Drive on the Downtown Connector in Atlanta

This is a guide on how to drive on the often dangerous Downtown Connector (the central highway through Atlanta, Georgia). It is the interstate highways of 75 and 85. This also discusses how to deal with the highway's high concentration of dangerous and aggressive drivers.

Steps

  1. Plan your route, as it's important to be familiar with the road and know your destination.
  2. Go with the flow of traffic, even if it means speeding (many accidents are caused by passing drivers). The speed limit is {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}, however most traffic goes over this limit.
  3. Keep your cool. While driving, chances are good that you will be cut-off and/or tailgated. Don't get too angry at other drivers, as that diminishes your concentration on your own driving.
  4. Drive carefully.

Tips

  • If driving in an SUV, a truck, or another large vehicle, head for the HOV lane, as it's wider and has protection on one side, as long as you're in compliance with HOV regulations, which are enforced around the clock.
  • If you're in the HOV lane heading north, there is a separate HOV exit for I-75 north, so merging to the right across the highway is not necessary. Only take the exit if you have more than one passenger, you're driving a motorcycle, or a hybrid. The fines for HOV violations are very stiff.
  • If you get into an accident, remove your vehicle from the road if possible. If there is no emergency, the Department of Transportation offers a service called "HERO".
  • If heading north, beware that although I-85 heads for the northeast towards Atlanta's northeastern suburbs and the Carolinas, and the exit is on the left-hand side of the road. The exit for I-75 North is on the right side of the road. This leads towards Atlanta's northwestern suburbs and Tennessee.
  • If you are heading south and wish to take I-85, you must merge right across the highway - there is no HOV exit.

Warnings

  • Stay alert - It is very easy to drift between lanes, as they are extremely narrow. Although it's legal for most drivers, don't use cell phones or anything else that can take concentration away form the road.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, as drivers will often perform dangerous maneuvers.
  • Be prepared to stop, as Atlanta has lots of traffic congestion.

Things You'll Need

  • Map, directions, or GPS, just in case if you're lost
  • Cell phone, in case of an accident
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