CB Radio Craze (1970s)

The CB radio craze of the 1970s swept across America, transforming everyday citizens into amateur broadcasters. Fuelled by the oil crisis and the need for truckers to communicate about speed traps and gas prices, the CB radio became a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Catchy handles, distinctive slang like "10-4" and "breaker, breaker," and the sense of community it fostered made it a cultural phenomenon. Movies like "Smokey and the Bandit" further popularized the trend, cementing the CB radio's place in American pop culture. People used CB radios not only for practical purposes but also for socializing, sharing information, and even finding romance, making it a defining element of the decade.