Best time to travel route 70? (Topeka, Lawrence: gated, live in, cars)

[Atheistlady]

I'm a new and inexperience driver. I'm terrified of highways I've never been on one. Any times that are better to drive where there isn't traffic? Thank you?

[empires228]

Avoid going though KC and Topeka around 6-8 AM as traffic on the turnpike is crazy. I've been stuck in 85-90 MPH heavy traffic on the turnpike more than once. I amagine 4-6pm isn't stellar either. A lot of people commute back and forth between KCMO, Topeka, Lawrence, Leavenworth, and Johnson County. I had no idea that a large amount of people in the Topeka area are willing to commute to KC for work. Most of the people I know who work in Topeka live in Lawrence.

[Atheistlady]

That's very helpful for me. I will plan my trip accordingly.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by Atheistlady

I'm a new and inexperience driver. I'm terrified of highways I've never been on one. Any times that are better to drive where there isn't traffic? Thank you?

Just avoid rush hours around larger metro areas.

Also, don't worry about the interstate, they've typically very simple relative to in-town driving.

Couple pointers.

Don't drive in the passing lane slowly for any real period of time. You will get tailgated mercilessly.
If you find yourself in the passing lane going around say...a slow semi....you won't get ticketed and pistol whipped for going 5 mph faster than the semi and getting out of the fast lane.
Don't try to merge into 75mph traffic going 40mph, get up to speed you can slow down easier than speed up.
If you are in the slow lane and someone is merging, try to change lanes to let them in if you can.
Otherwise, judge their speed and give them space to merge.

Enjoy your trip and have fun.

[NativeKansasGirl]

Yes, I would avoid the rush hour in the morning and the afternoon. If there are not sports on over the weekend, then the highways always seem to have more traffic .

[Atheistlady]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

Just avoid rush hours around larger metro areas.

Also, don't worry about the interstate, they've typically very simple relative to in-town driving.

Couple pointers.

Don't drive in the passing lane slowly for any real period of time. You will get tailgated mercilessly.
If you find yourself in the passing lane going around say...a slow semi....you won't get ticketed and pistol whipped for going 5 mph faster than the semi and getting out of the fast lane.
Don't try to merge into 75mph traffic going 40mph, get up to speed you can slow down easier than speed up.
If you are in the slow lane and someone is merging, try to change lanes to let them in if you can.
Otherwise, judge their speed and give them space to merge.

Enjoy your trip and have fun.

Great tips and pointers! Thanks so much for responding with such detail. This helps me out a lot!

[Atheistlady]

Originally Posted by NativeKansasGirl

Yes, I would avoid the rush hour in the morning and the afternoon. If there are not sports on over the weekend, then the highways always seem to have more traffic .

Thank you! I'll for sure plan to travel during the weekday.

[thriftylefty]

I think St. Louis will be by far the biggest challenge all the way to Wheeling. Kansas city is not so bad comparatively.

[AnywhereElse]

For us, St. Louis and cities like that are early Sunday morning. It only took one time getting caught in rush hour to not do that again. We have also routed around bigger cities which is fairly easy to do.

[elkotronics]

Otherwise, judge their speed and give them space to merge.



This is taught in the driver's ed class and in the state driver's guide when you're learning how to drive. When you're in the right lane and cars are speeding up to merge into your lane, you can do two things. Neither of them are scary. You can slow down so they can get into your lane ahead of you (I know - you'll have to swallow your pride and just let them in) or you can speed up so they can nestle in behind you. Remember, if you let them in in front of you you'll have to keep an eye on them - some people will merge in and then do the unthinkable...slow down!


If they slow down then check your mirrors to go into the next lane to your left. Once you see it's clear then punch your accelerator and go as fast as you can. Being on a crowded freeway will really teach you how to drive on busy expressways. The best way to learn is to just jump in there and do it! Go for it - get practice at it and keep practicing. It will go better for you if you learn crowded, obnoxious expressway driving. You'll learn how it's done and you'll gain confidence. Once you learn how it'll be like riding a bike - you'll never forget again! I hope it goes well for you!