The lack of adequate truck parking is the number one issue for most truck drivers. However, even more so for female truckers, who face significant safety risks on the job. In recent years, more and more women drivers have come forward to speak about this issue.
Parking Safety Concerns for Female Truck Drivers
For Tina Klein, becoming a truck driver has been a lifelong passion. “I’ve wanted to be a professional truck driver since I was seven years old,” said Klein. With over two decades of experience behind the wheel, she continues to love her career. Similarly, Rhonda Hartman has been a truck driver for more than 40 years. “I learned really right away that this is what I wanted to do,” Hartman shared.
Despite their passion for the job, both women face significant safety risks. To address these concerns, they recently visited Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to take action. This effort is part of the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) “Women in Motion” campaign, which promotes policies that empower women in the trucking industry.
The Parking Problem
One of the biggest challenges these women face is the lack of adequate truck parking. “As a woman, I like to park in a well-lit area and know that it’s a safe place for me to be outside of my truck and go use the facilities,” Klein explained.
Unfortunately, this is often not an option. According to the ATA, there is only one available parking space for every eleven drivers. “It is very difficult to do our jobs,” said Hartman. Klein added, “For us to be professional and safe drivers, we need to have adequate safe areas for us to park.”
Legislative Solutions
To address these issues, Congress is proposing to invest millions in more truck parking. The “Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act” aims to create a grant program dedicated to increasing truck parking spots across the country.
Another bill, the “Trucker Bathroom Access Act,” focuses on providing more restroom access for truck drivers. Advocates highlight that nearly 80% of drivers choose parking spots based on the availability of restrooms and showers, a factor that is even more critical for women truck drivers.
“It’s crazy that we even have to talk about it or pass a law, but I don’t think anyone would want to do their job if they had no access to a ladies’ room,” Hartman remarked.
Bipartisan Support
Both bills have garnered bipartisan support in the House and Senate, though it remains unclear when they will come up for a full vote. The support from both sides of the aisle underscores the importance of improving safety and working conditions for all truck drivers, particularly women.
As the debate continues, Klein, Hartman, and other advocates remain hopeful that these legislative efforts will lead to meaningful improvements in the trucking industry, making it safer and more accessible for women and all drivers.
In the meantime, the best shot for truck drivers to find adequate truck parking remains Truck Parking Club. Using our app, drivers can seamlessly filter facilities by amenities and quickly book available parking spaces to ensure they have a reliable spot to spend the night when on the road.
Link to the full article: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/women-truck-driving-industry-advocate-more-parking-restroom-access/AUL3NM56ORD4BJOJ7FPVULQ6M4/
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