Atlanta’s traffic issues are nothing new, but the situation has worsened in recent years, with the city now ranked as having the worst traffic in the nation. The constant gridlock contributes to heightened road rage, reckless driving, and an increase in traffic accidents. For many residents, long daily commutes are a frustrating reality, leading to wasted time, increased fuel costs, and added stress.
While city officials have explored solutions such as expanding public transit, implementing toll lanes, and optimizing traffic signals, congestion remains a major challenge. Understanding when and where traffic is worst, as well as adopting safe driving habits, can help Atlanta drivers navigate these challenges more effectively.
Atlanta Traffic Statistics
When you only fight Atlanta traffic and aren’t aware of the freeway congestion in other areas, it can be hard to truly understand just how bad your local commute is. Consider these eye-opening statistics from The Zebra:
- Atlanta has some of the highest traffic volume for highways in the country.
- This high volume of cars on Atlanta roadways adds up to an additional 33 hours per year per driver.
- Georgia has a higher rate of traffic fatalities than other states.
- Commuters in Atlanta spend over an hour longer on the road everyday compared to other commuters. Our fair city rates are among the top five in the country for mean commute time.
- This adds up at the gas pump, equating to an extra $1,043 annually. Atlanta residents do have one of the highest gas expenses in the US.
If carpooling or public transportation is an option for your commute, we highly recommend both.
When Does Most Traffic Congestion in Atlanta Occur?
In Atlanta, like most cities, 7:00-9:00 am is when morning rush hour occurs. Evening rush hour starts at 4:00 pm and runs until about 7:00 pm, although it’s not uncommon for Atlanta freeways to stay busy until 10:00 pm on weekdays. If you have the option of avoiding these times, your drive will be a lot faster.
Where Do Most Atlanta Traffic Bottlenecks Occur?
There are some highly problematic traffic bottlenecks in Atlanta you can try to avoid if possible:
- I-20 at I-285 West
- I-20 at I-285 East
- I-20 at I-75/I-85
- I-285 at SR 400
- I-285 at I-85 North
- I-75 at I-285 North
- I-75 in McDonough, Georgia
- I-75 at I-85
- I-75 at I-675
These bottleneck spots were researched by the American Transportation Research Institute. Their research concluded that Atlanta actually has three of the top ten worst traffic bottlenecks in the country.
In addition to these dangerous bottleneck areas, try to avoid these Atlanta collision hot spots:
- Route 78
- Georgia State Route 42
- Georgia Highway 85
- I-285
- I-20
- Buford Highway
If you are in an accident in any of these locations, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer.
What To Do if You Get In a Car Accident in Heavy Atlanta Traffic
Under normal circumstances, getting in a car accident is bad enough. However, during rush hour, your collision is even more dangerous. You’ll want to get as far away from oncoming traffic as possible. While Georgia law doesn’t require non-commercial drivers to carry orange cones, flags, or flares, this safety equipment is ideal after a congested crash. Anything you can do to let other drivers know your vehicle is disabled will help you stay safe. Remember, these items are only recommended if you can put them up without endangering yourself, such as if you’re able to pull your car onto the shoulder.
Do not feel that you need to stand in the middle of the freeway with cars buzzing past you just because your car is stranded in a middle lane. If there’s a shoulder or median, it’s much safer for you to wait there away from your car. When the police arrive, let them redirect traffic and figure out how to get your car towed in the congestion. After an accident, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer for help and to ensure your interests are protected.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today
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For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
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