Let's hope that it's understood that 2-meter radio is an Amateur Radio Service band, and you need a ham license to legally avail yourself of this band. 11-meter band CB is still used by truckers, but the days of the Oklahoma ratchet-jaw may have passed. CB gives you a great resource for communicating with anyone within a few miles radius; just what you need when you want to check on road conditions. If you have a smart phone, you can check weather and sigalert apps, but exactly who would you try calling? OTOH, a cell phone is much better than a CB for a true 911 need. CB is essentially an open, local communication channel. Considering the cost of a CB and basic antenna is about $100, it's worthwhile to have one in addition to your cell/smart phone. (Hams can avail themselves of longer distance 2-meter, with access to repeaters, but that's beyond the basic question here.) As with any shared radio resource, listen first to check the pattern of activity. Channel 23 used to be the noisiest, with cheap handy-talkies and toys on it, but times have changed. Channels 9 & 19 are a start; then transmit a request for a radio check. If all you need to do is talk between driver and copilot (like having your significant other guide your parking, then look into Family Radio Service (FRS) transceivers; for under $50, you can get a pair that will yield a half-mile range.
