Changing Lanes

Changing lanes

One of the biggest challenges I have experienced ever since I moved in Atlanta was dealing with bad traffic and the complicated road system. For the first couple of days in Atlanta, I had to think through whether going outside of my place is absolutely necessary since driving around was very stressful for me. I may have good memory but do not have great sense of direction, so it takes time to memorize roads and landmarks. Once I figured out the 4 mile range from where I live, I had to commute to this downtown office, which is 18 miles away from my condo. The most stressful thing that I had to deal with at work was getting there. The lanes in Atlanta highway tend to disappear and reappear and drive me crazy. For example, it will be 7 lanes in downtown and becomes 4 and then 5 and then.. .who knows how many lanes it will be? The thing is it’s not easy for me to change lanes when the traffic is so bad.

I studied how to minimize changing lanes on highways. Here’s my routine to go to work. Until I get on the GA 400, I’m just cruising this waviest Peachtree-Dunwoody road for 4 miles. As soon as I get on GA400, I have to move two lanes on left within 1 mile otherwise I will go to the 285 highway. When GA 400 merges to I-85, I have to move one lane to my left and then two more on my right before I get off the exit.

When I go back home, I have to change 3 lanes on my left as soon as I get on the highway in one mile. Otherwise I will go to I-75, instead if I-85. Believe me! It’s quite a challenge if you want to perform this task between 5 and 6 pm in Atlanta. No wonder I’m so tired after work. Sigh.

Although it’s not easy to go to the office, I’m a positive person at the end. Instead of avoiding working at the downtown, (well which was not my option anyway), I decide to make this commute as my learning experience for Atlanta roads and bad traffic situation. I have to admit that I still feel a sharp needle on my spine whenever I had to change lanes on the busy highways. So Guys! Please pray for my safety on the road.