[ard]

Pelican Brain Trust: what do you advise?

My son is planning on driving home from Phoenix to the SF Bay Area after the spring semester ends. He likely cannot take a passenger / co-driver because he has to stay a few days after school ends for the semester.

Last year he did the trip to and from in 2 legs - Phoenix to LA on the 1st day and LA to the Bay Area on the 2nd day, staying with family in LA overnight, but that is not an option this year.

This year he is considering driving straight through, heading west on I10 and catching I5 in LA and then over I205/I580 into the Bay Area. Google Maps estimates about 11 1/2 hours of driving.

Putting aside the stupid heroics of our youth, the parent in me says he'd be better off (and I'd sleep better) if he stayed overnight just past the Grapevine or near Bakersfield, which would be about 7 1/2 hours driving on the first day, rather than pressing on for another 4 hours.

He is a good driver, attentive and all, but I have not seen him drive for more than 5 hours at a time straight. I5 across the Central Valley can lull you into falling asleep and crossing the Altamont, while not difficult per se, with 11 hours driving behind you can be chancy.

Opinions?

TIA