In a few weeks a friend and I are moving from San Antonio, TX to San Francisco, CA. My car isn't the newest but it is in decent shape and hasn't shown any signs of breaking down (do they ever?), but my friend is concerned about getting stranded in the desert at night. He keeps referring to long stretches of abandoned road with no gas station or cellphone coverage (though he's never been in the southwest), and insists we stop before 5pm every evening.
Our route is taking us on I-10 all the way to the Los Angeles area. Is the road ever abandoned in the mid-early evening (before 9pm)? I would assume there is always quite a bit of traffic, especially semis, but I admit I have never driven through the area either.
Any insight is appreciated. I'd rather not wake up at 4am twice in a row if I don't have to. ;)
2007-08-25 10:24:03 · 7 answers · asked by sapling.geo 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Yes, I have a cellphone (Cingular), but according to the coverage maps I've looked at most of New Mexico and Arizona isn't covered.
And we're member of AAA, but that doesn't help much if the cellphone doesn't work. ;)
2007-08-25 10:56:50 · update #1
Although there are some empty stretches there is plenty of truck traffic. If you DO break down, pull over, put the hood up and wave an X at the trucks (arms up, crossed at forearms); that's the international sign for "help."
They may not stop but they'll get on their radio and get word to the local authorities.
Your friend is being a bit paranoid.
2007-08-25 10:38:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
be sure to check your coolant or have it flushed and refilled before the trip. Take plenty of water both for you and the vehicle in case of emergencies. And consider driving in the evenings or at night. I-10 has traffic all times of the day and night but night driving in the summertime can be a little safer for an older vehicle and will give the driver less stress with traffic. I have driven this route for years and always try to night drive accross the desrt when i can. Besides, the desert is awsome at night.
2007-08-27 16:38:46 · answer #2 · answered by kittcarson_99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's OK, it's an Interstate, you aren't a long way from help at any time. It's about a two day drive, if you drive 16 hour days. My friend recently drove SF to Austin in two long days in an old Toyota FJ40, there were no horror stories, just a long boring drive. We talked often on his Verizon phone and I tracked him with APRS (we are amateur radio operators too).
There is always traffic on all these roads. The only empty road I have seen is US 6 in NV.
2007-08-25 10:44:20 · answer #3 · answered by Chris H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldnt have any problems. I would recommend that you sleep in El Paso, as it is over 500 miles from San Antonio. You should be able to make it from El Paso to Houston in one day, if you can handle at least 12 hrs on the road. And the speed limit goes up to 80 leaving El Paso, back down to 70 before Kerrville.
2016-05-17 22:23:59 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have to ask. Does neither of you have a cell phone? Look up some numbers for service online and take the list with you. Join AAA.
2007-08-25 10:53:50 · answer #5 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Night driving would be a lot easier on the vehicle,considering the temperature.
2007-08-25 10:39:11 · answer #6 · answered by gdwrnch40 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he's right go up I-35 to 40W 58 t0 bakersfield 99N to 80W if you want lots of stops
2007-08-25 10:53:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋