Texas fatal- pickup slams trucker parked on shoulder

A blown steer tire would warrant an emergency stop. If you are broke down and can't move, that too would be acceptable. It's not hard to do the research and find out what each state defines as an emergency. You will also find out that they are pretty much in agreement with each other. Stopping to take a leak, fix your logbook before entering the chicken house, pouring a coffee because you are tired, a phone call, looking at a map etc. are all preventable scenarios.

 

Someone on here linked a video of test crashes on several trailer brands to test the integrity of the DOT bar when a car hits. It shows that the DOT bar collapses with an impact of a car hitting it at just 35mph.

 

some exits and ramps cleary have room for parking while others don't.

sad situation..

 

Truck parking is a major problem in our country and nobody wants to take responsibility for this problem. Truck stops are jam packed early, rest areas are filled up, many businesses won't allow truck parking for many reasons. It sucks but if you check the state laws regarding parking on exit ramps and entrance ramps you will clearly find it stated that you must be several feet away from the ramp or the road. Some places have signs and some don't. Ask any official and they will explain this to you. I've seen many truckers, myself included woke up by the police in the middle of the night and ordered to move off the shoulder. They don't care that you are sleeping or what line you are on in your logbook. They have no compassion and will give you the option of being towed out so you don't have to drive.

We need a new policy. No truck parking? No deliveries!!
Welcome to truck driving!

 

I'm not one to use exits or on ramps for parking tho I do see area's where one can and on occasion if.. I will.

I've even seen a few with trash cans. I'll get pic next time I notice one.

yes they're several feet away from the the flow of traffic.

 

If you feel comfortable trusting motorists to fly by 12 inches from your truck at speed,.. by all means,.. you are within your rights. Still doesnt make it the safest location to stop. I never stop on the shoulder with my semi,.. off ramps, merge ramps where traffic will be slowed,.. or wait until the next truck stop or rest area.

I dont give anyone any reason to get me hung up if they are texting and not paying attention,.. distracted for what ever reason. I think of it as my way of saving their life. Preventing what could have happened or at least minimizing the potential risks.

Hurst

 

On I-15, State of Nevada has several truck parking areas that are just dirt areas beside the highway. No actual separation or barrier between the parking area and high speed traffic. At least you can get well away from the traffic, unless the place has lots of trucks in it. There is no clearly defined parking spaces, such as you would find in a "normal" state, with "normal" rest areas. Makes it kind of a free-for-all at times.

 

Most states also have a "move over" law,requiring traffic to change lanes if there are disabled or emergency vehicles on the shoulder. Most truck drivers I've seen on the shoulder typically do have their 4 ways activated.

 

Professional drivers are held to a higher standard.
Most Texas highways have a frontage road,although some of 45 is dirt.
I rarely stop on the shoulder,unless the road is deserted,and next exit is 20 miles,but I may have to rethink this logic.

 

Even then the driver of the pickup truck would have to accept some/all responsibility as he was the one that caused the wreck in the first place(distracted while driving,driver/operator error,take your pick)