Ladies, I have a 12 hr drive ahead of me?

Question

I'm leaving for Atlanta tomorrow, driving from Chicago. It takes about 12 hrs and I'm going with just my almost 8 yr old daughter. My hubby can't go due to his work schedule.

When discussing this trip last night with him, he expressed that he was uncomfotable with me driving alone. And sadly, I have to admit, I do have some reservations also. (I'm still going, it's for my nephews HS graduation and he agrees I should go)

I never thought I'd feel like I need a man around.

How would you feel doing this 12 hr trek as a woman alone with her child?

We'll be leaving at 8 am Chicago time, arriving in Atlanta around 9 pm

Wow! You guys are all soooooo sweet! It's kinda neat to have people I've never met concearned for mine and my daughters safety. I feel safer with all the prayers being sent my way!!!

Answer 1

I'd be OK as long as I had a satellite navigation system, and breakdown cover, and drove with my doors locked, have a safe journey.

Answer 2

As someone who regularly drove from Dayton, Ohio to Salt Lake City, Utah, sometimes with my black lab dog and sometimes not, I never had any bad experiences or frights that would make me stay home. I found overall that when you have a flat (which I know how to fix) a highway patrol is always there within 10 minutes and if it's something more major than that, like an engine problem, they summon the tow truck and 9 times out of 10 that guy knows how to fix things or where the cheapest motel is. If you avoid road rage contests, maintain proper speed and use caution, you'll be just fine.
And try to carry a gas card or credit/debit so you're not showing money at the pumps or in restaurants.
Good luck and have fun. Congratulations to your nephew.

Answer 3

Well long distance drives don't personally bother me to much because I've done a few. You have got an 8yr old with you, plan your stops, it might add to the time taken but remember the saying stop, revive, survive.

You should plan a break every couple hours so you can get some rest and not get fatigued. It will also let your daughter burn off some energy.

Take some supplies so you can have something to eat like sandwhiches and some water and take a colouring in book and pencils for your daughter.

Answer 4

1. Find out how much plane tickets would cost round trip.

OR

2. Get a cell phone charger for your car, and a blue tooth ear piece so that you're hands free. I drove from New Hampshire to South Carolina by myself. Stay on the Interstate and avoid questionable or 'seedy' places. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep your windows rolled up, and your doors locked and always have your keys in hand ready to get in your car. When tired, find a rest stop or a hotel and get some rest or sleep. Other than that, I wish you the best on whatever you decide. ( ^ _ ^ )

Oh, one more thing. Do you have a map?

Answer 5

God bless you. I though I was the only independent woman who had those feelings. My husband was away on a fishing trip and my brother was wanted me and my seven year old son to visit him. It is a 8 hour drive. I'm comfortable driving interstate totally.I was worrying about navigation, car problems, getting lost, etc. I turned into a wreck. If it was just me I wouldn't worry so much. But having my son with me just amplifies my fears. I made sure my car emergency kit was packed and effective. Cell phone was charged. I had already studied the map. Had the map in the seat next to me. Plenty of toys and games for my son to play. As nervous as I was, I made it without any problems. If I were you unless you want to split the drive up, make lots of stops for your daughter's sake and for yours. If you have car trouble, stay in your vehicle. Do you have AAA? If so call them. Most insurance companies offer towing service or roadside assistance. Check before leaving. If you don't have either, call 911 and ask for the local police department.

Answer 6

Well i would think it's a way of spending time with my daughter. I would try and be careful as well as making the most of it. Women can live without men for a couple of hours or maybe forever (depends who you are though), you can do this without a men. If you can drive, know the route, go for it. You don't need a guy tagging along for some apparent reason. Don't know why.. I know i wouldn't.

Answer 7

I'm only 20 and I take a trip from Illinois to North Carolina by myself all the time. It's about a 16+ hour trip. I don't feel nervous, just be smart about it.

Make sure you have your cell phone charged, don't pull off to the side of the road, and don't use rest stops. If you need to use the rest room, use gas stations and restaurants. Just be smart about it and you'll be fine.

Answer 8

It depends on what part of town you are driving through if you get what I mean. Like the other person said, wear a baseball cap so that no one will know you are a woman at night, and also don't pull over for anybody.

Answer 9

Make sure you have a cell phone with you, keep your doors locked and check in with your husband every so often. My 13yr old daughter and I checked in with my dad every couple of hours when I drove from central California to Tuscon, Arizona. (and on the return tip too) I'll pray for a safe trip for you two.

Answer 10

I've done an 8 hr trip hundreds of times..you'll be fine..just use your cell phone to check in and don't stop at seedy places..have a safe trip

Answer 11

Its 2007...as long as your car is in good mechanical condition and you have a cell phone and stick to the Interstates you'll be fine.

I often travel long distances by myself and I've found that people are pleasant throughout these US of A's.