Is It Possible To Drive Without A Computer, Without A Cell Phone, & Without A GPS - Like Years Ago?

I don't think I would want the "good old days" back again. A truckers GPS is light years ahead of the days (say 1960-61) when the trucker had no idea where the low over passes were, which roads could handle 18 wheelers and getting in to areas or streets where there was no way out. Mind you, we didn't have contend with 53 ft trailers in those days, but, try getting into a dead end street with a 45 ft and a cab over. I had to have a tow truck haul me backwards on several occasions just because there was no place to turn around. New Jersey and old Boston were a drivers worst nightmare cities. The old CBs, wouldn't have been caught without one. I loved the modern conveniences..

 

Mr @mje, you're going about his all wrong.

When cars had drum brakes, ALL motorist knew how to gear the car down to prevent brake fade. Disc brakes are eons better than the drums. However, now, the vast majority of motorist have no idea how to gear down or stop an car when there's a throttle or brake malfunction. Now the new safety standard is a car that will sense a problem and brake. They are advertising these cars for people that get distracted. Big mistake. Huge mistake. They're trying to stupidproof cars. The only way to do that is autonomous cars. Then, in a few years, the average American will not be able to operate an automobile at all.

"But then, everyone will be safe, Six."

No. Everyone will be stupid and helpless. You hear people tout the GPS. Solar flares wreak havoc on the GPS satellites signal. Want to know how I know? I've had my GPS signal and directions go haywire when there's lots of solar flare activity. Kept losing connection. But I am old school, didn't miss a beat.

In the next decade, American roads are going to turn lethal. And they will not have an answer to the problem. Those that still have driving skills will be wealthy overnight. Those that don't will be at the mercy of those that do.

 

All you really need is a 1:1 scale road atlas.

 

Yup I did it with a sticky note on the windshield.

Lot of rolling down the window & blocking roads to go ask directions inside a gas station involved. Was a lot happier with technology.

Bunch of companies require you to have a cell phone.

 

There are books sold that cover low clearances through out the United States.

I recall keeping a National Book, a motor carriers atlas and a complete 6 book set on the entire NYC and all boroughs down to individual bridges, ramps and alleys. It takes a little time in a booth eating dinner here and leaning over the paper there.

And at the end of day you can always call the customer and find out from the traffic manager NOT THE GIGGLY SECRETARY.... how to get a big truck in there. But be nice and short. They have very small time for you.

If you are not issued the customers phone number, go to Staples and buy a national 800 and business phone directory for 2017 USA. You WILL get yelled at. DRIVERS DO NOT GET THIS *&^ NUMBER WHERE DID YOU GET IT? Staples now can I have directions PLEASE?

Silence.

It will be the last time you see that Customer. Bank on it.

 

Who drives while texting or using their computer? Some people seem to feel important if their talking on the phone, i spend my time concentrating on the road and those driving in front of me.

 

You'd need a dumb/burner phone at the very least. Good luck finding a pay phone or getting today's jerkwad shippers and receivers to let you use theirs in a pinch. And not having a working CB would be a bad idea if you didn't have a Qualcomm.

 

To answer the original post. Starting in December, when ELD's will be required in virtually all trucks(post 1999) you have to have a computer like device on the instrument panel. It might be a dedicated display or using your smart phone or a tablet, but a computer like device will be part of the mix.
If you want to do some Amish style trucking it would be possible. But you are going to sacrifice most of what is commonly taken for granted in trucking today. I would guess you would have to stay local in order to do it.

 

Sure, just as it's possible to write letters instead of emails and saddle up your horse instead of hopping into your car.