Speakout

Effect of handheld rule on drivers with hearing aids?

I recommend an exception to the ban on use of handheld cell phones while driving for truckers who are hearing impaired and wear a hearing aid.

I know many commercial drivers and other motorists who wear aids, and many have to remove one to use both cell phones and land lines. Can the commercial drivers be exempted due to having to handle the hearing aid and then the cell phone and ear piece to take or make the call?

Far too many external units, such as a GPS and some CB systems with blue tooth capability, don’t work properly and many have poor reception. As a rule, background noise interferes so extensively that it’s difficult to hear everything.

For those whose hearing is perfect, it’s difficult to understand the challenges those with hearing loss encounter daily.

Bans such as the one against handheld communication devices are only the beginning of the end for free-thinking drivers and innovative carriers. Independence is on its way out if we don’t band together for a common goal.

GORDON ALKIRE | Owner-operator | Riley, Kan.

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— Borden Dairy General Manager

Bill Witt talking to Tulsa, Okla., TV station KOTV about his milk delivery fleet after April twisters roared through the town, inuring no one.

What in-cab product can you not live without on the road?

“My Sirius satellite radio keeps me up and active on long drives.”

DAVID HUGHES

Columbus, Miss.

Celadon company driver

“My fridge. I keep ham, yogurt, vegetables and salads in it. It keeps me eating healthy.”

SERGIO DONIS

Fredricksburg, Va.

Owner-operator leased to Donis Transport

“I use my headset a lot – for both business and pleasure calls.”

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PETER PETERKIN

Orlando, Fla.

Owner-operator leased to Landstar

“Air freshener! I have a dog, an American Eskimo, and the truck needs it sometimes.”

TOM THARP

Boaz, Ala.

LMR Trucking company driver

“My CB radio, although in recent years it’s turned from a tool to a toy for many drivers. I use it to keep up with local traffic.”

JOHN FAGG | Knoxville, Tenn.

IWS Trucking company driver

“I keep up with sports, news, everything, on my XM radio.”

RANDALL CHOTE

Henderson, Texas

Owner-operator leased to Dependable Auto Shippers

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