Every truck driver has their own way of making the miles pass by, whether it’s rolling in silence, blasting their favorite tunes, or somewhere in between. We asked our Truck Drivers USA community a simple but thought-provoking question: Would you rather drive in total silence or listen to the same song on repeat? Their responses offer a genuine glimpse into the personal preferences of those who spend long hours on the road.
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.
