Local News
Local News

Back-to-school traffic: is it really worse?

By Andria Simmons
Aug 11, 2014

Today is the first day of school for the DeKalb and Fulton county systems. Gwinnett, Cobb and Atlanta went back last week.

And you know what that means: gridlock returns to the roads as the kids return to school.

“I have to leave home 10 to 15 minutes earlier, because it’s just a sea of cars coming down that street,” said Susan Robinson, a receptionist at a veterinary clinic on South Cobb Drive.

Does traffic really get worse when schools go back into session?

To find out, the AJC compared state traffic counts on selected interstates and surface streets. The results will surprise you.

Subscribers can read the full story on our premium website, MyAJC.com.

About the Author

Andria Simmons
More Stories

The Latest

Lights are displayed outside of the Woodruff Arts Center near the intersection of Peachtree Street and 15th Street. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Why Midtown’s holiday lights display is a little less vibrant this year

MARTA chief says new train cars give smooth, quiet ride

Mother charged in child’s death describes hours before as ‘dream,’ police say

Featured

A MARTA operator is seen inside the control room of one of the new MARTA trains during the unveiling of these trains on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

MARTA chief says new train cars give smooth, quiet ride

Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editorial board he is focused on project delivery, which he said is key to winning back public trust.

God’s Acre: Former Native American boarding school reveals complex history

A Native American boarding school established by Moravian missionaries in North Georgia in the early 19th century reveals a complicated and compelling history.

Why Midtown’s holiday lights display is a little less vibrant this year

Midtown Bright, the annual winter lights display, was cut back this year.