for other states seeking to reduce crashes by improving infrastructure.
Despite these improvements, truck accidents will still happen. Large trucks carry heavy loads that can cause devastating injuries when they collide with passenger vehicles. Under Ohio law and federal regulations, trucking companies and drivers are required to adhere to strict rules regarding hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. When a trucker parks illegally or drives while fatigued and causes a crash, victims may have a strong claim for negligence.
Our Ohio truck accident lawyers fight for crash victims
If you’re hurt in a truck crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced Ohio truck accident attorney at Merriman Legal, LLC can investigate whether fatigue, parking violations, or other regulatory breaches played a role in your crash. Prompt investigation is important because logbooks and electronic data can be erased or overwritten. We can send preservation letters to ensure evidence is retained and build a strong case on your behalf.
Our law firm has spent decades representing victims across Ohio. We've seen firsthand how truck parking shortages contribute to fatigue‑related crashes. When you work with us, you get a team that will scour truck accident reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage to build the strongest possible case.
We also handle negotiations with trucking companies and insurers, so you can focus on your recovery. And since we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you or someone you love was injured in an Ohio accident involving a negligent truck driver, contact us online or call for a free consultation. We'll explain your rights, answer your questions, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
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