
Does Route 66 still exist; is it still safe to drive by
Yes, almost 80-85% of the route is still functioning. Most motorists still use this historic route for sightseeing and just to experience passing through it.
It was dub as the historic route because it was removed from the United State Highway System on June 27, 1985 and only a few portions have been designated as a National Scenic Byway of the name "Historic Route 66".
It is very famous and was used in a Disney/Pixar animation Cars. The route starts at Chicago and Ends in Los Angeles. Here's a site which might help you
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66
http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/route66/a/route66.htm

