Watching What’s Going on Around You

Renate Caldwell said she just “watched the shenanigans all around me.” Mike Hennig enjoys the little moments at truck stops:
“Sit in the truck stop just before the sun sets and watch grown men play musical chairs vying for the last parking spots!!”

And Mike Young likes to “honk at the birds sleeping on the signs.”

Listening to Something Good

Podcasts and audiobooks were a popular choice. Patrick Barry and Ron Baker said they listen to podcasts all day. James Gravina, Robert Hunter, and Bill Hall shared that audiobooks help the time fly. Satellite radio is a favorite, too — James Hilliker listens to XM Radio, and Rosee Wii rarely misses something to enjoy.

Keeping an Eye on the Road and Other Drivers

Some drivers keep busy by watching traffic and staying alert. Billy Nealey counts white lines, Aaron Bard likes to watch others back into parking spots, and Larry Cornett reminds us to “watch out for other truck drivers.” Tim Wiebe says he “watches the road and traffic” carefully.

Music and Singing Along

Music helps a lot of drivers stay awake and in good spirits. Gary Maston says he “turns it up and dances in my seat.” Patrón Boichoko plays his favorite songs, and Kevin Hermansen likes to sing along. Dale Smith enjoys “lots of rock’ n roll.” Anita Krueger Rudolph listens to music, too.

Staying Connected with Family and Friends

Long drives can get lonely, but many drivers stay connected. Raina Wilson reads funny Facebook posts to her husband while he drives. April Terrebonne listens to audiobooks and talks to family. Merle Rea Stevens said her son calls family members during breaks.

Entertainment Off the Clock

When parked, drivers take advantage of streaming services. Kyle W Clontz watches Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount, hoping for new shows to come back. Chris Rex watches movies on a tablet mounted safely in his cab.

Enjoying the Simple Things

Sometimes, drivers just appreciate the journey. Richard Cooper likes to “see some beautiful country,” and Corsetta Camper likes to start her day with a cheerful “Good morning, USA.”

What’s Your Favorite Way to Pass the Time on the Road?

Driving long hours isn’t easy, but it helps to have ways to keep your mind engaged and spirits up. Whether it’s a podcast, music, watching the road, or just taking in the scenery, there’s something for every driver.

Join our Truck Drivers USA Facebook community and share how you stay entertained while out on the road.

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The Case for Silence

For many drivers, silence isn’t just about peace—it’s a necessity. Alma Stapleton prefers silence so she can stay fully aware of her surroundings. Similarly, Cindy L. Robinson listens to her engine closely to catch any potential issues before they become major problems. Julia Wojdacz has been driving in silence for years, and Bobby Johnson says he’d take total silence any day.​

Some drivers find silence calming, like Kimberlain O’Driscoll, who says it helps her think, and Pearl Zepeda, who finds it relaxing. Alexandria Hartman acknowledges that silence on the road isn’t truly silent, but it’s still her preference. Others, like Allen Gerdes, joke that they can create enough noise in their minds to keep entertained.​

For some, it’s about nostalgia and experience. Donald Pearrell recalls his driving days without a radio at all, proving that silence was once just part of the job. Valerie Lewis also drove for years with a broken radio, and before cell phones were standard, silence just feels natural.​

Then, some embrace the sounds of the road itself. Steven Scanlan enjoys the hum of a big V8 engine with a jake brake, and Devan-jodi Guillaume prefers the static of a CB radio.​

The Case for Music—But Not Just One Song

While some drivers might endure a single song on repeat, most agreed that variety is key. James L. Hutchinson, with over 46 years of driving experience, evolved from silence to burning CDs filled with hundreds of songs. He never had satellite radio, but he made sure to have plenty of tunes to cycle through. Craig Noftall enjoys switching it up—sometimes he listens to ‘50s radio classics, other times it’s ‘80s hair bands, Howard Stern, or just the sound of the wind.​

Michael Wildner and Chris Montoya have done both silence and music, depending on their mood. Brett Robinson and Timothy M. Taylor agree that their choice varies by the day. Jason Lawrence and Art Holden say it all depends on the song—some are worth repeating, others not so much.​

Then, of course, some drivers find an alternative altogether. Jennifer Rose Kast prefers audiobooks over silence or repetitive music. Steven Clark also opts for audiobooks, bringing a different kind of entertainment to long drives. Maverick Kinslow keeps his focus by reading his Bible in silence.​

The Outliers

Not everyone took the question so seriously—​Glen Thornton humorously declared himself “out of service ‘til the stereo is fixed,” while Gary Giguere joked that since he’s married, listening to the same song on repeat is nothing new.​

And in case you were wondering, Gustavo Urbina-Barahona wants nothing but mustard on his hot dogs—though we’re not entirely sure what that has to do with music preferences!​

The Verdict? It’s All About Mood and Preference

At the end of the day, there’s no one right answer. Some drivers crave the quiet, while others need music, talk radio, or even just CB static to keep them engaged. Whether it’s the sound of silence, an audiobook, or Cyndi Lauper on repeat (shoutout to Mike Jamieson), every driver has their own way of making those miles roll by.

Join the Conversation!

Want to be part of more discussions like this? Join the Truck Drivers USA community today and connect with fellow drivers who share your experiences and insights.

The post Truckers Sound Off: Is Silence Golden or Is Music a Must on the Road? appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.