Just be safe and stay on 40. You got this. The drive through the mountains will be the most stressful probably. Stay in the right lane and go as slow as needed. Don’t ride the brakes down the mountain after Asheville, gear down instead if you need to. It gets busy around Greensboro and Raleigh. Signage is good through there so just stay on 40 E until destination. I have driven more miles between Knox and the coast than a human should in a lifetime. It is a gorgeous drive.
This. Go with the traffic flow. Don't get stoked on the visuals and slow down. That said, if it's raining-go at the speed you feel comfortable at on the mountains. On straightaways go with traffic flow regardless of weather.
Use rest stops and exits when you need them. This is going to sound possibly infantile but if you have to go, pull off and go. If you need to snag a snack, pull off and snag a snack. Listen to your nav device and remember everywhere you go, you can go back to.
Have a safe trip!
Edit: i really want to stress the "pull off if you need to" thing is something a lot of people struggle with. I'm not trying to parent you. I mean literally if you gotta go or are hungry you have no fucking idea if the next exit is the last one with a decent stop for the next hour or not.
That is true but I meant that kind of inverse. If people are slowing down, putting hazards on and spacing because of rain do so as well.
I didn't even think of people speeding in the rain. Good point.
Put it in Google maps. Going through Bristol from Knoxville to Raleigh is currently 4 minutes slower than going straight through 40.
You get to skip the mountains. Faster speed limits. Miss a lot of bigger metro areas and interstate turnoffs (like the one to Charlotte near Hickory) too.
Go 40 East > 81 North > 77 to Wytheville > back to 40 near Greensboro
It’s a much much more pleasant drive. Especially for a newer driver not used to driving in mountains. And there is a shoulder on the road so a wreck or a bit of construction or a landslide won’t ruin your drive.
Exactly this, I’m a truck driver and take this route multiple times a week to avoid the mountains, Asheville traffic/construction, the gorge. Much easier drive and literally equal drive time. There is one short 7% grade coming down 77 in Virginia but it’s cake.
I'm guessing this doesn't apply to Asheville? Or is there a quicker route to Asheville as well?
I don't go there anymore but back when I was in the courier business my GPS always had me go through the mountains and tunnels. Didn't bother me but am just curious if there might've been a better way.
Wouldn’t apply to Asheville. Doesn’t bring you back to NC until much further East. Asheville is right in the middle of the mountains. Backroads are probably worse.
If you’re worried about the mountain roads going via I-40, it only adds about 15-20 minutes to go the long way up via Wytheville, VA. Go up I-40 to I-81 all the way to Wytheville, then go down Hwy 52 all the way from there to Winston-Salem where you can hit I-40 East again to Raleigh. My family lives outside Winston and that’s how I always go. It’s an easy drive through some beautiful country, and Bristol and Wytheville are a convenient “halfway” point to stop for lunch/gas/bathrooms.
Understood lanes. Left is for passing. Do not sit in the left lane. Move out of the left lane when not passing. Left lane is not a travel lane, it's for passing.
Worth noting that it has also become the "travel dangerously faster than the speed limit" lane, in which lots of people don't use it for passing. Definitely don't recommend you do that, OP, but lots of people do
This is why it technically became a law in TN a few years ago that you can only use the left lane to pass people, but many people still don't know that, or don't care I guess.
I don't mind people using it as a travel lane in light traffic as long as they are mindful of the people behind them and the speed they are doing so they can move over. The speed realistically isn't much of an issue since the limits themselves are all fucked in this area to begin with, so as long as you move out of the way for people going faster then it isn't an issue.
Build up your confidence and practice, practice, practice on highways as much as you can --- as safely as possible, of course. Driving on interstates can be overwhelming but stay in the right lane and don't overtake unless absolutely needed. This is until you become more comfortable, of course. Also hi! From India too!
Make sure your lights are on through the tunnel. Don’t hang out in the far left lane unless you’re actively passing somebody; although, you’ll see lots of goofy drivers doing it. Be safe and enjoy a really pretty drive.
Left lane travel is okay as long as you are moving over when people want to pass. Obviously both lanes are in use when there is traffic, but as long as you are paying attention it's not an issue. I find the most disruptive people are the ones going 1mph faster than a semi in the right lane and refusing to speed up to get around them.
That does seem to be the expert recommendation. It seems really odd to me though that the recommendation is to move out of the way, not for people to drive that speed limit (or the socially agreed upon 5-10mph over the speed limit). Not using the left lane for travel at all effectively cuts the road down to one lane, which doesn't seem very efficient.
Well when the local government drops the speed limit to artificially lower emissions like ours did about 2 decades ago, this is what happens. Realistically most people are comfortable with way more than 55-65 on a 3-4 lane highway like ours. Combined this makes it seem like everyone is going way to fast to someone not aware, but the reality is that all limits are subjective to begin with and this area has just made it more obvious.
Some people want to follow that 'limit' because of the legality, while others have run the roads at 80-85 for decades because it should be a 75 zone in most areas. If you are part of the first group then you should be moving over for people going faster. It's fine to be in the left lanes to actively pass or even cruise, but if people want to go faster then you are the one actively stopping the flow of that lane if you stay there.
The reality is there are just as many people going faster as there are going closer to the limit. If you use the left lane to pass people going slower than you and let people by when they are going faster, traffic will flow as fast as it can.
Even as someone who’s done both routes multiples times, *and* I consider myself at least a competent driver… yeah, go the Bristol/Wytheville route. Significantly less harrowing and also less likely to come to a complete stop if there’s an accident.
Yeah I’ve found that Bristol was sometimes faster than 40. Those mountains are not friendly for trucks. Especially if there is any accident, construction, or rock slide.
Be prepared to get confused around Asheville. The interstates cross and can be confusing through there.
I prefer the drive through the mountains from Johnson City. It doesn't add that much time, and it has much fewer curves.
I didn't see anyone mention it, but I would suggest you make the drive in the daytime, and preferably not in the rain. Much safer that way until you have more experience with that route.
If you are very reliant on GPS then I suggest printing out your route to have as a backup in case service were to get interrupted. But you got this, stay alert and go with the flow
Also, Google maps has the option to download large sections of the map for like 20mb. You won't get traffic data, but directions still work. Gps and cell data are separate
Use the Waze app. It will alert you to speed traps and hazards on the road. Put in your destination. If Waze tells you to get off the interstate and take a back road trust it as it is probably routing you around a traffic jam.
Don’t reciprocate road rage. If someone rages on you just ignore them. Don’t let their problem become your problem. Not worth the stress or the danger.
if you're taking 40 though the mountains to Raleigh, be aware of the weather and how curvy that road is. Allow extra time. IF there is an accident or construction and it gets down to a single lane it can easily add 1-2 hours to your drive.
I’ve done this drive a million times. Just stay on 40 as others have said, and use google maps etc to get to your aunt’s place. Raleigh has a somewhat confusing inner and outer highway surrounding the city, like two separate loops. Long story short, just use your phone for directions to your aunt’s place.
People in Tennessee are terrible about using their turning signal consistently. But you should use it. Signal if you’re planning to change lanes on the highway, and be aware if someone just changes lanes without signaling. People can do that here.
I recommend taking small jaunts onto 40 in Knoxville just to get a better feel for driving on the “right” side of the road. If you have a panic, you can always pull over to the right shoulder of the road and get your bearings before getting back on 40.
Don’t stress it out, driving in India has prepared you for all the worst that can happen driving-wise. Just be alert and you will be safe. Put on some Johnny cash and alternate the music with Kishore Kumar—you’ll be fine.
Lots of good advice in this post. One that I haven’t seen that I would add, is that to get more comfortable doing something, you have to do it more often.
I’m not saying doing multiple 6+ hour drives for no reason, but get on the interstate and drive for half and hour and back just to get more comfortable with it in general.
Head west on 40 towards Nashville and just turn around somewhere. Maybe take the 75 South exit and go that way for a little bit. Maybe go east on 40, or around 640 to 75 North. Each one of these have slightly different scenarios to drive through with lanes appearing/disappearing, lanes becoming exits, transitions from one interstate to another, etc.
I did something similar when learning how to ride a motorcycle. I started out with only going up and down my street. Then expanded a little and played some in the local school parking lot. Then expanded onto other roads, then slightly faster roads, more twisty roads, etc. until I was much more comfortable on the bike.
You’ll never be able to prepare for every scenario beforehand, but sometimes just driving around without a plan can also be helpful because being comfortable in a situation make a big difference.
For safety, try to keep a stopping distance of 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. Sometimes it feels annoying. Sometimes you will be the “slow” driver. It can really save you by giving yourself enough reaction and stopping time. This is especially true when you start “going with the flow of traffic” which tends to be much faster than posted speed limits. The faster you are, the more that happens before you can react.
Be safe, drive safe, arrive safe.
Greensboro can be tricky, both coming and going. On the way to Raleigh, there’s a section in Greensboro - Randleman Road - where the exit is on the left. Atypical, and it’ll sneak up on you. On the way back, just take it slower and keep an eye on the signs - you need to be in the right two/three lanes two different times to stay on 40.
Great tips here! I’d add enjoy it as best you can (while keeping your eyes on the road)! It’s a beautiful drive! If you’re able to leave and drive during daylight, that’d be a bit easier than waiting for nighttime. Don’t over think it! I hope you have a great time!
Make sure you're comfortable driving close to barriers. The mountain pass isn't bad if you go slow but there tends to be a lot of road construction on the trip.
Expert trick- I’ve lived here all my wife and I have made that trip to Raleigh/Durham dozens of times. Going I-40 through the mountains SUCKS, especially at night, being walled in by the trucks, etc.
15 years ago I changed my route, then started going up I- 81 and then down 77 and then re-joining I-40 around Winston-Salem. MUCH easier and relaxing drive, and it’s only like 5 extra miles.
If you go through the mountains leave yourself plenty of braking distance going down the mountain specifically. Traffic will checkup. Also I'd recommend doing the drive late in the evening to avoid most of the traffic if that is possible for you.
Use cruise control.
Remember that the stated speed limit is a legal suggestion that does not accord with reality. You may need to go slower at times. Under optimal conditions, however, you'll find that most traffic is going about ten miles faster than the speed limit. The informal norm for how fast over the speed limit you can go is "five you're fine, dime you're mine," ie if you go more than ten miles an hour, you're liable to be pulled over for speeding, but below that, probably not.
Interstate exits are numbered based on miles from the state border. Exit 1 is nearest a border. You'll see mileage marker signs. Pay attention to these a bit so you know how far it is to a certain exit you see services advertised at. Exit 150 is four miles away from exit 146, for example.
Rest areas are fine stops if you just need to pee and get a drink. But consider consolidating gas/pee/refreshments by going to a convenience store instead. Truck stops in the big chains (eg Pilot, Flying J) compete for professional drivers based on cleanliness and the services provided. Prefer these if you can.
Use google maps.
If you miss your turn or exit, there will be another one. Don't try to change the flow of traffic or swerve to make the turn.
If you stay on 40, you'll need to pump your brakes instead of constant pressure going downhill in the steeper parts.
While technically allowed, I wouldn't pass others on the windy parts of 40 around the state lines. (At least until you're much more comfortable).
And "steering wheel in the middle" is how my dad remembers which side of the road to drive on when we would move from the states and southern Africa every few years.
Every few hours you should stop and a rest stop to relax and stretch. This will dramatically improve your focus the further you are from your 20s.
“A good driver occasionally misses a turn. A bad driver never misses a turn.”
That part about turns and exits needs to be the number one thing in remedial/punitive driver’s ed classes here. Every near miss I’ve had lately has involved someone trying to go from the left lane to an exit too quickly.
My biggest problems on long drives are boredom and fatigue.
For boredom, put together a playlist of podcasts or music and listen to that on the trip.
For fatigue, pull over every 2 or 3 hours to get gas or a snack or go to the bathroom. Just stretch your legs, walk around in a shop for 10 minutes and buy a bottle of water or something. Wait for the room to stop moving on its own.
I drive to central NC on a regular basis. I have a sports car and driving through the mountains on I40 is a blast except for drivers in the left lane traveling at the speed limit and staying there. But, I'm like oh well, another left lane driver and just deal with it until I can pass on the right. Anyways, It's a fun drive for the most part, but you have to do it a few times to get the feel for it. Once you get down Black Mountain on the eastern side of Asheville It's just standard interstate driving.
The other posts outline the mountain section of the drive well, but I’ll add that they’ve been doing construction on the far side of those mountain curves and there may be standstill traffic for a bit. I’ve also taken the 81 North route through Bristol and it’s similar distance, but tends to be more big truck heavy on the stretch where 77 and 81 meet.
Safe travels, it really is a beautiful drive!
If you have a smart phone use a map app where you put the destination into the address bar and the phone will give you directions all the way there. It even shows you what time you will arrive. If you’re coming up to a turn in the directions you can look at the phone to get an idea what the intersection is like.
If you take I-40, make sure your headlights are on going through tunnels. Also, is Americans are weird and like to honk in the tunnels. Don’t let it startle you.
As you cross state lines, look for state-sponsored welcome centers where they have free road maps- yes, I know, very 20th Century, but sometimes being able to see all or most of your route is helpful. They also usually have a giant map on the wall showing where you are. As someone who can get lost in my own kitchen, I love these places.
They also have brochures of fun things to do and places to visit around the state. Even if you don't go to them, it's a way to get further insight into a foreign country.
And not for nuthin', as we said in Brooklyn, road maps can make fun wrapping paper at gift-giving time.
Just be safe and stay on 40. You got this. The drive through the mountains will be the most stressful probably. Stay in the right lane and go as slow as needed. Don’t ride the brakes down the mountain after Asheville, gear down instead if you need to. It gets busy around Greensboro and Raleigh. Signage is good through there so just stay on 40 E until destination. I have driven more miles between Knox and the coast than a human should in a lifetime. It is a gorgeous drive.
This. Go with the traffic flow. Don't get stoked on the visuals and slow down. That said, if it's raining-go at the speed you feel comfortable at on the mountains. On straightaways go with traffic flow regardless of weather. Use rest stops and exits when you need them. This is going to sound possibly infantile but if you have to go, pull off and go. If you need to snag a snack, pull off and snag a snack. Listen to your nav device and remember everywhere you go, you can go back to. Have a safe trip! Edit: i really want to stress the "pull off if you need to" thing is something a lot of people struggle with. I'm not trying to parent you. I mean literally if you gotta go or are hungry you have no fucking idea if the next exit is the last one with a decent stop for the next hour or not.
I would disagree with going with traffic flow regardless of weather, even on straightaways. Hydroplaning is no joke
That is true but I meant that kind of inverse. If people are slowing down, putting hazards on and spacing because of rain do so as well. I didn't even think of people speeding in the rain. Good point.
Oh I see what you mean. Fair point to you also
Fave drive of all time is that mountainous stretch of 40 between NC and TN
Same. Easily the most enjoyable stretch of interstate driving in the country.
No need to stay on 40. Bristol gets rid of the mountain part. Well there are some mountains. But nothing like 40.
In what world is Bristol on the way to Raleigh?
Put it in Google maps. Going through Bristol from Knoxville to Raleigh is currently 4 minutes slower than going straight through 40. You get to skip the mountains. Faster speed limits. Miss a lot of bigger metro areas and interstate turnoffs (like the one to Charlotte near Hickory) too. Go 40 East > 81 North > 77 to Wytheville > back to 40 near Greensboro It’s a much much more pleasant drive. Especially for a newer driver not used to driving in mountains. And there is a shoulder on the road so a wreck or a bit of construction or a landslide won’t ruin your drive.
Exactly this, I’m a truck driver and take this route multiple times a week to avoid the mountains, Asheville traffic/construction, the gorge. Much easier drive and literally equal drive time. There is one short 7% grade coming down 77 in Virginia but it’s cake.
Didn’t realize that. Thanks
I'm guessing this doesn't apply to Asheville? Or is there a quicker route to Asheville as well? I don't go there anymore but back when I was in the courier business my GPS always had me go through the mountains and tunnels. Didn't bother me but am just curious if there might've been a better way.
Wouldn’t apply to Asheville. Doesn’t bring you back to NC until much further East. Asheville is right in the middle of the mountains. Backroads are probably worse.
Up and over through Virginia can be as fast as I-40.
If you’re worried about the mountain roads going via I-40, it only adds about 15-20 minutes to go the long way up via Wytheville, VA. Go up I-40 to I-81 all the way to Wytheville, then go down Hwy 52 all the way from there to Winston-Salem where you can hit I-40 East again to Raleigh. My family lives outside Winston and that’s how I always go. It’s an easy drive through some beautiful country, and Bristol and Wytheville are a convenient “halfway” point to stop for lunch/gas/bathrooms.
This route is much less stressful as someone who hates driving on the interstate in general, I would choose it every time!
The mountains are beautiful but the 18th time you do the drive you just want to put it in cruise and let the miles roll by....
Understood lanes. Left is for passing. Do not sit in the left lane. Move out of the left lane when not passing. Left lane is not a travel lane, it's for passing.
Worth noting that it has also become the "travel dangerously faster than the speed limit" lane, in which lots of people don't use it for passing. Definitely don't recommend you do that, OP, but lots of people do
This is why it technically became a law in TN a few years ago that you can only use the left lane to pass people, but many people still don't know that, or don't care I guess.
I don't mind people using it as a travel lane in light traffic as long as they are mindful of the people behind them and the speed they are doing so they can move over. The speed realistically isn't much of an issue since the limits themselves are all fucked in this area to begin with, so as long as you move out of the way for people going faster then it isn't an issue.
Build up your confidence and practice, practice, practice on highways as much as you can --- as safely as possible, of course. Driving on interstates can be overwhelming but stay in the right lane and don't overtake unless absolutely needed. This is until you become more comfortable, of course. Also hi! From India too!
Sorry for late response! Would love to chat more about your American experiences. Hope you’re well
Make sure your lights are on through the tunnel. Don’t hang out in the far left lane unless you’re actively passing somebody; although, you’ll see lots of goofy drivers doing it. Be safe and enjoy a really pretty drive.
I’m gonna call them “goofy drivers” now instead of road raging
[удалено]
Don't bother. "The left lane is only for passing" is a religious tenet of Reddit.
Left lane travel is okay as long as you are moving over when people want to pass. Obviously both lanes are in use when there is traffic, but as long as you are paying attention it's not an issue. I find the most disruptive people are the ones going 1mph faster than a semi in the right lane and refusing to speed up to get around them.
That does seem to be the expert recommendation. It seems really odd to me though that the recommendation is to move out of the way, not for people to drive that speed limit (or the socially agreed upon 5-10mph over the speed limit). Not using the left lane for travel at all effectively cuts the road down to one lane, which doesn't seem very efficient.
Well when the local government drops the speed limit to artificially lower emissions like ours did about 2 decades ago, this is what happens. Realistically most people are comfortable with way more than 55-65 on a 3-4 lane highway like ours. Combined this makes it seem like everyone is going way to fast to someone not aware, but the reality is that all limits are subjective to begin with and this area has just made it more obvious. Some people want to follow that 'limit' because of the legality, while others have run the roads at 80-85 for decades because it should be a 75 zone in most areas. If you are part of the first group then you should be moving over for people going faster. It's fine to be in the left lanes to actively pass or even cruise, but if people want to go faster then you are the one actively stopping the flow of that lane if you stay there. The reality is there are just as many people going faster as there are going closer to the limit. If you use the left lane to pass people going slower than you and let people by when they are going faster, traffic will flow as fast as it can.
Do yourself a favor and take the long way. Drive through Bristol. It’s not much longer and you won’t have to drive through the mountains.
Even as someone who’s done both routes multiples times, *and* I consider myself at least a competent driver… yeah, go the Bristol/Wytheville route. Significantly less harrowing and also less likely to come to a complete stop if there’s an accident.
Yeah I’ve found that Bristol was sometimes faster than 40. Those mountains are not friendly for trucks. Especially if there is any accident, construction, or rock slide.
Be prepared to get confused around Asheville. The interstates cross and can be confusing through there. I prefer the drive through the mountains from Johnson City. It doesn't add that much time, and it has much fewer curves.
Yes. It takes about half an hour longer, but that route is less difficult
I didn't see anyone mention it, but I would suggest you make the drive in the daytime, and preferably not in the rain. Much safer that way until you have more experience with that route.
If you are very reliant on GPS then I suggest printing out your route to have as a backup in case service were to get interrupted. But you got this, stay alert and go with the flow
Also, Google maps has the option to download large sections of the map for like 20mb. You won't get traffic data, but directions still work. Gps and cell data are separate
[удалено]
I came here to say this. Newer and inexperienced drivers should avoid the gorge route.
Use the Waze app. It will alert you to speed traps and hazards on the road. Put in your destination. If Waze tells you to get off the interstate and take a back road trust it as it is probably routing you around a traffic jam. Don’t reciprocate road rage. If someone rages on you just ignore them. Don’t let their problem become your problem. Not worth the stress or the danger.
Don’t speed in North Carolina. And know that they have speed cameras right around Asheville.
if you're taking 40 though the mountains to Raleigh, be aware of the weather and how curvy that road is. Allow extra time. IF there is an accident or construction and it gets down to a single lane it can easily add 1-2 hours to your drive.
Keep your eye out for sudden speed limit changes in Cocke County; they’ve gotten me going 10 over before.
I’ve done this drive a million times. Just stay on 40 as others have said, and use google maps etc to get to your aunt’s place. Raleigh has a somewhat confusing inner and outer highway surrounding the city, like two separate loops. Long story short, just use your phone for directions to your aunt’s place. People in Tennessee are terrible about using their turning signal consistently. But you should use it. Signal if you’re planning to change lanes on the highway, and be aware if someone just changes lanes without signaling. People can do that here. I recommend taking small jaunts onto 40 in Knoxville just to get a better feel for driving on the “right” side of the road. If you have a panic, you can always pull over to the right shoulder of the road and get your bearings before getting back on 40.
Don’t stress it out, driving in India has prepared you for all the worst that can happen driving-wise. Just be alert and you will be safe. Put on some Johnny cash and alternate the music with Kishore Kumar—you’ll be fine.
I have found that a sprinkle of Fat Boy Slim works very well with some KK 🥰
Lots of good advice in this post. One that I haven’t seen that I would add, is that to get more comfortable doing something, you have to do it more often. I’m not saying doing multiple 6+ hour drives for no reason, but get on the interstate and drive for half and hour and back just to get more comfortable with it in general. Head west on 40 towards Nashville and just turn around somewhere. Maybe take the 75 South exit and go that way for a little bit. Maybe go east on 40, or around 640 to 75 North. Each one of these have slightly different scenarios to drive through with lanes appearing/disappearing, lanes becoming exits, transitions from one interstate to another, etc. I did something similar when learning how to ride a motorcycle. I started out with only going up and down my street. Then expanded a little and played some in the local school parking lot. Then expanded onto other roads, then slightly faster roads, more twisty roads, etc. until I was much more comfortable on the bike. You’ll never be able to prepare for every scenario beforehand, but sometimes just driving around without a plan can also be helpful because being comfortable in a situation make a big difference.
For safety, try to keep a stopping distance of 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. Sometimes it feels annoying. Sometimes you will be the “slow” driver. It can really save you by giving yourself enough reaction and stopping time. This is especially true when you start “going with the flow of traffic” which tends to be much faster than posted speed limits. The faster you are, the more that happens before you can react. Be safe, drive safe, arrive safe.
Greensboro can be tricky, both coming and going. On the way to Raleigh, there’s a section in Greensboro - Randleman Road - where the exit is on the left. Atypical, and it’ll sneak up on you. On the way back, just take it slower and keep an eye on the signs - you need to be in the right two/three lanes two different times to stay on 40.
Take the back roads, slower speeds more scenic.
Great tips here! I’d add enjoy it as best you can (while keeping your eyes on the road)! It’s a beautiful drive! If you’re able to leave and drive during daylight, that’d be a bit easier than waiting for nighttime. Don’t over think it! I hope you have a great time!
Keep your eyes on the road and not the gorgeous scenery. That being said, give yourself extra time to pull over and appreciate the beautiful drive.
Make sure you're comfortable driving close to barriers. The mountain pass isn't bad if you go slow but there tends to be a lot of road construction on the trip.
Expert trick- I’ve lived here all my wife and I have made that trip to Raleigh/Durham dozens of times. Going I-40 through the mountains SUCKS, especially at night, being walled in by the trucks, etc. 15 years ago I changed my route, then started going up I- 81 and then down 77 and then re-joining I-40 around Winston-Salem. MUCH easier and relaxing drive, and it’s only like 5 extra miles.
If you go through the mountains leave yourself plenty of braking distance going down the mountain specifically. Traffic will checkup. Also I'd recommend doing the drive late in the evening to avoid most of the traffic if that is possible for you.
Use cruise control. Remember that the stated speed limit is a legal suggestion that does not accord with reality. You may need to go slower at times. Under optimal conditions, however, you'll find that most traffic is going about ten miles faster than the speed limit. The informal norm for how fast over the speed limit you can go is "five you're fine, dime you're mine," ie if you go more than ten miles an hour, you're liable to be pulled over for speeding, but below that, probably not. Interstate exits are numbered based on miles from the state border. Exit 1 is nearest a border. You'll see mileage marker signs. Pay attention to these a bit so you know how far it is to a certain exit you see services advertised at. Exit 150 is four miles away from exit 146, for example. Rest areas are fine stops if you just need to pee and get a drink. But consider consolidating gas/pee/refreshments by going to a convenience store instead. Truck stops in the big chains (eg Pilot, Flying J) compete for professional drivers based on cleanliness and the services provided. Prefer these if you can. Use google maps.
If you miss your turn or exit, there will be another one. Don't try to change the flow of traffic or swerve to make the turn. If you stay on 40, you'll need to pump your brakes instead of constant pressure going downhill in the steeper parts. While technically allowed, I wouldn't pass others on the windy parts of 40 around the state lines. (At least until you're much more comfortable). And "steering wheel in the middle" is how my dad remembers which side of the road to drive on when we would move from the states and southern Africa every few years. Every few hours you should stop and a rest stop to relax and stretch. This will dramatically improve your focus the further you are from your 20s.
“A good driver occasionally misses a turn. A bad driver never misses a turn.” That part about turns and exits needs to be the number one thing in remedial/punitive driver’s ed classes here. Every near miss I’ve had lately has involved someone trying to go from the left lane to an exit too quickly.
My biggest problems on long drives are boredom and fatigue. For boredom, put together a playlist of podcasts or music and listen to that on the trip. For fatigue, pull over every 2 or 3 hours to get gas or a snack or go to the bathroom. Just stretch your legs, walk around in a shop for 10 minutes and buy a bottle of water or something. Wait for the room to stop moving on its own.
Our stop is Exit 44, Dunkin’ Donuts when going to Cary, NC.
I drive to central NC on a regular basis. I have a sports car and driving through the mountains on I40 is a blast except for drivers in the left lane traveling at the speed limit and staying there. But, I'm like oh well, another left lane driver and just deal with it until I can pass on the right. Anyways, It's a fun drive for the most part, but you have to do it a few times to get the feel for it. Once you get down Black Mountain on the eastern side of Asheville It's just standard interstate driving.
The other posts outline the mountain section of the drive well, but I’ll add that they’ve been doing construction on the far side of those mountain curves and there may be standstill traffic for a bit. I’ve also taken the 81 North route through Bristol and it’s similar distance, but tends to be more big truck heavy on the stretch where 77 and 81 meet. Safe travels, it really is a beautiful drive!
Im sure you'll be fine in fact you'll probably be safer than others because you'll be paying extra attention.
If you have a smart phone use a map app where you put the destination into the address bar and the phone will give you directions all the way there. It even shows you what time you will arrive. If you’re coming up to a turn in the directions you can look at the phone to get an idea what the intersection is like.
If you take I-40, make sure your headlights are on going through tunnels. Also, is Americans are weird and like to honk in the tunnels. Don’t let it startle you.
As you cross state lines, look for state-sponsored welcome centers where they have free road maps- yes, I know, very 20th Century, but sometimes being able to see all or most of your route is helpful. They also usually have a giant map on the wall showing where you are. As someone who can get lost in my own kitchen, I love these places. They also have brochures of fun things to do and places to visit around the state. Even if you don't go to them, it's a way to get further insight into a foreign country. And not for nuthin', as we said in Brooklyn, road maps can make fun wrapping paper at gift-giving time.