Driven Women

Yack away

Dear GG—My husband, also my co-driver and business partner, likes to yack away on the CB while I’m trying to sleep. It’s bad enough that I have to try and sleep during the day, but hearing all that garbage keeps me awake. Do you know what it’s like to try and drive at night when you’re exhausted? How can I make my husband show more consideration?

Angel in South Dakota
         
Angel, I drove nights. Luckily, I can sleep through anything.
     Is your hubby using the CB to stay awake? What are you doing, besides listening to him on the CB, to fall asleep? Read, listen to music, watch TV, count sheep…
     Treat your husband like a business partner and inform him that your first concern is getting the truck and its contents to each destination safely, and insufficient sleep prohibits you from doing this. The reason you’re not sleeping is due to his tone and the amount of time used on the CB.
     Below are options to use independently, or combine:
1.   He could speak softer and cut his CB talk time down.
2.   Agree on no CB until the other is asleep—that means if one of you pops your head out, the other stops talking.
3.   When you’re tired, stop the truck—he will then explain to the customer why you’re late.
4.   Buy and use earplugs.
5.   Put up a sound barrier between the driver and the bunk.
6.   Buy a pair of noise headsets to go along with an iPod and drift away to gentle sounds.
     Sleep tight!
     GG

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You can e-mail Golden Girl at goldengirl@otrprotrucker.com or mail your letter to Over the Road Magazine, P.O. Box 549, Roswell, GA 30077-0549.