Several years ago the organization for truck stops stated there is more parking spaces for trucks then there are trucks. Really?? you may say. So, maybe that's true in overall perspective. Yes, there are truck spaces open all over 24/7. However, the catch is the open spots are no where they need to be.
I am one who doesn't like to park on ramps, but if that's my only choice (that or over hours), I'll go there and pray for the best (that no one hits me). As many of us know, parking is a major issue and, at times, it's almost impossible to get spots. With the Hours of Service changing all the time, what's a driver to do?!?!
Take for example, the horrible story of Jason Rivenburg getting robbed and killed at a closed up gas station. Who is responsible? Well first the criminal, but who's next? Who knows,we are told all the time,"plan your trips accordingly." So I did,and then I get to my planed destination and place is full, "no parking" signs on the ramp, the Wal-Mart store doesn't want truck parking there! What are we to do?
Here is my thought; Jason's Law is good, however I feel the states should encourage truck stops to expand. Give them tax breaks, explain to the local folks how this expansion can help. Also,create areas inside industrial parks where trucks can park with state and the federal tax incentives for these places. Set it up like some kind of information line so that if a truck stop is misusing the tax breaks/incentives they get in trouble. Let the IRS handle that since they love nailing people.
Drivers your turn. Want to know why most places don't like us there? OUR IMAGE! Urine bottles, trash, garbage, loud idling trucks! And parking how the freak you want! STOP IT! That is just out right nasty! Do you really live like that? How about I come to your house, (Wait, let me get your address, I'll post it) and all of us will fill old bottles with pee and bags of trash and throw them on your lawn! I maybe preaching to the preacher, but I'm sick of it! The selfish attitudes get US no where.
Things I do, we may not be allowed to park many places nowadays,but if I get a chance and do park in somewhere other then a truck parking area, I will check with local law enforcement, or security. If they say yes,I park in the back, away from cars, not only to give them their area, but so when I go to leave I'm not stuck or blocked in. I make sure if I use pee bottles I put them in the trash. In general, I'm just being responsible and respecting their property.
Lastly, I may tick people off, but I'm not a fan of Jason's Law because it was a "feel good law," and like so many of its kind, someone will sneak something in for their own personal political wants. The bill has good things in it, but I am afraid it will get hit too.
I am one who doesn't like to park on ramps, but if that's my only choice (that or over hours), I'll go there and pray for the best (that no one hits me). As many of us know, parking is a major issue and, at times, it's almost impossible to get spots. With the Hours of Service changing all the time, what's a driver to do?!?!
Take for example, the horrible story of Jason Rivenburg getting robbed and killed at a closed up gas station. Who is responsible? Well first the criminal, but who's next? Who knows,we are told all the time,"plan your trips accordingly." So I did,and then I get to my planed destination and place is full, "no parking" signs on the ramp, the Wal-Mart store doesn't want truck parking there! What are we to do?
Here is my thought; Jason's Law is good, however I feel the states should encourage truck stops to expand. Give them tax breaks, explain to the local folks how this expansion can help. Also,create areas inside industrial parks where trucks can park with state and the federal tax incentives for these places. Set it up like some kind of information line so that if a truck stop is misusing the tax breaks/incentives they get in trouble. Let the IRS handle that since they love nailing people.
Drivers your turn. Want to know why most places don't like us there? OUR IMAGE! Urine bottles, trash, garbage, loud idling trucks! And parking how the freak you want! STOP IT! That is just out right nasty! Do you really live like that? How about I come to your house, (Wait, let me get your address, I'll post it) and all of us will fill old bottles with pee and bags of trash and throw them on your lawn! I maybe preaching to the preacher, but I'm sick of it! The selfish attitudes get US no where.
Things I do, we may not be allowed to park many places nowadays,but if I get a chance and do park in somewhere other then a truck parking area, I will check with local law enforcement, or security. If they say yes,I park in the back, away from cars, not only to give them their area, but so when I go to leave I'm not stuck or blocked in. I make sure if I use pee bottles I put them in the trash. In general, I'm just being responsible and respecting their property.
Lastly, I may tick people off, but I'm not a fan of Jason's Law because it was a "feel good law," and like so many of its kind, someone will sneak something in for their own personal political wants. The bill has good things in it, but I am afraid it will get hit too.
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