There are hand held CB radios. Some plug into the cigarette lighter, and that really helps the range, as the car body becomes part of the antenna ground, and that really helps range.
More and more cell towers are being installed along the interstate freeways, eliminating most of the dead areas. You probably can dial 911 even in a area where your cell phone says "No Signal" because all cell towers must pick up a 911 call - even if not your carrier, or the cell phone does not have current service - ie the contract has expired. Your cell phone can pick up whatever local signal is out there.
Check with Radio Shack and see what they have for portable CB radios. Some have external magnetic antenna, that can greatly extend the range, but is not a requirement.
Fred.
