Driven Women

Break check

Dear GG—I spent two months with a trainer and am now on my own. The trainer didn’t like the CB, telling me it was distracting, and we’d find out what we need to know when we get there. Well, I’m on my own now and I’m lost on this CB. I was on my way to Florida and ran into some bad traffic in Georgia and kept hearing “break check” and had no idea what it meant.
     I remember you listed a link to trucker terms, but I can’t find the column it was in. Can you send it to me? Also, can you tell me what CB etiquette is? I’m not sure when to talk or what to say.
     Sybil, North Carolina  

Sybil, that’s called learning the hard way. There’s more of that to come, so hang on for the ride.
     The following links should help with the terminology, but the best way to learn is to listen and ask questions:
•    General Trucker Dictionary                      www.twna.org/trucking_terms.htm
•    Wikipedia on CB slang                               www.wikipedia.org/wiki/CB_slang
     Keep two things in mind when using Channel 19:
1)   Speak politely and respectfully.
2)   Speak when you have something of value to say.
     Take casual conversations to another channel, leaving 19 open for road reports. Channel 9 is for emergencies only. Also, check to see if your company has a company channel. Some drivers take their kids and young relatives on the road, so watch the profanity.
     Congrats on going solo!
     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.