Where's All The (Radio) Traffic?

Most of the drivers out here have been out here for a few years or less it seems. Most don't even know what a CB is let alone want to go out and buy one. I call stuff out because it's a habit, but I very rarely get a thank you or a return report. But at the same time there will be drivers having a conversation. Lack of radio's and respect out here any more.

 

Yesterday on a 200-mile run I heard several warnings via CB regarding accidents affecting traffic and police pull-overs. I responded with a "thanks" on one or two.

I don't hear many radar reports, probably because trucks around here can legally run with the cars at the up-to-75 mph speed limits, which is pretty liberal for an 80,000 pound hunk of metal on 18 wheels.

I personally don't use the CB for radar reports. It wouldn't make me feel good about myself knowing I might be complicit in enabling or encouraging behavior that can maim and kill.

 

Using the app WAZE is a pretty good way to be alerted to speed traps

 

That is why I usually say something like "bear in the middle".....about 75% of the time nobody even asks where!

 

All we got out here anymore is a bunch of brain dead cruise control zombies. Real drivers are few and far between.

 

That can only go from point A to point B on the interstate , but are dangerous in the city and can't backup if their life depended on it, thats the result of a driver qualified as a trainer in 3 months training another driver fresh out of driving school.

 

Reminds me of the time I learned pulling over sized flatbed...Concrete bridge spans..
My "trainer" was there to teach me load securement....I asked him how long he had been driving...He said about a year....Well,OK I thought.
I then asked him how long he had been doing oversized.He said about 2 weeks!
It was a young guy,not that there was anything wrong with that but I could not believe they considered that enough time for him to be a trainer...
I felt ashamed to tell him I had over 25 years at that point!

 

Since I retired and became a dreaded four wheeler, I still chatter on my CB if given the chance. I now live in a place called Rossland BC, have a mobile Galaxy DX 959 SB and pick lots of OTR traffic. Being that Rossland is near the top of a mountain, my reception & send is far above average. If any of you OTRs are in the area give old SnoWalker a buzz. Ch 19 is always sitten and waitin.

 

It is sad that you rarely ever hear truckers on 19 in most places, anymore. Even sadder, that you don't get a reply when asking for a smokey report or an acknowledgement when giving one. I keep mine on when traveling the Interstates and do call out radar traps when I see them. I wish something would happen to revive the popularity of CB among truckers and even the motoring public in general.

 

Still plenty of activity out there, especially big cities! You'll also find it on Interstates and truck stops.