Educational Pursuits

"what do you mean you are exhausted? You should be able to find a gym 4 times a week for 2 hours a day , get an online degree, and run a side business." (Rainy quote with her trademark wit)

Rainy's comment made me wonder what other drivers do while driving. I know listening to music is probably the most common thing. If we're sitting there belted to that seat for 8 to 11 hrs. per day, we do have ample opportunity to listen to educational material. Lately, I've gotten hooked on the Dave Ramsey podcasts and I know Junkyard K9 is also a fan along with a few other drivers. I've been listening to some Spanish language material. (I already know how to say SEE and NO.) Actually I have 3 credits in Spanish but have lost most of it from lack of use. Now it's on my bucket list.

I consider the driving time I have to use for educational purposes to be just another great benefit of the profession, one we might not fully realize the value of. So, what do you do to, as George Bush would say, "Edumacate" yourself?

I think I'm an oddball on this. I occasionally will listen to music, but not very often. I don't even really talk on the phone. Just ask Daniel B how many times he's called me and I don't answer.

I honestly find that adding things in to my day that my brain has to focus on is exhausting. Maybe I just don't have much gray matter left to work with, but when I'm driving a big rig, I need most of my concentration focused on what I'm doing and what's going on around me.

I know some of you enjoy passing the time on the phone while driving, but I have never been able to do that without being distracted and mentally drained.

Old School, good point to make. So let's modify the question to include what we might do without distraction to our driving and/or job performance.

Also, the phone issue is a big one. Schneider has a strict "No Phone" policy. Not even hands free is allowed. We have to be stopped to use the phone (and the restroom, too. lol) I'm sure they lose some drivers because of that policy, but I don't have a problem with it and I'm sure it benefits everyone safety wise.

I use the phone occasionally, but usually not for personal reasons.

Music; about half the time, and once off the interstate or major highway, it gets turned off.

I see far to much distracted driving out here, and unfortunately it’s not only 4-wheelers. Call me old fashioned (or old school), but our primary job is safe and professional driving. Anything that can potentially compromise focus and concentration should be taken seriously, and many times is based on personal preferences; experience level and also situational awareness.