Commercial truck drivers are the backbone of the supply chain. They cover thousands of miles to deliver the goods we rely on every day. Yet, when it comes to their own safety and well-being, especially during much-needed breaks, the infrastructure doesn't always keep up. Making rest areas safer for truck drivers isn't just a matter of convenience—it's a critical piece of improving road safety and workforce health.
In this post, we'll explore what can be done to improve rest area safety, using insights from high-authority sources like OSHA, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and recent advocacy highlighted in Safety+Health Magazine.
Truckers face numerous challenges when they stop at rest areas: insufficient parking, poor lighting, lack of surveillance, and inadequate sanitation facilities. These conditions not only jeopardize personal safety but can also contribute to fatigue, reduced alertness, and overall health decline.
The U.S. DOT and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) emphasize the importance of rest in preventing drowsy driving, which is a contributing factor in many fatal truck crashes DOT Fatigue Resources. However, rest areas must be safe and accessible in order to serve their intended function.
Theft and Assault: Poorly lit and unmonitored rest areas can become hotspots for theft, vandalism, or worse.
Lack of Sanitation: Unsanitary or closed restrooms can contribute to health risks and force drivers to delay breaks.
Insufficient Parking: Overcrowded lots increase the likelihood of accidents, unauthorized parking, and roadside stops, all of which heighten risk.
Poor Signage and Layout: Confusing or non-existent signage can create hazards, especially in low-light conditions.
Lighting deters criminal activity and enhances visibility. The inclusion of CCTV systems or even routine patrols can significantly improve a driver's sense of security.
More clearly designated truck parking helps reduce the risk of accidents and ensures that drivers aren’t forced to park illegally or unsafely on highway shoulders. In fact, recent legislation and funding initiatives aim to expand truck parking nationwide DOT Truck Parking Coalition.
Restrooms, running water, waste bins, and vending machines should be considered non-negotiable. Clean, functioning restrooms play a significant role in a driver's decision to use a facility.
Install emergency contact systems and post clear signage with local emergency numbers or facility hotlines.
Many states are rolling out digital signage and mobile apps to let drivers know about parking availability ahead of time. This helps prevent last-minute, high-risk parking decisions.
According to the Safety+Health Magazine article, organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have emphasized that safety concerns are one of the main reasons drivers avoid using rest areas entirely.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and other advocacy groups are also calling for more consistent standards across states. Their goal: rest areas that support both regulatory compliance (e.g., required Hours of Service breaks) and the basic needs of the workforce.
While OSHA doesn’t regulate rest area facilities directly, its General Duty Clause requires that employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. For fleets, that responsibility extends to ensuring their drivers have access to safe, clean rest stops.
Fostering a safety-first culture includes educating drivers on:
Choosing well-lit, staffed rest areas
Reporting any suspicious activity
Planning routes around known safe locations
Using apps or services to track open and secure rest stops
✅ Use truck-specific GPS tools that mark secure stops
✅ Keep doors locked and windows up when parked
✅ Park near other trucks or under lights if alone
✅ Report unsafe or unsanitary conditions to DOT or appropriate state agency
✅ Avoid distractions during stops to stay aware of surroundings
States and federal agencies have a role to play, but so do private partners. Companies can advocate for better infrastructure by:
Partnering with rest area maintenance groups
Submitting feedback to FMCSA and DOT
Collaborating on safety audits and improvements
Rest areas should be a place for recovery—not a source of new risks. Making them safer is a shared responsibility that touches regulators, employers, rest stop operators, and the trucking community as a whole.
At Sentry Road, we help organizations foster a culture of safety, whether it's through compliance training or risk-reduction strategies. Want to explore how we can help your team make rest areas safer for truckers and beyond? Contact us here.