Today's traveler has begun to look to rest areas as far more than a "wide spot in the road" on which to pull off and relax. Particularly on Interstate highways, today's rest areas must be equipped to satisfy more than the need for rest. They must provide clean, well-lighted sanitary facilities, picnic and parking areas, safe drinking water, telephones, motorist information, and an ever growing list of support services. Other needs of motorists will have to be defined, and all needs will have to be quantified. Various classes of motorists, such as long distance truckers, casual travelers, tourists, or families on vacation, may have differing needs. Methods of best satisfying their needs will have to be provided. Another facet of the problem is the rest area and how it can be most effectively used to meet motorists' needs. Operation and maintenance problems are becoming increasingly complicated and costly. The need to clean and service the rest area, prevent vandalism, and operate sophisticated sewage- treatment and drinking-water purification equipment has created additional problems. An information gap has developed that motorist information systems at rest areas may help to fill. Research can play an important role in furnishing solutions to these problems.
Samenvatting