Metro Atlanta claimed six spots on a recent list of the worst bottlenecks in the country, with two of the top five places belonging to the city’s streets. U.S. News ranked Atlanta at #10 for most congested cities in 2022.
Why is Atlanta traffic so bad? The city is home to around half a million people and houses the world’s busiest airport. Historical sites, museums, and other attractions bring in tourists from across the globe, plus the city hosts professional sports franchises like the Braves, Hawks, and Falcons. Atlanta’s poor traffic flow has also been identified as a remnant of the city’s Jim Crow laws.
Resources for Navigating Atlanta Traffic
With so many people coming and going in the city, it’s not surprising that traffic in Atlanta is a constant concern for travelers and commuters. There are some ways you can avoid heavy traffic and other problems.
Check Road Conditions Before Traveling
Local news stations provide Atlanta traffic maps, and 511GA also provides a map with up-to-date road conditions and traffic data. It’s a good idea to check these maps to ensure your planned route is clear and to estimate the amount of time you’ll need to reach your destination.
Use MARTA Whenever Possible
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is Atlanta’s public transportation system. It offers bus and train options for traveling around the city, which can be preferable to driving in congested areas. Consider taking advantage of MARTA during especially busy times or if you aren’t familiar with Atlanta streets and navigation.
Atlanta Traffic Tips for Maximizing Safety
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Atlanta despite taking every necessary precaution to drive safely, contact Flanagan Law to discuss your options for an injury claim. You may be entitled to damages if someone else’s negligence caused your accident.
You cannot always prevent an accident, but you can make sure that your driving habits and decisions are responsible, which is especially important on congested Atlanta streets. Below are some tips for navigating the city as safely as possible.
Don’t Get in a Hurry
Allotting plenty of time for your trip is not always easy, but it can decrease your stress and make it more likely that you’ll practice safe driving behaviors. Speeding, improper lane changes, and distracted driving are all more common when drivers are feeling rushed.
Know the Danger Zones
Accidents can happen anywhere, but there are certain areas of roadways that are more hazardous. These include merge points, construction zones, and highway interchanges.
Plot Your Route
Know ahead of time which roads you’ll be taking and what exits, landmarks, or cross streets you’ll need to watch for. There is likely more than one way to get wherever you’re going, so it can be helpful to check all the possible routes ahead of time so you can decide which one is best.
Car Accident Attorney in Atlanta, GA
If an accident does happen, you’ll want a qualified and respected car accident attorney to represent you in your injury claim. Contact Flanagan Law to schedule a free consultation with one of our Atlanta accident lawyers.
