Question about driving from San Jose to Austin?

Question

I will be driving from San Jose, CA to Austin, TX next week. I have never driven such a long distance (25 hours time) before and so I thought I could use some advice. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Other that that, I have one question. I will be driving through four states: California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. I want to know how much usually is the speed limit tolerance in each of these four states. For example, in CA even though the speed limit is usually 65 mph on the freeways, people can usually drive above that limit (at 75 or 80 mph) without getting caught by cops. I heard that in AZ the speed limit is enforced more strictly. Is this true? What about TX and NM?

Thanks for any input.

Answer 1

Right from jump street the 25 hours is not going to happen . For that to happen you would need an average speed of 69 mph for that to happen you would need a mean speed of 90+ mph. Impossible
Day 1 San Jose to Phoenix 700 miles
If you're going to stop in Phoenix get east of the airport before stopping for the night.
Doing that will save you a lot of time in the morning
Day 2 Phoenix to Fort Stockton TX 675 miles
Day 3 Fort Stockton to Austin 350 miles
On long distance drives most people will average 50 mph. That takes into account weather , pit stops traffic etc.
If you have never spent 14 hours by yourself behind the wheel of an automobile it gets to be tiring and boring and tired drivers are dangerous drivers.
So stay within 10 mph of the speed and be careful out there.

Answer 2

For the first part I suggest bringing a friend if you can. If not be sure you stop every 2-3 hours and plan on spending at least a couple of nights.

For the second part - when you get into Texas the speed limit is 70 day/65 night on the interstate. It's a long stretch of I-10. The threshold for DPS has usually been +10 but there was rumor several months ago that they were stopping people for +5.

Answer 3

I don't have all the speed limit info, (In TX the speed limit is b/w 65 and 70, but when you enter a town, it usually gets to about 40 or 50...be careful...small-town cops love to bust out-of-town speeders) but I'm sure someone will find it for you...I do have some advice. My boyfriend and I drove from Austin to Vegas last year..so I know the long roadtrip thing :o). Buy an atlas of all the states...you can get one at the store or gas station for about 6 bucks...it's invaluable--helps you find the quickest routes, locate cities where you can get gas and you can decide what kind of terrain you want to drive through. Also, when driving through New Mexico, make sure to get gas...there is a stretch where there isn't civilization for a while...we almost ran out lol. Bring CDs...there are stretches of road w/out any radio stations. Also, they say to keep water, blankets, flares and jumper cables in your trunk...always a good idea. Maybe some snacks...and I saw on a show once that a 5lb. bag of sugar is good to have in there too, b/c if you ever get stranded...there are a lot of calories available in a bag of sugar...that may be going too far, but it's a thought. Good luck and enjoy the scenery...road trips are fun!

Answer 4

I am guessing that you plan to go south on I-5 ..Then over the grapevine down to L.A and then east on the 210 to the 10 east through AZ.. and NM and Tex Then the last leg on 290 through Fredricksburg.. You do want to take the southern route this time of year to avoid possible storms. I-40 was closed for a short time this month near Albuquerque because of snow. The speed limit east of L.A. is 70 on I-10 and I think 75 in AZ. and guessing at least 70 in NM... I have driven the southern route and cruised at 75 all day with no problems. Have a safe trip.

Answer 5

Be aware, anywhere you have out of state plates, you're attracting extra attention. Better to follow posted MPH or at least go with traffic.
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