Interstates safer than "Blue Highways?"TRIP UPDATE

[GizmosMom]

We are now retired and I have our summer trip to Colorado planned. We share the driving.

I want to travel the back roads and blue highways. I want to take our time. The Interstates make me nervous and they are boring.

DH wants to travel the Interstates as much as possible because he feels they are safer. He doesn't like to have to slow down and stop for traffic lights in small towns when he drives. Feels that blue highways are more prone to head-on collisions.

What do you think?

[DownTheAvenue]

DutchmenSport wrote:
I've never heard the term "Blue Roads"

It comes from a very well known book by William Least Heat Moon, "Blue Highways, A Journey into America" first published in 1982.

[DutchmenSport]

I've never heard the term "Blue Roads" before, must be a local term, kind of like the term "toboggan." In some locations it means a sled you ride on in the snow, in other locations, it means hat you wear on your head. I grew up with the "hat" definition, never knew it meant a sled until I was 24 years old!

Anyway, so much for "history."

I don't know about percentages, all I know is, people drive like insane idiots on interstates! And the heavier the traffic, the more insane they become. Around where I live, the interstates are horrible, bumpy, and always under construction which causes people to drive even more insane, regardless of posted signs about fine increases and even video patrolling speeding tickets! Because of these issues, we avoid interstates as much as possible.

When traveling, we now never get in a hurry. We both enjoy driving. And I do enjoy "cruise control" on interstates, especially at night, if traffic is not insane. But we've found the "secondary roads" (Blue roads?) are much more friendly, there's so much more to see, and there's more chances to find something off-the-wall and just stop in for a few minutes and smell the local culture.

Ever since we've slowed down, take the secondary highways, and even back country roads sometimes, we've seen a LOT more and experienced a LOT more! We've seen some pretty fantastic scenery, some really interesting little towns and villages, all kinds of land marks, and visited numerous Mom & Pop stores along the way, fruit stands, and even events.

A few years ago, we were driving through this small town (to deliberately avoid the interstate), when we came upon an intersection. Just as we got RIGHT there, a policeman jumped in front of us and stopped traffic. And there it came! The 4th of July parade! We got to sit in our truck (with trailer behind), right at the intersection and watch the entire thing. Granted, we had no idea what little town we were in, but sure was pretty cool! And we had the luxury of sitting in our own vehicle with air conditioning, drinks, and a spectacular view of the parade. Did we get upset? Absolutely not! We thoroughly enjoyed the moment and celebrated with this small town! You don't get that from the interstate! Share this story with your husband please.

[agesilaus]

"In spite of high speeds, the interstate system is the safest of our highway system. Nearly two people die for every 100 million miles traveled on other highways, compared to less than one person for every 100 million miles traveled on the interstates. Everything on the Interstate System is intended to protect your life. Guide rails on hazardous stretches, berms or concrete dividers in the median, landscaping that screens oncoming lights, breakaway signs and lampposts all save lives."
Link

Looking at those statistics Interstates are twice as safe, but we still do rural highways. For one thing driving a 9000 pound pickup is many times safer than a 2000 pound auto. Heavier is safer, it's just physics of collisions. Plus we have a heavy brush guard and a special rear collision cushion in back.

[Sandia_Man]

We use a mix of both although on some occasions there are not many options and one must use whatever is available to get to their chosen designation. Both have their good and bad, and the type of RV may also play into the decision. Out in our neck of the woods there is usually significant interstate travel before one gets to utilize a blue highway to ultimately arrive to their campsite.

[Busskipper]

GizmosMom wrote:
We are now retired and I have our summer trip to Colorado planned. We share the driving.

I want to travel the back roads and blue highways. I want to take our time. The Interstates make me nervous and they are boring.

DH wants to travel the Interstates as much as possible because he feels they are safer. He doesn't like to have to slow down and stop for traffic lights in small towns when he drives. Feels that blue highways are more prone to head-on collisions.

What do you think?

You are both right - Interstates when the population is high but once you reach the country the Blue roads will work fine.

When we travel from the east coat to Colorado (Often) we will use the I's to Hannibal and once we cross the Mississippi we take Rt 36 - just as fast and a lot less stress.

If going to Texas we tend to use Rt 287 - good road and a pleasant drive, then might switch depending on destination in Texas.

Hope this is of some help.

[2chiefsRus]

statistically speaking, Interstates are safer based upon percentages. More accidents on interstates but more people on them too. DH likes to drive on interstates too. I prefer the US highways. We do a bit of both and I try to make sure it is my turn to drive when we leave the interstates. DH likes to set the cruise and steer; I like to drive.

[Mandalay_Parr]

They both have pros and cons. I've done it both ways.