Tips to Fighting Boredom During a Long Haul

One reason why many people decide to go to a commercial truck driving school is that they want a career that keeps them out of a cubicle and off an assembly line. Being out on the open road is a dream come true for many and the reason why they chose commercial driving as a career.

While the adrenaline of handling a big rig across the country is excitement enough, sometimes you need more. During long stretches of road, you often need more stimulation than counting mile markers, particularly during an overnight run or an early morning shift.

While listening to music or talk radio and even using a CB radio have been go-to options in the past, today even more ways are available to fight fatigue and boredom. Discover some of the best ways to enjoy your time on the road.

Learn a New Language

Whether you feel that Spanish will help with your work or have had a life-long desire to speak Japanese, you can learn almost any language you want and at your own pace while driving over the road. It may even help you communicate with customers on your route.

Listen to Audiobooks

Audiobooks have gained in popularity over the years. Many people enjoy listening to books, even if they are not prolific readers. Plus, the convenience of being able to listen to a bestseller while driving is one of the many little bonuses of choosing truck driving as a career.

Have a Hands-Free Conversation

The advent of Bluetooth technology allows commercial drivers to stay in contact with family and friends while working across the country. Instead of being distracted with a cell phone, they can safely have handsfree conversations and catch up on old times.

Create a Video

Truck drivers have some pretty unbelievable stories to tell about the things they've seen on the road. If you want to show people video proof of all the vehicles that pass you at ridiculous speeds and under unsafe conditions, set up a dashcam. You can download the video when you get home from your run.

Study for an Exam

Whether you are studying for the GED or the LSAT, you can use the time to quiz yourself with audio recordings. You can purchase online audio study guides, or you can make your own.

Follow a Podcast

Podcasts have changed the way people listen to the radio. Instead of the talk radio shows of decades past, you can now listen to a podcast dedicated specifically to a topic that you are passionate about or are interested in learning more about, like home beer brewing, time management, or underwater basket weaving. You can even binge-listen to multiple episodes per trip.

Enjoy the Scenery

As simple as it sounds, many people simply enjoy looking at the scenery when driving. As they travel the highways and byways of the United States and Canada, they revel in seeing what the countryside has to offer and in trying the local treats at the next truck stop.

Long-haul trucking is a chosen career path, if not a lifelong passion, for many drivers. But when you need a little something extra, any of the above ideas will help pass the time safely.

Thinking of a career in truck driving? We have both one-on-one and group training. Call us today to get the training you need to become a commercial truck driver and start living the life you have always dreamed about. We look forward to helping you learn the skills of truck driving and are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.