CA to AZ - Interstate 8 or 10 safest for elderly woman to drive? (Mesa: crime, lawyers)

[teddyearp]

It is a well established fact in AZ traffic law that the keep right except to pass has a higher priority than speed limit. It is too bad that the OP doesn't take the time to actually find that FACT for themselves. Perhaps it is that bit of arrogance that some folks from that one certain state seem to exhibit.

But also to add to the actual question, I-8 is a bit better, but the most efficient way to get from thereto PHX is to take SR 85 north of Gila Bend which would still put you in the West Phoenix traffic.

Now with some great creativity and map study, one could take back roads/heys almost the whole way from Temecula to Phoenix, no freeways at all. It'll be scenic they said. It'll be fun they said. And it just might.

[VTsnowbird]

This is a discussion of I-8 vs. I-10. Not a discussion of driving habits. Even the Automotive forum has a sticky about "No more threads about left-lane (passing-lane) driving."

[Elna Rae]

Originally Posted by metalone4

We'll be leaving on the 25th of this month...

Copy that.
Thanks for the warning.

Have fun in the twisties on I-8 or the 90mph average speed in the left lane on I-10. Either one will have mum reaching for her heart meds.

BTW: Professional, insured auto transport from Temecula-Phx is $350. (Unless her car is a stretch limo or Weinermobile.) Be a good son and just pay it.

[vfrpilot]

I don't think that they will find I-8 much different from I-10, as far as speeders are concerned. I've been passed by countless trucks pulling toy haulers headed to the dunes. I only use the left lane for passing, more to be courteous and safe, than abiding to a law. Weird to think that attitudes on similar highways, serving the same population centers, would be different

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by vfrpilot

I have driven the I-10 more times than I can remember and I don't ever remember getting flipped off. I drive about 5 mph over the limit most times. And there are always at least 2 lanes. I would think that there would be less stress on a mostly straight highway than navigating San Diego traffic. Plus the road from Gila Bend is mostly 2 lane.

The road from Gila Bend is not mostly 2 lane. It used to be the most dangerous highway in AZ, but it's been 4 lane divided for years now. There is a stretch starting a couple miles north of Gila Bend and then on to the town that is 2 lane, but that's all. The part in town is 4 lane, though its posted 35 and sometimes enforced.

There's a great Italian restaurant in Gila Bend too!

[Elna Rae]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

There's a great Italian restaurant in Gila Bend too!

Isn't that an oxymoron?

Tell us more.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Elna Rae

Isn't that an oxymoron?

Tell us more.

read all about it.


https://www.arizonahighways.com/eat-...g/little-italy

[Woody01]

I-8 for sure, I hate the I-10. We take it all the time.....there are plenty of rest stops and the traffic is always pretty mellow.....
Good for you for being a good son....(although I would hardly call 67 elderly...prob because i will be there soon :-)

[military spouse]

Will she be okay going through the Gila Mountains east of Yuma? They aren't much, but they are pretty curvy for someone that is a "defensive driver."

[AndroidAZ]

I drive to SoCal at least 20 times per year. I would pick I-10 over I-8 every time.

There are very windy mountains out of San Diego onto I-8, that can be very unnerving for elderly drivers.

There are very remote areas that feel desolate, and cell phone coverage is not as good as I-10.

Finally, there are the border patrol checkpoints and random stops by a bored highway patrol that can make the trip unpleasant.

I used to drive the I-8 but no longer, not after a few unpleasant experiences on the I-8 with bored law enforcement looking for an excuse to pull people over, and the lack of good cellular coverage and as many rest stop options.

Having collectively driven about 100 times on the I-10 vs 40 times on the I-8, I definitely recommend I-10 to everyone I know.