[BobBski]

Probably not anything new to you GPS users but, used mine in a way today I hadn't before. I like to stop at a Walmart each weekend and restock the truck...usually wait til I get to a truck stop and search for the closest one. Today I did the "search" while driving and and showed them as normal in order of closest one....the thing I found "new" doing this was that the distances changed as I drove and as I got close to one i'd push the "map" button (I have a Garmin Novi 255) and it would show the walmart location....I was looking for one real close to I 80 as I travelled along....came up with one situated right at the off ramp in Clarion Pa. Anywho...cool feature that really made it convenient...didn't realize that the list continued to update as you drove...figured you had to "search" again ever so often. :bow::thumbsup:

Been OTR'ing for 17 years....when they came out said I'd never own one...don't need it to route me...but, it sure helps me find things I never knew were there:thumbsup: Tonight instead of eating at "THE PILOT"...did a search for places to eat...found a Cracker Barrel 1/2 mile away...walked and got a little exercise plus a great meal.

[golfhobo]

Does it tell you which ones are open 24 hours? Or have truck parking? The Next Exit does. And it costs less than $20.

But then.... you have to stop to read the book (or plan ahead while getting loaded.) With GPS, you can just keep your eyes on it while driving. :hellno:

But, if it doesn't get you killed, it CAN be a useful tool.

[LightsChromeHorsepower]

I had a del in Emeryville, right on the border with Oakland last nite. I cross checked the GPS with Google maps, saw they agreed & decided because there were so many weird intersections in such a short distance I would forget about the printed out directions & leave them at home- just follow the GPS. Right as I rolled off 80 it decided to reboot. I tried to navigate from memory while I got it back up. It decided to reboot again. I got a nice little 18 wheeler tour of some of Oaktowns better 'hoods. When it got back up it was trying to send me down streets I knew better than to go on- even with a 42' flat. It was frustrating- I could see the big shopping center sign up there in the sky, I just couldn't figure out how the F*&^ to get there.

I still love the thing, there's no doubt it increases my productivity.

[BobBski]

Originally Posted by golfhobo

Does it tell you which ones are open 24 hours? Or have truck parking? The Next Exit does. And it costs less than $20.

But then.... you have to stop to read the book (or plan ahead while getting loaded.) With GPS, you can just keep your eyes on it while driving. :hellno:

But, if it doesn't get you killed, it CAN be a useful tool.

Got the Next Exit...got 2009 Truck Stop Directory...just another tool...looking at the GPS periodically is no different that changing the channels on your cb, am/fm, sirius/xm, making a cell phone call, eating a sandwich,...or anything else no drivers do that divert their attention from the road.

[golfhobo]

Originally Posted by BobBski

Got the Next Exit...got 2009 Truck Stop Directory...just another tool...

looking at the GPS periodically is no different that changing the channels on your cb, am/fm, sirius/xm, making a cell phone call, eating a sandwich,...or anything else no drivers do that divert their attention from the road.

All of which CAN and DO cause accidents and sometimes fatalities.

I have rarely changed the channel on my CB except in Cali.... and I can count up to 2 clicks between 19 and 17 without taking my eyes off the road.

I frequent only a few channels on my XM and I know where the buttons are. Yes, I LOOK occaisionally. I try my best to avoid making or receiving phone calls while driving. I try to prepare my sandwich BEFORE driving down the road if I'm going to eat it while driving. I am super cautious when I do so. I keep it on my lap, grab it and take a quick bite, then return it and return my hand to the wheel. No one can keep BOTH hands on the wheel at ALL times. I'm no saint. But, my goal every day is to minimize anything that takes my hands from the wheel and my eyes from the road.

My experience with GPS is that it requires MORE attention than ANY of the things you mentioned. But, hey.... have at it. Everyone ELSE out there is engaged in something OTHER than driving professionally with BOTH hands on the wheel!

Please don't take my comments as a personal attack on you Bob. I'm quite sure that you are a seasoned professional driver! Heck, even looking at the scenery (which we both like to do) can be a deadly distraction!

But, as we BOTH know, there are FAR too many drivers out there, both professional and private, who are ONE split second of attention away from a fatality.

Be safe. Enjoy your GPS. Arrive Alive!

[Double R]

Originally Posted by golfhobo

Does it tell you which ones are open 24 hours? Or have truck parking? The Next Exit does. And it costs less than $20.

But then.... you have to stop to read the book (or plan ahead while getting loaded.) With GPS, you can just keep your eyes on it while driving. :hellno:

But, if it doesn't get you killed, it CAN be a useful tool.

Ya it can. There is a free website were you can down load custom POIs(Points Of Intrest) to a GPS. One of them was Wally worlds with truck parking.

[golfhobo]

Originally Posted by Double R

Ya it can. There is a free website were you can down load custom POIs(Points Of Intrest) to a GPS. One of them was Wally worlds with truck parking.

Well.... I didn't know that. That's interesting and would be very helpful.

But..... do they have a list of truckstops with BARS??? :lol2:

[Rev.Vassago]

Originally Posted by golfhobo

Well.... I didn't know that. That's interesting and would be very helpful.

But..... do they have a list of truckstops with BARS??? :lol2:

At least you have your priorities straight.

BTW, I'm at a truck stop right now that has a bar. This is the first one I've ever seen, and I believe it's one of them that was on your list.

And no, I didn't partake.

[BobBski]

Originally Posted by golfhobo

Please don't take my comments as a personal attack on you Bob. I'm quite sure that you are a seasoned professional driver! Heck, even looking at the scenery (which we both like to do) can be a deadly distraction!

But, as we BOTH know, there are FAR too many drivers out there, both professional and private, who are ONE split second of attention away from a fatality.

Be safe. Enjoy your GPS. Arrive Alive!

I guess I did take it personally and pride myself in 17 years accident/ticket free....regarding your comments...you and I are on the same page...have a great ride.

[Double R]

Originally Posted by golfhobo

Well.... I didn't know that. That's interesting and would be very helpful.

But..... do they have a list of truckstops with BARS??? :lol2:

Not yet. Would you like me to make a request for someone to make one?:lol: