Ever been driving out the interstate and watched a commercial truck swerve a little — maybe cross the center line and quickly right itself — and wonder how in the world they drive as much and as often as they do and keep themselves and the rest of us safe?

Well, the truth is (just like drivers of smaller vehicles) sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they make mistakes because they are distracted. Other times, it is because they are exhausted. But Ohio officials have a plan to make a difference on that front by adding at least 1,400 truck parking spaces across the state where drivers can stop to rest for as long as they need.

Belmont County is among the 33 sites to get either new or expanded lots. DOT data shows 689 crashes have been caused by drowsy semi-truck drivers in Ohio since 2015. Drivers are sometimes forced to keep moving rather than pull over to sleep or park somewhere that is not safe.

Buckeye State drivers don’t have to be reminded how important our roads are to national commerce. We experience it daily. Thanks to this effort those roads will be safer — for everyone.