I usually take I-75 . I would avoid I-75 on holiday weekends. On 11/29
I got as far as Ocala before coming to a complete stop. Everyone was doing 85 with one car length between cars. One little bump and it was a 9 car wreck. Naturally every accident then causes a 5 mile back up in both directions.

The weather was perfect- bone dry roads ,,but due density (and I mean density) of traffic and drivers it was one of the most brutal drives I have ever experienced.
The trip to South Carolina took 7 hours rather than the estimated 5 hours.
I took 301 for the first time coming back. Yes there were slow downs in communities but as least the traffic was moving.

I'm always concerned that I missed a speed limit sign on the smaller roads. I don't want a ticket or even be stopped. When I do stop at a stop sign I wait a full 3 seconds before proceeding. I wish there was an app I could count on that told me when the speed limit changes.

You make a very good point about bumper to bumper traffic going 85 mph. And add the fact that when there are 3 lanes, drivers going fast pass on the right as well. No, I don't think interstate driving is safer than 301.

Feedback, on my trip down I took the I75 route. Can't know for sure, but I suspect it was about the same time wise, but Was on it in the middle of the night, so I made good time. Without traffic, to me, it is much better than taking 301.
On my next trip, I will try the route through the National Forest.

After heading south on 301 we take a turn off on right just past Waldo (SR 24 - I think) and then over to I-75 about 13 miles and then south on I-75. You will pick up I-75 at about exit 382 and then south to the Villages. I exit at #329 (SR 44)

Takes some of the hassle out of the up/down constant speed changes.


(Some day we might try the 95/40/19/42 drive)

Took this same route yesterday and I 75 was a parking lot from Gainesville til South of Ocalla! A loooonnnngggg day!

Goggle Maps: 10 minutes faster, 8 miles longer. (Without traffic)

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My gps in both cars tells me speed limits and has been extremely accurate even when coming into speed zones.

Somebody should sell an interlock mechanism so that car only goes the speed limit when it is engaged.

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Us, too
 

So glad you asked this question. We will be driving this route on New Year's Day, and while we normally take 301, I am wary of the number of speed traps that will be lurking on1/1. We will try one of the other suggested routes. Thanks!:pepper2:

Why not just drive the speed limit?

BTW, some of those "speed trap" towns no longer have a presence on 301. Now patrolled by County.

Just took that exact route home to NY. Easy with little traffic or stops. at I95 in less than an one and a half hours.

so true!!!