So last week I posted a few things that any driver should be thinking about when they are driving.

This week, let me show you something that I use quite frequently on long trips.

Back in the ’70′s a song came out that subsequently turned into a movie. ‘Convoy’ was about a group of truckers, talking on the CB radio, that got together and drove lawlessly across country.

Now I don’t recommend driving lawlessly anywhere, but there are ways to make your trip a little quicker.

Enter the lowly CB radio. Used by over-the-road truckers for decades to get directions, stay awake, find local information, and discuss the finer points of 4 wheelers, seat covers, countie mounties and beavers.

Anyway, our little family has had the opportunity to spend an enormous amount of time on the open highway due to travel soccer, swim and dance teams.

Little Cobra 75 Tucked Away

Listening to the CB has provided a wealth of information about traffic tie-ups and the afformentioned, ‘countie-mounties’.

For example driving on I-95 near mile marker 30(hypothetical), you hear that there is a wreck at mile marker 45 that has traffic, in your lane, backed up to mile marker 42. That’s a three mile parking lot on “95th street”.

So we check the map to find two options. Either US1 or 301, depending on where you are. Hey look, there’s an exit at mile marker 40, and US1 is only 1/2 mile west. So let’s hop off there, continue on US1 for 8 to 10 miles, then get back on 95 with minimum delay. I just saved a 30 minute wait.

I recently drove to Daytona Beach, FL. In SC I was warned about a motorcycle cop, (Evel Knievel), shooting radar just over the crest of a bridge. So as I approached the bridge, slowed and moved into the right lane with the rest of the traffic, sure enough, I crossed the bridge only to have my Valentine One go crazy reporting radar that I was close enough to see.

Even though I only use the radio for long trips, this long forgotten, much maligned medium, has been very useful for several hundred thousand miles.

Now for the modern vehicle, with the modern family, a big, honkin’ Cobra 29 bolted to the top of the dash may be more than unsightly, it could be hazardous if the dash airbag blows. So next time I’ll show you how I have my radio installed in my ride. You would have to look pretty close to even know it’s there.

I95 from Daytona to NC

Like I said in a previous post, you don’t have to drive slowly to be safe, you just have to know your limits and don’t try to push too hard. If, however, you do decide to drive slowly, please stay in the granny lane. Cuz’ this little 4-wheeler’s in the hammer lane puttin’ it in the wind.

Let me know what you think about the post, good or bad. Or if you have any questions, I’ll be happy to respond.

I’m 10-10 on the side, catch ya’ on the flip-flop.