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Stay Safe and Seen: Georgia DOT's Halloween Travel Forecast and Safety Tips

Traffic hotspots: Highways:

  • 4 – 5 p.m. 1-285 West at GA 400 AND I-285 South (counterclockwise) at I-20 West
  • 3pm – 7pm typical travel time with moderate traffic

Surface roads:

  • 2 – 3 p.m. Buckhead
  • 3 – 4 p.m. Northwest Atlanta, Buckhead, Northeast Atlanta, Downtown, West Atlanta
  • 4 – 5 p.m. Northwest Atlanta, Buckhead, Northeast Atlanta, Downtown, West Atlanta
  • 5 – 6 p.m. Northeast Atlanta, East Atlanta

Additional road traffic forecast
To further assist travelers, the Georgia DOT has identified the major surface roads in the Atlanta metropolitan area and their expected traffic patterns during the peak Halloween season:

  • Northside Dr./Cobb Pkwy & Peachtree Pkwy: Heavier than normal Traffic is expected from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m
  • Roswell Rd: To be experienced as expected better than normal Traffic flow from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m
  • Jimmy Carter Blvd/Holcomb Bridge Rd: Normal conditions expected from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., with heavier than normal Traffic from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m
  • Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy/Veterans Memorial Hwy & Northside Dr./Metropolitan Pkwy: Normal from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., heavier than normal from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m
  • Ponce De Leon Ave: Expected to flow better than usual from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m
  • Moreland Ave: Improved flow is expected from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m normal conditions from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m
  • Memorial Dr.: Heavier than normal Traffic expected from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m normal conditions from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m
  • Tara Blvd: Expected experience normal traffic from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m

Tips for a safe Halloween:
For drivers:

  • Slow down and be aware of pedestrians, especially in residential areas.
  • Focus on the road and your surroundings by eliminating distractions.
  • For those who have drunk or want to drink; Designate sober drivers and hiking partners and be prepared to hail a taxi or rideshare to get home safely.

For pedestrians:

  • Use a flashlight when walking at night.
  • Always walk on a sidewalk if one is available.
  • See and be seen. Make sure drivers see you and stop before stepping in front of a vehicle.
  • Children under 12 years of age traveling at night should be supervised by an adult.
  • Children should stay in familiar, well-lit places and trick-or-treat in groups.
  • Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have children carry glow sticks or flashlights.
  • Always cross the street at corners using traffic lights and zebra crossings.
  • Don't let friends or family go alone after drinking. Impaired mobility can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Use 511GA as a resource

  • Plan – expect increased traffic on your usual route on Halloween night. Use the 511GA app to explore alternative routes.
  • Monitor for traffic accidents – On Halloween night, like any other night, various traffic accidents can occur. Stay informed about local traffic issues with the 511GA app. The service operates around the clock. Dial 511 for roadside assistance and additional travel information. If you require roadside assistance, remain strapped in your vehicle until assistance arrives.
  • Activate Driving Mode – your phone's Do Not Disturb feature to help drivers concentrate while driving at night with heavy pedestrian traffic. Avoid distractions and ensure safe driving by refraining from using your phone.

The Georgia DOT's SEE & BE SEEN campaign emphasizes the shared responsibility of drivers and pedestrians. Walkers and drivers are asked to be vigilant to ensure a safe Halloween for everyone. For more information, visit the Georgia DOT's official website at www.dot.ga.gov.


The Georgia Department of Transportation designs, constructs, and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We are involved in bridge, waterway, mass transit, rail, general aviation, bicycle and pedestrian programs. And we support local governments in maintaining their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Ministry's vision is to increase Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.