Parking along exit ramps and rest areas

[Broompilot]

Ever tried just getting some sleep in this situaiton (2 hour nap etc.) and parking on a 2-5% incline. How do people do this all the time I know I cannot rest when slidding into the wall or hanging onto the edge of the bed let alone trying to stand? But drivers do this all the time.

 

[BigBusBob]

If you're tired, you'll sleep. I remember a few years ago ona bus tour I fell asleep standing up leaning against my luggage in a hotel lobby because some village idiot forgot to book the room for the bus driver. I got a room that nite, after sleeping for nearly an hour on my feet. Another time I had to sleep in the lobby on a sofa because I had no hotel room. I've slept in rigs and busses on up hill and down hill grades. When I'm tired, I'm sleeping.

One thing I will NOT do is sleep on an exit ramp.
People are trying to slow down! hello?

I'll park on an entrance ramp, where they're tryin' to gain speed...
much safer in my opinion.

 

[rode2rouen]

I used to chuckle at the "Ramp Rats" when I first started driving, but I became one when I was so tired that I felt myself starting to nod. You could have stood the truck on end and I wouldn't have woke up. That hasn't happened since the first time.....lesson learned!!!

I'm with BBB on the entrance ramp. If you're gonna do it, that's the safe side.


Rex

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Indiana will ticket you for using entrance and exit ramps for parking. I believe others will too. States talk all this safety crap, yet they don't want to spend the money it takes to keep us safe.

 

[Broompilot]

OK let me re phrase that Entrance Ramps, but I still hate being uneven.

This also goes with Safety. In Tennessee at all weight stations they have these banners Click it or Ticket OK I see the point but also on the same banner Booze it and Loose its directed at WHO? Us truck drivers personally I am offended. Why? It is very clear what happens when we are intoxicated at 3% we all know that now who breaks the laws on DUIs post it near a Bar, and the stores that sell it the general public. (gas stations) fuel=driving=beer=DUI.

I do not know the % 4 wheelers vs trucks that cause the DUIs but I would bet its not very many of us vs them. Why is the Govt waisting $ on advertising to the wrong group. Some of you may dissagree I have never seen a truck driver on the road drinking a Jumbo but I have seen at least once a week a 4 wheeler usually a pick up truck exteneded cab with a couple of occupants with work cloths on and thats only during the day light hours. So who needs to be targeted?

 

[LDB]

I could manage the incline ok if I was tired enough to need to stop there. Sometimes after finding the official rest area full and the truck stop full with a couple dozen trucks parked in the driving lanes because they are special and don't have to use a real parking space (but that's another thread) I've thought about parking on a ramp as a last resort. I won't be doing it now though. Landstar has what they call a "sitting duck" policy. If you are parked on a ramp or shoulder or anywhere other than a true parking area and your truck number is turned in you will be terminated for safety violation.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Then maybe Landstar needs to use their top of the line engineering to find you a vacant parking area.

I love how these companies, and government officials, can see to dictate when and where we're allowed to be too tired to continue.

Most of the time, if you can find a strip mall or grocery store at night, the cops won't bother you. Just try to limit it to a couple hours nap.