In December I moved from Australia to Columbus, Ga and Im now wanting to drive to and in Atlanta. I have been a few times and the traffic to me seems just crazy.
Does anyone have any tips for driving in such heavy traffic? Also when is the best time to be on the road with the least amount of traffic?
Thanks very much...
2007-06-16 16:19:01 · 3 answers · asked by skattered0077 5 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Atlanta
I used to be a firefighter in Atlanta (North Fulton) so not only have I driven in Atlanta traffic, but I have driven a fire engine with flashing lights and sirens going the wrong way in rush hour traffic! SO...tips on driving in Atlanta?
Know the area...how do you do this? Get yourself a metro Atlanta atlas or map and do a bit of study before you embark on your destination.
Know the Major roads in Atlanta and their nick names.
For example...
Interstate 75 (I-75) runs basically from the North West through the city to the South East of town.
Interstate 85 (I-85) runs basically from the North East through the city to the South West of town.
Interstate 20 (I-20) runs East and West through the city crossing the "Downtown Connector" People drive VERY FAST on the eastern portion of I-20.
Downtown Connector (I 75 &I-85) Where I-75 and I-85 converge and are the same road through the center of Atlanta. (it splits near the northe end of town, and near the airport on the south end of town back to it's respective interstates)
The Perimeter (I-285) The "bypass" if you will that runs around Atlanta and connects all the interstates and major roads (GA 400) The Perimeter has two parts:
Inner Ring (the inside lanes of the perimeter *if on the west side of town, the traffic travels north*)
Outer Ring (the outter lanes of the perimeter *If on the west side of town the traffic travels south*)
GA 400..a State highway that splits off from I-85 north of the Downtown Connector *or connector* split. It goes almost Due north to the Mountains of Ga. there is a toll prior to it's intersection with the perimeter as you head north, as well as a toll if coming from the perimeter heading south.
GA 316, A state highway that splits off in central Gwinett County and goes to Athens.
I-575 an interstate that splits off of I-75 in the northern parts of Cobb County (NW Atlanta suburbs) it goes to the mountains and becomes Hwy 515.
I-675, connects the perimeter with I-75 on the south west part of the perimeter.
I also suggest listening to AM 750 for the morning traffic reports if you get stuck in rush hour traffic. Use those reports in conjunction with your Metro Atlas and make it around town easily!
2007-06-16 17:22:12 · answer #1 · answered by SSgt 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Driving In Atlanta
2016-11-11 03:29:34 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best time to be on the roads is between 8pm and 3am, but thats not an option for most people. Only advice I can tell you is, be cautious with everyone around you, but not too cautious. Always remember that almost no one uses their turn signals. When the roads are a bit wet from the rain, no one knows how to drive. If it hasnt rained in a long time, all the oil from the cars and trucks make the road slick, so be careful with that too. One more thing, get used to laying on your horn.
2007-06-18 10:18:34 · answer #3 · answered by PfcsBaby 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best advice I would say is to make sure you know where you are going the first time. With heavy traffic, it's difficult to maneuver a lot if you recognize a road you need to turn on at the last minute. I would consult a map thoroughly before coming in. Otherwise, just avoid the typical "rush hour" times in the mid-morning and early evening.
2007-06-19 04:53:54 · answer #4 · answered by Cubs39 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well yes! my daughter is moving their soon and yep the best time to get on that crazy road is after 10:am if all possible due to the work people .and any where between then and 3:30 and not again until after 7:00 pm the work people are driving hm between 4-5:30pm
Anyhow take your time and be patient!
Good luck!
2007-06-16 16:28:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Don't feel you have to 'match' everyone else on speed. Go the speed you're comfortable with. Watch the signs and change lanes far ahead of your exit. Don't tailgate and watch the traffic on either side of you as well as ahead. (Those following too close have their own problems, keep your eyes forward, not behind.)
Lock your car.
Take your valuables with you or lock them in the trunk.
2007-06-16 16:31:36 · answer #6 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
There's 5 highways that all intersect. Be very careful and know that everyone drives between 70 and 85 mph.
2007-06-16 17:21:30 · answer #7 · answered by Cheech 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get up early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic and if you have to travel in it just be patient.
2007-06-17 13:06:58 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
On 285, everyone goes about 15mph over the speed limit. If you don't, you will be mowed over.
2007-06-18 14:32:22 · answer #9 · answered by The Interrupter 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I want to ask the same question as the op.
2016-08-24 05:56:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋