10. The best sources of traffic information are on the Internet at www.georgia-navigator.com, and on the radio at WSB-AM (750) and WGST-AM (640). The Internet site is operated by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The radio stations offer the region's most frequent rush hour reports -- every six minutes on WSB, every 10 minutes on WGST. My nod for best reports goes to WSB, which devotes more resources.

9. A huge percentage of Atlanta's drivers consider themselves worthy of the NASCAR circuit and drive very, very fast. If you drive the speed limit on Atlanta freeways, you can expect to be the slowest car on the road. Unless it's rush hour, when everyone's driving the slowest car on the road.

8. Atlanta's worst traffic is on what the radio traffic reporters call the Big Three: I-75 north, Ga. 400 and I-85 north. But it's no picnic to be on the top-end Perimeter or the Downtown Connector, either. Consolation: For what it's worth, and that's not much, you can usually zip right along on I-675 south of the city.

7. Do not be surprised to learn that many cars in Atlanta do not appear to be equipped with turn signals. Many drivers refuse to use them, considering them a sign of weakness.

6. Georgia's DUI laws are among the nation's toughest. The legal limit for adult drivers in Georgia is .08, though officers can charge you with DUI on even lower blood alcohol readings should you exhibit other signs of impairment, such as swerving or slurred speech. There is "zero tolerance" for teen drivers: A reading of .02 or above is certain to land offenders in the slammer.

5. The streets in metro Atlanta often change names without warning, and every other one is named Peachtree. Some cities have a grid system, making it easy to find your way around. Our system is based on gridlock. Buy a metro map and keep it handy -- you'll need it just to avoid jackknifed tractor trailers.

4. Within 30 days of moving to Georgia, you are required to get a Georgia driver's license (avoid unbelievable lines by getting an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety at 678-413-8500) and a Georgia license plate (from county tag offices). You cannot get a tag without first having your vehicle's emissions tested at one of 800 emission centers around the 13-county area (see www.cleanairforce.com for details).

3. Upon getting on an Atlanta freeway, 90 percent of the cars immediately go as far left as legally possible, and sometimes even farther left than is legally possible, driving solo in the HOV lane. Therefore, it is often easier to make good time in the far right lane, except that it usually ends or becomes an exit only lane within 500 feet.

2. Several Atlanta freeways -- the Downtown Connector, I-85 north and I-20 east -- are equipped with HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes. You must have at least two people in your car to use them, and kids count. You can ride alone in the HOV lane if you're on a motorcycle, or if your car is powered by electricity or natural gas.

1. And finally, be advised that your time is not nearly as important as that of the driver about to cut in front of you in line. He is late for work -- again. And he's everywhere.

ATLANTA'S WORST ROADS
Earlier this year, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce identified the area's top 17 congested corridors: