Atlanta Memorial Weekend Traffic

First of all let me say today, “Happy Memorial Day,” a day originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. Over the years the holiday has evolved into honoring not only those who have died in the service or their country but to honor all who have gone before us. It also marks the official beginning of the summer season with Labor Day marking the end.

So starts this blog about the special chaos in “commuter-ville,” during the holidays and summer. As I drove home Friday from my Atlanta office, preparing for the 50.3 mile journey, I noticed something a bit unusual, “a lot more traffic going a lot slower.” Now this presents a special sort of stress and anxiety for the regular commuter who has worked a long day, is on the precipice of the weekend and basically just wants to get the hell home!

At times, going zero mph, I also noticed, something else that is unique to the holidays and summer….those huge-ass RVs, I don’t just mean recreational vehicles of long past either, these suckers are “houses on wheels,” they are as big as semi-tractor trailers but they’re not driven by professionals. They are driven by 75 year-old retirees, not that I have anything against our elderly mind you. But have you ever really observed how these monstrosities are driven, how they “corner,” change lanes and back-up? All I’m saying is pay special attention when driving along side one of these, speed by as quick as you can and God forbid their are two side by side, because traffic will be backed up for hours.

So for all those who are not going any place special today, just out and about and trying to get from point A to point B, plan accordingly. Start listening to the unabridged version of any favorite novel and by the time you get to your destination you will have heard the epilogue.