Is it safe to drive I-17 at night? (Phoenix, Camp Verde: construction, camp)

[redbacchus]

I want to drive from flagstaff to Phoenix tonight. Going by google maps, it looks intimidating though. I'm from the Midwest and have no experience driving in the mountains and desert. Is it unwise for me to drive there at night?

[Ponderosa]

It s a typical freeway in good condition with moderate grades here and there. Nothing that will challenge a passenger car much. Assuming normal vision and reasonable driving skills, you should have no problem. The place where they have all the wrecks is coming down the hill from the Sunset Point Rest Area to Black Canyon City. People go too fast and change lanes without looking. So keep it under 65, keep distance from others as much as you can, and stay alert to idiots. I think there is a construction area south of Camp Verde that can lead to some delays at night. Check az511.gov for details.

It is one of the more scenic drives on the freeways of the US - alpine to low desert in less than 2 hours - though and you will be missing some nice views by coming at night.

[Jkgourmet]

Essentially, I agree with Ponderosa.

But I will add that if you are already nervous about this drive, you are sort of predisposed to being overwhelmed by it - and I don't mean that to be insulting. I wouldn't drive that highway at night, but I am an admitted nervous driver on mountainous roads, and even at night on unfamiliar terrain.

[Bondurant]

Driving on I-17 is just like driving on an a freeway in the Midwest. It's a standard, and well maintained, freeway.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

Driving on I-17 is just like driving on an a freeway in the Midwest. It's a standard, and well maintained, freeway.

I would disagree, especially telling that to a driver who is nervous about/inexperienced with mountain roads. I've driven it a lot, and I prefer to time my trips so I am well past Sunset Point before dark. Yes, it's well maintained, but it's not like driving through flat farmland somewhere. There are some tricky curvy spots and downhill grades.

To the OP-

If you are nervous, leave early enough that you will be at Black Canyon City before dark. The rest of the trip from there is easy. Or, it gets light early now.... get up early and come down in the morning.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by observer53

I would disagree, especially telling that to a driver who is nervous about/inexperienced with mountain roads. I've driven it a lot, and I prefer to time my trips so I am well past Sunset Point before dark. Yes, it's well maintained, but it's not like driving through flat farmland somewhere. There are some tricky curvy spots and downhill grades.

To the OP-

If you are nervous, leave early enough that you will be at Black Canyon City before dark. The rest of the trip from there is easy. Or, it gets light early now.... get up early and come down in the morning.

EXCELLENT advice.

[Bondurant]

Originally Posted by observer53

I would disagree, especially telling that to a driver who is nervous about/inexperienced with mountain roads. I've driven it a lot, and I prefer to time my trips so I am well past Sunset Point before dark. Yes, it's well maintained, but it's not like driving through flat farmland somewhere. There are some tricky curvy spots and downhill grades.

To the OP-

If you are nervous, leave early enough that you will be at Black Canyon City before dark. The rest of the trip from there is easy. Or, it gets light early now.... get up early and come down in the morning.

All a matter of opinion, I suppose. I have no issues with any stretch of I-17 (even at night and as someone from the Midwest) but I also pay attention to the road and always mindful of what other drivers are doing. IMHO, those who cannot handle a freeway would be best not to get behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Again, just my opinion.

I was only going to add that driving anywhere in, departing or heading toward the desert, it wouldn't hurt to have a jug of water just in case.

[DetroitN8V]

Please stay in the right lane so the more confident drivers are not jammed up.

[LBTRS]

It's a standard US Interstate Highway, if you can drive on a freeway anywhere else at night you can drive this one. Nothing at all to be concerned about. Drive the speed limit and stay to the right and you'll be fine. Anyone with a drivers license should not have concerns about driving a Interstate Highway anywhere in the country, especially rural highways which are much easier to navigate than freeways in urban areas.

[sandy6879]

I also am a bit nervous with that highway. It's not that it's not well-maintained, but there are no streetlights to it or around it (there can't be, it's the side of the mountain, I get that). But for someone who doesn't drive it on a daily basis, it can be nervewracking at night. Do it in the morning if at all possible, especially if you're nervous.