Today: 'National Read A Road Map' Day

Topic 19076 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
The Highlight Reel's Comment
member avatar

0891448001491410419.png

Hard to believe, but there are plenty of people out there that just don't know how to read a map, or don't want to. April 5, for reasons completely lost to time, is "National Read A Road Map Day".

Increasingly, younger drivers are incapable of reading a road map, instead relying solely on satellite navigation systems (GPS), according to a recent survey. 78% of the surveyed drivers don't concern themselves with navigating using anything other than a GPS, because they "don't need to". Coincidentally, 50% also said that they still get lost on trips, relying solely on satellite navigation.

Maps are those colorful, coded, paper drawings of squiggly, numbered patterns that, when deciphered properly, will allow the user to accurately and efficiently plan and execute a road trip.

Most experienced truck drivers will understand the benefits of not relying solely on GPS, and will almost always have access to some type of technological aids. There are still plenty of reasons to know how to navigate without GPS:

  • Technology can fail at inopportune times: You never know when you might need an actual map. Signal loss, outdated maps, or total breakdown could leave you hanging. Have a backup plan.
  • Trip planning: A physical map gives you a better overall perspective of the route, the "big picture". Knowing your location in space rather than relying only on given directions. For many people, visualizing details about the route serves them better than turn-by-turn instructions.
  • Plan your own route: GPS/satnav is not infallible, and may be missing important information i.e. bridge heights, weight restrictions. For those traveling the same lanes repeatedly, it's a good way to imprint and reinforce those routes on your brain.
  • Laminated road atlases allow for the use of dry erase markers for either trip planning or for things like noting particular truck stops, fuel stops, or your own route details that may not be available with GPS.
  • Simple comparison: Human directions are also not infallible, cross-checking against the GPS and atlas will make sure you know exactly what you're in for.

Generally, you're going to want to use any tool available to you: GPS, road atlas, Google Maps for getting a good look at the actual customer layout, customer directions, etc.

Fun Fact: Rand McNally actually created the system of numbered and signed highways that was later adopted by federal and state highway authorities.

More From TruckingTruth:

Forum -

Forum - About gps...and use map..

Forum - Maps or GPS

External Links:

Paper maps vs. GPS: When to go 'old school'

The paper map: Obsolete? Or old school trucker standby still?

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated
Page 1 of 1
Return To Highlights Category   Trucker's Forum Homepage

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Register Learn More

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training