Why do people in Atlanta drive so fast on the freeway?

I used to work at the cargo area of the airport and we had truckers come from every state in the country. They always told me that Atlanta had the worst drivers they ever saw. One of the main reasons for this is that the Atlanta Police Department is very understaffed. I also knew a guy who worked for the Fulton County Police Dept. and he told me the average speed on GA 400 (before traffic got so bad) used to be 97mph (the fastest average speed in the country!!!). I actually used to have people try to run me off the road when I lived there! I am so glad I loved away from metro Atlanta!!!

I saw this on a news report a few years ago. The state police in GA have a basic rate they pay state troopers. The county sheiffs in the metro area pay more than the state police. So if someone wants to get a job in law enforcement, they get paid more to be a county sherriff than a state trooper.

Because of this, there is a shortage of state troopers in the ATL metro area. There literally not enough of them to patrol the miles of interstate there. So since there are not enough cops to stop them, people speed.

Delta is the quickest way. ATL to LGA in case you're driving Google maps says take 80 5 to seventy seven then take 80 one to seventy six. in case you are attempting this you ward off Richmond, Wash DC and Philly. slightly below 950 miles and sixteen hours. The 80 5 to ninety 5 direction is closer (purely 882 miles) yet is plenty extra congested with site visitors in considerable cities.

I live in atlanta, however my boyfriend drives a semi and I rode with him for a year or so. Atlanta as far as truck drivers are concerned is the worst city to drive in. I, after being thru every major city in the 48 states concur. I don't know why they drive like nuts but they do!!!

This is how big cities work. They grow up driving, spend everyday driving, and are used to driving fast, and having a lot things to get done everyday.

Do everyone a favor, drive the speed limit and STAY in the right lane.

Atlanta Drives

I know what you mean and have you noticed when some one is pulled over that Traffic backs up for miles as every one slows down to see who it is? I live in Middle Georgia and am in fear every time I must go to Atlanta.

as someone who drove on 285 daily (i'm off at college now). but in atlanta we have places to be, to me thats why they have the fast lane. not for slowness, if you want to be slow stay out the way. also people try and beat traffic, actually slow people in the way causes traffic (to me). but you have to be use to it because when i go to chicago i think people drive crazy

I noticed that too. Every time i visit but they probably have to drive that fast because that is their main highway or means to get from one part of the city to another. Atlanta does not have the side streets that other cities have.

Just trying to stay a live.