Son planning 12 hour straight drive home from college - not sure how I feel about it

[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

[917_Langheck]

Ah youth, I remember drives from San Diego to Santa Rosa for grad school via the 101 - 12 hour trips.

Phoenix to SFO probably isnt a problem for his age, however, with today's traffic patterns a good break in the middle would be welcome, even if for just a few hours of rest at a truck stop.

[Steve Carlton]

I used to make 8-9 drives a lot when I was in college, and I almost fell asleep many times. If I was you, I'd put my foot down and say no. Save the hero drives for when he has a co-driver.

[look 171]

I can still handle a 10-12 hour drive today. I did some long drives in my youth, LA to Calgary in 2 days by myself but as a parent, I would worry sick if my kid did that and that answer would be a big NO, break up the drive. I put my parents through many worry nights but I would call when I stop off for gas or eat in the pay phone to make sure they are don't go nuts worrying about me.

[sugarwood]

Let him decide.
He is a grown adult man

[zakthor]

If he can do it he can do it. I insisted when I was young and stubborn. Many times seattle to Bay Area. Joshua tree to Bay Area. Moab. In hindsite the only thing that might have dialed back the caffeinated heroics is an extremely good prepaid meal under condition that I pull over and catch a few hours sleep. Some very pretty country he’s driving through. I would encourage him to get a little fresh air and shut eye then enjoy the dawn light and have a proper breakfast place picked out.

Something else… I was up driving at dawn last spring, freeway empty on a Sunday. Honda sedan passed me but had an unsteady pace and is drifting back. I glance over, 5 college aged girls. 4 sound asleep, the driver looking sleepy. Accelerates again then starts drifting into my lane. I brake to avoid and they keep drifting. I start honking but the car just keeps drifting right. I considered ramming the car to get their attention. Eventually the car hit the rumble strip, corrected then took off at 85. Whew. That was a near tragedy. I called the hwy patrol. I had the license, told them to call the parents to let them know what happened. They said they couldn’t but maybe I convinced them, I dunno.

[otto_kretschmer]

I did Soledad to Tucson in one day in July after the race weekend at Laguna Seca on a motorcycle. In a car its a piece of cake.

[unclebilly]

In college? He’s his own man. Let him do it and learn.

I did this lots as a 17 / 18 year old before good cell coverage and through the Rocky Mountains in the winter time.

Cut the apron strings.

[rwest]

I’ve done several 24 hour drives in my not so younger years. 12 doesn’t seem Ike a lot if he’s well rested before the start and takes several breaks.

Sun angle and oncoming lights can make eyes squint closer to nodding off.

[KFC911]

As a youngin', a 12 hr drive was no problemo for me..... but no mas . But I could if I had to..... and then take two daze to recover!

Spring breaks were a 15-16 hr drive to Ft. Lauderdale .... not solo, but could have fwiw.

[stevej37]

I've done 12-14 hr straight thru many times without a problem.

I usually experience a very sleepy urge at the 3 or 4 hr mark. It will last for about an hour and after that I'm wide awake for the balance of the trip.

[rfuerst911sc]

If you are concerned then find a motel/hotel where you think he should stay and make a reservation . Let your son know . It is his decision to take up your offer or not . Cheap mental insurance for you. Like others I was a driving machine in my yute 😁 . Also played with lawn darts so I may not be a shining example of good decisions 😋

[wdfifteen]

It should be no problem if he's smart about it. Urge him to pull over and get out of the car every 2 hours, take a nap if he's sleepy, and don't get in a hurry.
I've drove a lot of long trips as a yoot. Can't do it any more.

[pavulon]

12 hours road time in daylight on a full night's sleep seems pretty doable for a young adult.

[astrochex]

Give him your advice, express your concerns, and let him make the decision.

[masraum]

A kid should be able to manage a 12 hour drive, although it's not a great idea. Tell him that you really, REALLY would prefer that he did NOT do it all at once, but that you're not going to forbid him from doing it. Find something in the 'Net about techniques to help stay awake and alert (there are sites with tips) and send him that, and ask him to read it.

If you really feel strongly, then fly out and drive back with him yourself.

[oldE]

Dad, at this point, your best strategy is to ask him where he plans his rest stops. Ask him to keep you posted. No phone or texting while driving. Call from restaurant tables only, please.

Best
Les

[KFC911]

He needs to do this "eyes wide open", and drive that way. Don't even think about doing it without stopping except for gas & food (like I/we did), but take a break .... whenever you need to ..... whether 2, 4, 6, 8, or 11.5 hours in. Driving "drowsy" for 15 minutes in order to get to a planned stopping point or destination.... just NOPE!

Don't be stoopid like many of us have been before..... and he'll be just fine dad !

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

If you are concerned then find a motel/hotel where you think he should stay and make a reservation . Let your son know . It is his decision to take up your offer or not . Cheap mental insurance for you. Like others I was a driving machine in my yute 😁 . Also played with lawn darts so I may not be a shining example of good decisions 😋

This is what I was thinking, make a hotel reservation at a reasonable stopping point.

When young, we all think we’re in mortal and make good decisions and bad decisions. Sounds like you have done a good job with your son, and he will make good choices.

I didn’t play with lawn darts, but making our own bombs at homes wasn’t the brightest idea.

[greglepore]

All the kids today take Aderall, no worries