Questions about winter driving for Seattle to Atlanta next week

[BlueSky]

Hi all! I will be doing my first ever cross country drive startng this upcoming Saturday. I am excited about the drive, but also a little bit nervous about the unexpected, especially with winter weather.

I've read all the suggestions on this site for winter driving, and I have a few questions about my planned route:

Day 1: Seattle to Boise
Day 2: Boise to Salt Lake City
Day 3: Salt Lake City to Denver
Day 4: Denver to Kansas City
Day 5: Kansas City to Nashville
Day 6: Nasville to Atlanta (wooo!)

My questions for the experts:

* For anyone here with experience, which of the those segments should I be most worried about in terms of potential for winter driving issues?

* Would you keep to this route - or change any of the segments to differnet routes?

Thanks in advance,

BlueSky

[Quebec Gen]

Hi BlueSky,

Welcome to the RoadTrip America Forum.

* For anyone here with experience, which of the those segments should I be most worried about in terms of potential for winter driving issues?

* Would you keep to this route - or change any of the segments to differnet routes?

Since main interstates and highways are usually pretty well maintained during the winter, I wouldn't change anything. I think that the major keys to safe winter driving are :

1) going at your own pace;
2) have the right tools at hand in case of emergency (cell phone, shovel,
traction aid kit, food, clothes, etc.);
3) prepare your car (check out Bob Schaller's Winter Driving Tips);
4) attitude!:-)

Have a nice trip!
Gen

[BlueSky]

Gen, thanks for your reply.

Wondering if anyone knows if there are any specific segments that tend to be possible trouble spots, even if most of this his major highways that are generally well maintained?

For example, do any of these segments include mountain passes that I should be thinking about, etc?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Wondering if anyone knows if there are any specific segments that tend to be possible trouble spots, even if most of this his major highways that are generally well maintained?

One of the realities of your route is that you have to cross the Rocky Mountains, several coastal ranges and/or the continental divide someplace. Which means you will see lots of mountains on the way. If you go here, you will get an idea about the types of weather than is affecting those passes today and if you use this page and get the phone numbers for the road condition hotlines that you can check as you make your way eastward.

Mark

[RoadDog]

Check out any of the local eateries on your nightly stops. Experience local foods. Try the grits in Tennessee. Visit Arthur Bryant's in KC for some great barbeque. Their sandwiches are really piled high.

Get off the interstate for stretches (once you get through the mountains) and cruise a two laner for stretches.

The Grand Ol Opry Hotel in Nashville is really something to see. Parts of the inside grounds are like a jungle.

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. -- RoadDog