(JUNE 3, 1999 - Baltimore) -- Although a 1996 study by the American Trucking Associations Foundation found that truck rest areas nationwide are full or overflowing with trucks nightly, there are more spaces than demand in the I-95 corridor north and south of Baltimore. The Truck Rest Area Subcommittee, a working group of the Baltimore Region Freight Movement Task Force, found that within the network of public rest areas, private truck stops, park and ride lots and weigh stations in the Baltimore region, there are more than enough spaces to accommodate current overnight parking needs.

"The sign we're unveiling today is the first of several produced by the Maryland State Highway Administration to provide information about the distances to the next two private rest facilities," said Jon Arason, Director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Annapolis, who serves as Chair of the Transportation Steering Committee (TSC). "We want to make sure the truckers know where the facilities are and that they are not full."

The National Association of Truck Stop Owners is providing free coffee and donuts at the I-95 Northbound Welcome Center near Laurel during the sign unveiling on June 3 to draw in truckers to learn more about the availability of safe overnight parking. The official sign unveiling is scheduled to take place between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m.

The Truck Rest Area Subcommittee includes representatives of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), Baltimore-Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Giant Food, Independent Truckers and Drivers Association

(ITDA), Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA), Maryland Port Administration (MPA), Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA), Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), National Association of Truck Stop Owners (NATSO), State Highway Administration (SHA), the Terminal Corporation and

United Parcel Service (UPS). Members of the subcommittee observed trucks parked along the I-95 corridor between Cecil County and I-495. Observers accompanied police to record nighttime activity, and police and truck stop operators recorded their observations over a two-week period.

In addition to improving signage, the subcommittee recommended that truck stop owners review their security procedures, where appropriate, to minimize crime. There is also a need for better coordination and communication among SHA, MdTA, police, rest area personnel and truck stop operators. In addition, the State Highway Administration is working with the subcommittee on updating and revising a Truckers Map, and which it plans to distribute at rest areas, weigh stations, and truck stops and through police and interstate trucking companies.

Safe, adequate overnight truck parking is a safety issue. Illegally parked trucks on roadway shoulders are a safety hazard, as are overly tired drivers. The sign unveiling was scheduled during the 1999 International Highway Transportation Safety Week to highlight the commitment of all the participating organizations to highway safety.

"Our number one priority is enhancing the safety of motorists and pedestrians throughout our transportation system," said MDOT Secretary John D. Porcari. "In Maryland, far too many accidents occur where vehicles run into parked trucks. We are confident these new signs directing trucks to additional safe parking will provide a good service to the trucking industry and reduce the number of accidents along our highways."

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