The Fourth of July holiday this week may add fuel to Atlanta’s usual hellish commute.
» RELATED: Atlanta traffic jams and road conditions
To help you avoid getting stuck in holiday traffic this year, Google Trends analysts came up with the best and worst times to hit the road in 25 U.S. cities based on 2017 data.
The analysts examined the total number of cars on the road at a given time during last year’s holiday period beginning Monday, July 3, 2017 through Thursday, July 6 and assessed speed and location data from Android phones with their location services enabled.
» RELATED: Atlanta ranked 6th best city to celebrate the 4th of July in 2018
While the best times to leave your house before July 4th are the early morning or late evening of July 3rd, those who can’t get out until Wednesday should consider hitting the road between 4-6 a.m., according to Google Trends.
In Atlanta specifically, the optimal time to hit the road if you’re headed out of town on the day of is 4 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4. The worst time: 3 p.m., likely when people are on their way to a fireworks destination.
Metro traffic begins to rise shortly before 6 a.m. and doesn’t fall until around 6 p.m.
» RELATED: The ultimate Fourth of July weekend guide
And if you’re headed back after the fireworks show, consider holding out until after 11 p.m. to avoid a traffic jam.
The 2018 AJC Peachtree Road Race, which takes place on Fourth of July every year, will also result in several area closures along Monroe Drive and Peachtree Street between July 2-4, though most closures are expected to reopen around noon on Wednesday.
Here’s a look at approximately when Atlanta traffic peaks around the holiday:
Tuesday: 3 p.m.
Wednesday (Independence Day): 3 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
And remember, when you're on the road: Georgia's new distracted driving law, the state's most significant change to its traffic laws in a generation, went into effect on July 1.
» RELATED: What's legal and what's not under Georgia's hands-free driving law
