One nice thing about modern cell phones is that Text..... If you are traveling, and you send a text, or one is sent to you and your phone is out of range, Many phones will "hold" the text till you drive into range or a tower and the host system will hold one going to you till you come in range of a tower. Plus they go out on the command channel which often has more power than the voice one.
Just make sure the CO PILOT handles the texting. (Re-title as chief communications officer)
I do like a 2-way radio back up plan though.
I can handle a mounted 2-way and drive at the same time, been doing it for .. Well a long time. (Not a hand held though, must have cable and hold just MIC when needed)
Assorted studies have compared this type of 2-way to a cell phone and found a world of difference,, 2-way much safer.
