Gridlock Guy / Mark Arum

While the legal system debates whether or not it it's okay to hang the 10 Commandments inside court rooms, I've come up with an idea that I think we can all get behind. The Traffic Ten Commandments. These commandments should be carved in stone and hung in every DMV office throughout the state. Simple, elegant and powerful just like the original 10 Commandments, these traffic commandments provide a great guide for all of us on how we should act when behind the wheel.

I. Thou shalt not leave without checking

This is commandment number one for a reason. Before you leave the house for work and before you leave work for home always check on the traffic. Whether it's on TV, radio or the Web you should always find out what is waiting for you on the roads. The new edition of georgianavigator.com isn't a user friendly as the the old one, but it is still a valuable resource. Bookmark it now.

II. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's lane

Murphy's Traffic Law states that the lane you are driving in is the slowest lane on the road. That is until you switch lanes, and then that lane becomes the slowest. It's true and we all know it. So Commandment number two is simple. Don't covet thy neighbor's lane. Stay where you are and things will be fine.

III. Thou shalt not steal...glances at thy cell phone

Your surroundings on the road can change in an instant. Constant cell phone glances can be just as dangerous as texting. Commandment number three says don't do it.

IV. Thou shalt always have thy license, registration and insurance info in thy car

Traffic stops, DUI checks and click-it or ticket patrols are part of the traffic landscape in Atlanta. Be prepared and save yourself some time by having everything handy. Trust me, Commandment number four is here to save you time ad hassle.

V. Thou shalt not take thy traffic reporters name in vain

We are human. We make mistakes. I make them everyday. Trust me, we never intentionally want you to get stuck in traffic, but sometimes it happens. More often than not, we get you the info you need.

VI. Thou shalt have a GPS

Like a Bible in every hotel room, in 2011 every car should have a GPS. If the freeway is shutdown or jammed with traffic a GPS device is invaluable to help find good alternate routes. Just program the GPS to get you to your destination by using only surface streets.

VII. Thou shalt drive as if thy mother and father were in thy car

My favorite traffic Commandment. It's simple. Just drive like your mom is sitting next to you. This way you'll take it nice and easy and you'll tend to avoid road rage.

VIII. Thou shalt respect I-285

Morning, noon and night I-285 is a mysterious abyss. It has mystical powers that can at any moment jump up and strike down even the most humble commuter. Treat I-285 with respect and it will treat you with respect.

IX. Thou shalt honor thy car ad keep it holy

Your car might be your greatest love or it might just be a way to get around. Either way you need to keep it running smoothly. Proper maintenance (oil, tires, fluids, etc...) are the best way to honor your car and keep it holy.

X. Thou shalt not throw garbage on the road.

No cups, no cigs, no cans. No paper, no plastic, no problems. My biggest pet peeve and the final traffic Commandment. Keep a trash bag in your car and throw your garbage in there. There is no need to throw your junk out onto the roads.

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