The College Football Playoff national championship is here and Atlanta roadways are likely to be slammed with both frustrated commuters and eager fans as hundreds of thousands converge on the football capital of the South.
The game between the University of Georgia and University of Alabama kicks off at 8 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the pre-game festivities started this past Saturday.
Road Closures
Road closures include the following:
- Centennial Olympic Park Drive, between Portman Boulevard and MLK Jr Drive
- Eastbound Baker Street, between Luckie Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive
- Marietta Street, between Ivan Allen Jr Boulevard and Centennial Olympic Park Drive
President Trump is expected to attend the championship game but details regarding his schedule have not yet been released. If the POTUS travels to the stadium via motorcade, freeways will have to be temporarily shut down for security purposes.
The best way to avoid traffic is to leave for work (or the festivities) early, prepare to take backup routes, or avoid any headaches altogether and work from home.
DUI Accidents
Whether attending the game in person or watching the game at a party or bar, fans should plan now to either drive sober or have a designated driver or ride service. A person caught driving drunk faces up to $10,000 in fines, legal fees, and other costs. But it could be worse.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol is a factor in 1 out of every 4 traffic deaths in Georgia.
"We don't want anyone to lose their life or lose a family member or friend because someone made the foolish decision to drink and drive," Harris Blackwood, Director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, said.
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