What to Know About Atlanta’s Horrible Traffic
Atlanta is a bustling Southern city known for its rich history, world-class cuisine, and diverse art and music scene. Although Atlanta’s unique heritage makes it a wonderful place to call home, it still has its fair share of problems, including terrible traffic.
It’s estimated that the average Atlanta driver loses 53 hours to the city’s congestion each year. What’s worse, Atlanta’s horrible traffic is frequently the result of vehicle accidents. Distracted driving, busy intersections, speeding, road rage, and never-ending construction are common causes of car accidents in Atlanta.
While many drivers cannot avoid commutes, familiarity with Atlanta’s traffic trends and avoiding driving during peak traffic may help alleviate their frustration and accident risk.
How Does Atlanta’s Traffic Compare to Other Cities?
Believe it or not, Atlanta ranks pretty high in terms of traffic congestion. According to INRIX’s 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard, Atlanta ranked as the 10th most congested city in the United States and the 28th worldwide.
This may come as no surprise to Atlanta commuters, who have likely experienced the city’s serious traffic problems firsthand. Atlanta’s population is quickly growing, and with that comes more vehicles on the road. As an already very dense city, this creates even more challenges for drivers.
What Is the Worst Time to Drive Through Atlanta?
You can avoid Atlanta’s traffic congestion by limiting or refraining from driving during the busiest hours. Rush hour in Atlanta lasts from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Unless you work from home, you may not be able to escape rush hour fully. However, if you can stay off the roads from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can at least avoid the worst of the worst in terms of traffic jams.
If you run into so much traffic, use a traffic app to check if you can use backroads (surface streets) instead of major highways to reach your destination faster.
What Is the Best Way to Avoid Traffic Congestion in Atlanta?
There are several ways to avoid getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and save time, money, and your peace of mind:
- If your schedule is flexible, consider getting to work early to beat rush hour on your way home.
- If you can safely walk to your job, store, or your child’s school, consider walking rather than driving. Going places on foot or via bicycle can save you money and time and be a pleasurable way to get your daily exercise.
- Consider using Atlanta’s public transportation. While you may still get stuck in traffic, at least you don’t have to drive. Instead, You can spend your morning or afternoon commuting, reading a book, catching up on the news, or watching a movie on your smart device.
- Use a traffic app to be aware of accidents, roadblocks, and construction ahead of time, and take no-traffic routes if possible. It may be far less stressful and safer to spend an extra five minutes on uncongested roads than to take the fastest highway route suggested by an app.
- If you get stuck in traffic, remember to stay calm, avoid distractions, and keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles. This can prevent a vehicle pileup if you or another driver nearby are rear-ended.
What Is the Most Congested Intersection in Atlanta?
The most congested (and dangerous) intersections in Atlanta include:
- The Tom Moreland Interchange (also known as the Spaghetti Junction)
- The intersection of I-285 and I-20
- The intersection of I-285 and I-75
- Memorial Drive and N Road
If your commute includes driving through these busy intersections, you will inevitably hit the worst traffic during rush hour. Your best bet is to avoid these areas when traffic congestion is at its worst and look for alternative routes.
If you encounter traffic, you can minimize your chances of getting into an accident by slowing down, not succumbing to frustration, and leaving plenty of room between you and other drivers.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been in a Car Accident in Atlanta?
Unfortunately, even with the best efforts to avoid it, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself in a car accident in Atlanta, here are some important steps to take:
1. Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do after a car accident is to check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If possible, get out of the way of traffic to avoid further danger.
2. Call Emergency Services
If anyone is injured or if there is significant damage to vehicles or property, call 911 immediately. The operator will dispatch police and an ambulance if needed.
3. Exchange Information
While waiting for the authorities to arrive, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This should include names, contact information, license plate numbers, insurance details, and the make and model of vehicles.
4. Document the Accident
Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved. This will be useful for insurance purposes.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get a medical evaluation after a car accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and it’s best to have documentation in case any issues arise later on.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the next steps and help with any claims that need to be filed.
7. Consider Hiring a Lawyer
If there were significant injuries or damage, it may be in your best interest to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive proper compensation for any damages or injuries.
Contact an Atlanta Traffic Lawyer for More Information
If you’ve been in a car accident in Atlanta and suffered injuries because of someone else’s reckless driving, consider speaking with an experienced car accident attorney.
Depending on the cause of your accident and the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
One of the skilled and compassionate personal injury attorneys at the Dressie Law Firm can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim and help you recover fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call (678) 735-3734 today for a free case evaluation.