Hi
If any of you have not read my last posts, I am a final year product designer at Sheffield Hallam University.
I am just wondering what drivers do when they have stopped for a longer periods of time say overnight? whether its watching DVDs or using laptops just to browse internet, among others, although saw this was brought up on another topic.
Have read a few diaries by Coffeeholic, so have a better understanding. But am wondering what other people’s travels include?
The reason I am asking this is that I am looking at methods of increasing communication between a driver and the outside environment.
Still at early stages, but looking at covering info already available about jobs being carried out etc, but bringing other information about places being passed while travelling and info about truckstops such as ratings given by truck drivers, among others. Things that maybe of interest to people who are on intercontinental trips, all through the wonders of wireless communication! 
Thanks for any help people can give, and if I have not explained something just let me know!
GavB21:
Hi
…all through the wonders of wireless communication!
Gav, one thing you have to remember…wireless comms cost money!!!..and haulage bosses dont/wont pay for anything more than they have to…wireless comms between drivers would not be very high on a hauliers “must have” list!! 
I would say that most drivers provide their own lap tops, sat nav systems etc.
Maybe im wrong…watch this space…good luck.
Well my way of thinking to avoid that would be the local authorities/companies paying for the wireless connection, because in affect they are trying to promote themselves/offers/ratings…
…although the device itself would probably need to be purchased, but if it covered some of the programs already used within trucks to aid the business in one way or another, whether it be through communication or something else. It may lead to businesses covering the cost or part of.
But still something to be looked at more…cheers
When in Northern Italy at a weekend I used to park at Desanzano services, spend the afternoon on the banks of lake Garda then catch the train to Verona for the open air opera in the arena (the humming chorus of Madama Butterfly is absolutely incredible in the open) , the allnight bars, then the first train back to Desanzano, in time for breakfast by the lake and a newspaper in the plaza.
If at Orte used to round up all the drivers for walk to the medieval village, often with one of the local restaurantiers; a few times we went on trips to Rome and toured the vatican, conneslium and other sites.
My only regret is that I never visited Milan’s la scala butat the time it seemed to be very expensive.