need help: San Fran to Chicago by x-mas?

[snashy2]

I am planning to take a road trip from San Francisco, California to Chicago, Illinois. I will be driving a 2003 Lancer (5 speed) and i was wondering if the roads will be safe or if it is best to take a southern route. I need the fastest way. I will be riding with 2 other people. No pets. We want to drive straight through, only stopping for gas. We plan to leave Dec. 15 2005 and would like to return before New Years. Please give me any advice. I dont know how the mountains will be, i have never drove in the winter. Thank you very much!!!

[Mark Sedenquist]

I am planning to take a road trip from San Francisco, California to Chiacgo, Illinois. I will be driving a 2003 Lancer (5 speed) and i was wondering if the roads will be safe or if it is best to take a southern route. I need the fastest way. I will be riding with 2 other people. No pets. We want to drive straight through, only stopping for gas. We plan to leave Dec. 15 2005 and would like to return before New Years. Please give me any advice. I dont know how the mountains will be,i have never drove in the winter. Thank You very much!!!

First, the only way that you can avoid the chance of snow or ice would be to drive through Mexico -- there is no southern route in the continental USA that will be 100% snow and ice-free in late December. It can be extremely unsafe to attempt to drive non-stop (without sleeping) in the winter months.

That being said, here are some tips foror making such a speed run

The best route (since it is the shortest) would be Interstate 80 -- but you will need to watch the weather reports and adjust the route as necessary. Also read these tips for winter weather driving.