Coping With Monotony As A Driver

We all know that those long stretches of highway driving can be monotonous. I have developed some techniques for dealing with it, but I’d really like to get some fresh ideas aimed at keeping those long drives interesting. One problem I have is being a “clock watcher”. That’s probably one of the worst habits to have, constantly monitoring the miles and time as they wind down. So I kill the clock whenever I can to keep it from staring me in the face. New drivers are continuously coming on board and they will soon find out that monotony can kill a career. What are your coping skills?

Siruis xm radio ! lol and phone chats (headset) I do seem to smoke a lot more too lol Be same if sittin on my butt at home on the laptop or stoppin at fuel stop getting out for a walk and coffee whatevers.....I burn down my first 8 as close as possible, before I do my 30 DOT break That way when 3 hours add back on, it don't look as bad seeing 5 or 6 than another full 8 lol

I don't have any problems with driving long stretches. It is true, there is nothing really long in North East, where I drive now, even I-80 in PA goes relatively fast, and permanent repairs always make it interesting and keep you focused :-) Regardless of length, modern technogy has so much to offer, that I rarely notice all these miles. I do keep an eye on my garmin, so I don't miss a turn or an exit, but that's it. Most of the time I listen to audio books, and it is amazing how many of them are available (on torrents, free of course...)! I cannot think of any other job that pays you for doing what you like :-)

I listen to a lot of podcasts in the morning and music in the afternoon/evening.

I use google assistant with hands free for a lot, phone media is connected to stereo, phone calls to headset, and media to garmin otr500. So, I keep youtube running in the background, Ill ask google for documentaries about whatever towns I see that im going through, and just follow the rabbit holes where they go.

Some are really difficult to get anything but narratives on. Such as searching for documentaries on the Old US Highway system. Most of the time interstate system will come up and along with that the narrative of them being racist bla bla bla. But Ive found some really fascinating stuff on the lincoln highway, the first US route, on us 40, 66 (of course), road side attractions, and the history of trucking in america.

Also a few good gems on this history of regulation, the railroads and finally deregulation of the industry.

We all know that those long stretches of highway driving can be monotonous. I have developed some techniques for dealing with it, but I’d really like to get some fresh ideas aimed at keeping those long drives interesting. One problem I have is being a “clock watcher”. That’s probably one of the worst habits to have, constantly monitoring the miles and time as they wind down. So I kill the clock whenever I can to keep it from staring me in the face. New drivers are continuously coming on board and they will soon find out that monotony can kill a career. What are your coping skills?

Speaking of 'monotony' and 'coping skills' ... what have YOURS been, since being sidelined? Just wondering!

When are you going back, and whom with?!?!?

Inquiring minds & all, hehehehe!

~ Anne ~

ps: Tom listens to ALL KINDS of news/radio/podcasts on SiriusXM, as well. Sometimes he'll bounce over to the ole' fashioned a.m. radio for a hoot, he says, hahaha! Entertainment, all kinds, LoL!

I use Sirius XM on my phone to stream (only like $8 a month I believe). Can't change stations while driving like if I set it up for the truck but I slipseat so it's the best I can do. I tend to listen to Forensic Files as I drive through the night as it keeps me alert, otherwise a mix of country and music from the 90s and 2000s when I was just a young lad.

It also helps to know you're being paid to drive that helps keep focus. It's funny I can drive 4 hours straight without stopping no problem in the truck but after 2 hours in the car I'm getting antsy and struggle to stay focused.