An integrated transportation system combining today’s wireless and digital technologies could largely eliminate traffic congestion delays in metro Atlanta within 10 years. Within 20 years, the near universal automation of automobile headway control should give current freeway systems all the capacity needed – even considering population increases.   

The rise of services that use cellphone apps to enhance shared rides and cars, parking assistance and simple methods of making transportation payments is but a hint of what is possible. What is the bottom line? An information-intensive transit system can greatly reduce urban congestion at a fraction of the cost of a road-intensive solution. 

Today, with Georgia Tech as a significant player, the state of Georgia can be a national leader in this high-tech approach to enhancing quality of life. It will require participation from major governmental and private parties, including the Georgia Department of Transportation, MARTA and the Atlanta Regional Commission, as well as local Community Improvement Districts and high-tech startups. 

Let’s imagine that you and most other regular users of Atlanta’s roads were subscribers to a smartphone-based master app would tell you with near certainty the arrival time of a shared vehicle – whether it be a carpool, taxi, MARTA bus or train. It would alert you when it’s time to leave your location to be on time to catch the ride. The app  would also  arrange for a shared ride or rental car with ease. There need be no fixed schedule like ordinary carpools have, but you could have a fixed schedule that is changeable in real time. The best shared rides could include transit. 

You would have automated payments for shared rides, rental cars, buses and tolls. You don’t even need to take out your smartphone. This greatly simplifies the user experience. If you drove your personal car to work, transit or even at home, it could be a shared car. That would allow others greater flexibility to make the decision not to drive to their destination. 

Many related applications exist today. ZipCar is an early leader in the shared car industry, as is Uber. Here, not only the car is shared, but the driver is paid. These services help solve the “last mile problem” of getting to and from a MARTA stop or carpool pickup point. 

We all know of apps, such as Waze, Google Maps and MapQuest, that plan routes and make drives shorter using voice commands. Such features can, and will be, built into a master app. 

Let’s consider a few near-future changes in the way our freeways operate. Today, we have a high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane on I-85 in metro Atlanta. A smartphone app could enable almost immediate conversion of our high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to HOT lanes where those with the app get variable fares based on dynamic measurements of occupancy. Maybe four or more passengers actually gets paid to use the lane.  

Also, we might take advantage of more productive ramp metering that adjusts to freeway conditions. Dual ramp lanes would give priority to high-occupancy vehicles. The master app’s knowledge of a vehicle’s planned exit ramp would optimize the system. Note that Atlanta is already a leader in standard ramp metering aimed at avoiding disturbances in traffic flow. 

Finally, for driver and passenger safety, the master app would allow almost instantaneous 911 service. By supporting the development of a master app, Atlanta can become the national leader in making urban transportation efficient. Now is the time to get this solution under way. 

Clayton County accident report stated that on December 10, 2015 Driver 1 attempted to turn left onto Frontage Rd from Forest Parkway. She also stated that Vehicle 2 struck her car when she turned left at the light, which had just turned yellow, and that Driver 2 ran the light. Driver 2 stated that he was traveling very fast EB on Forest Parkway, and that Driver 1 ran the red light. Vehicle 2 spun Vehicle 1 around from the impact of the collision. Driver 1 complained of back pain but refused medical attention.   

Note: Running lights will incur ticket and/or points. 

Fulton County accident report  stated that on December 9, 2015 an officer was called to an accident where both parties claimed injury. Driver 1 admitted that the accident was his fault, when he failed to yield before making a left turn. There was substantial damage to the front bumper and side panel was knocked loose, but he was able to drive his vehicle away.  Driver 2 was traveling NB on Peters St attempting to make a right turn onto McDaniel St and was struck by Vehicle 1. Driver 1 requested towing, but was able to drive his car. He later complained of injuries to his neck and left shoulder, after first denying any injuries. He asked where the nearest hospital was, and said he would drive himself. Driver 1 received a citation for Failure to Yield When Turning Left. Note: Failure to Yield is a Failure.   

Clayton County accident report stated that on December 8, 2015 Driver 1 was pulling out of the parking lot of 5900 block of SR 42 and while making a left, struck vehicle 2. She advised that she was traveling north on SR 42 and once approaching Rex Road, when Vehicle 1 pulled out onto the roadway, struck his vehicle. He advised that he was not injured. Vehicle 1 had minor damage to the front right corner. Vehicle 2 had minor damage to the driver door and panel. Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield Right of Way When Entering Roadway. Note: Failure to yield is failure to drive offensively. 

DeKalb County accident report stated that on December 8, 2015 Drivers 1&2 were both traveling south on Moreland. Vehicle 2 was about to turn onto the I-285 entry ramp and stopped for the traffic. Vehicle 1 was directly behind Vehicle 2 and failed to yield to the oncoming traffic. Vehicle 1 struck Vehicle 2 on the rear bumper and side panel. There were no injuries reported and both vehicles were drivable. Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield and for Following Too Closely. Note:  If you drive up on another car’s bumper, you will run into it. 

Clayton County accident reported stated that on November 18, 2015 Driver 1 was exiting the Chevron Gas Station on W. Fayetteville Rd onto SR 314 making a left turn when her car was struck by Vehicle 2. After the impact Driver 1 stated that she didn’t see any damage, and that the car she was driving was not hers, and then left the scene. But Driver 2 stated that Vehicle 1 struck his car and left the scene, so he proceeded to follow Vehicle 1 while calling 911 to report the first accident, ran into Vehicle 2, therefore both vehicles were involved in 2 accidents with each other. No injuries were reported and Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield While Entering or Crossing a Roadway.  Note: Don’t leave the scene without following up and reporting an accident. 

Clayton County accident report states that on November 18, 2015 Driver 1 was exiting the parking lot of 7529 Hwy 85 onto SR 138, in an attempt to cross SR 138 to get to McElroy Rd and that Driver 2 stopped to allow him to proceed forward, however Driver 2 was still moving in lane 1 and did not see Vehicle 1 until after impact. Driver 2 stated that she was traveling EB on SR138 toward SR85 when Vehicle 1 pulled out in front of her, causing the collision.  No injuries were reported and Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield When Entering the Roadway.  Note:  Traffic In the Roadway has the Right of Way! 

Fulton County accident report stated that on November 18, 2015 an officer responded to an accident with injuries at the intersection of Noah’s Ark Rd and Deer Crossing Dr. Upon arriving the CCFD was on the scene treating both drivers.  Driver 2 stated that she was traveling EB when Vehicle 1 entered the roadway from Deer Crossing.  Vehicle 1 struck the left center side of Vehicle 2.  There was moderate damage to Vehicle 2.  Driver 2 was transported by CCFD w back and neck pain.  Driver 1 confirmed this statement.  Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield While Turning  and Driving Unlicensed. Note: If you don’t haven’t been licensed to drive — Don’t Drive! 

Fulton County accident report stated that on November 17, 2015 Driver 1 was on Sherwood Rd waiting to turn right onto Piedmont Avenue.  He stated that he thought the vehicle in front of him had proceeded forward after yielding to the traffic when he looked left and began to move forward, but Vehicle 2 had not pulled forward and he struck Vehicle 2 in the rear.  Driver 2 confirmed that she was struck from the rear while yielding to the traffic.  Driver 2 complained of head and neck pain, but refused medical treatment. No other complaints.  Driver 1 was cited for following too closely.  Note: If you strike the rear, you are always too close and at fault. 

Fulton County accident report stated that on November 17, 2015 an officer responded to an accident call on Roosevelt Hwy/29 about 1/4 mile from Mallory Rd. Driver 1 stated that he was attempting to turn into a driveway when his company truck sideswiped Vehicle 2.  Driver 2 stated that she was driving straight when Vehicle 1 turned into her lane and they collided.  Dirt marks from Vehicle 1 indicated that he merged into Vehicle 2’s lane which placed him at fault.  Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Maintain Lane. Vehicle 2 was towed. No injuries were reported.  Note: Failure to maintain is always at fault.  

Clayton County accident report stated that on November 17, 2015 an officer was called to a 4 car accident on SR85.  Driver 1 stated that she was exiting the Wendy’s parking lot on SR 85, turning left (N) and made contact with Vehicle 2, which was traveling So in lane 2.  Driver 2 and Driver 3 corroborated this statement.  Vehicle 2 was pushed into Vehicle 3 from the impact of Vehicle 1.  Driver 4 was also traveling So on SR 85 in lane 1, when he was unable to avoid striking Vehicle 1 after Vehicle 1 had struck Vehicle 2.  Drivers 1 &2 both complained of injuries but refused medical assistance.  Vehicles 1 & 2 were removed from the roadway by Mac’s Wrecker.  Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield while Turning Left and for Driving in Violation of License Restrictions!  Note:  Don’t Drive If You Have Driving Restrictions! 

Clayton County accident report stated that on November 16, 2015 Driver of Vehicle 2 was traveling EB on King Road when Vehicle 1 pulled out onto the roadway and struck her rear right side of the vehicle. Driver 1 stated that she was pulling out NB in Amberwood Apts driveway onto King Rd  when she said that the approaching car was speeding and did not see it until it was right upon her. Both vehicles were removed by their drivers. Neither driver complained of injuries. Driver 1 was cited for Failure to Yield While Entering Roadway.  Note: the vehicle in the roadway has the right of way. 

DeKalb County accident report stated that on November 16, 2015 Vehicle 2 was turning left from Northlake Pkwy on Robinhill Rd on a green arrow which indicated to her that it was her turn to turn left. Vehicle 1 was trying to catch the light before it turned red on Northlake Pkwy, per the witness’ statement and struck Vehicle 2 on the passenger side.  Both vehicles were towed from the scene with significant damage. Driver 1 was cited for failure to obey traffic signal. Note: Don’t run the light! 

Clayton County accident report states that on September 16,  2015,  an officer responded to the scene and stated that the owners of Vehicles 2 and 3 both heard a loud crash outside of their homes, and discovered that Vehicle 1 rolled down her driveway, into the driveway and rear-ended Vehicle 2, which shoved Vehicle 2 into the front of Vehicle 3.  All three vehicles were unoccupied at the time of the collision.  The owner of Vehicle 1 advised that her vehicle must not have been securely in park, or either jumped a gear, and rolled out of control causing the collision with the other two vehicles.  The owners of the other vehicles live across the street from Driver 1 and no one was injured, but the owner of Vehicle was cited for failure to secure her vehicle on an incline. Note: Always use the safety brake when parking on any degree of incline.  The slightest degree can cause a car to roll. 

Clayton County accident report states that on September 15, 2015 Driver 1 advised that she was backing up from a parking space when she felt someone banging on the trunk of her car and yelling at her to stop.  She stopped her vehicle, as both eye witnesses confirmed, but only after striking Pedestrian 1 & 2.  Driver 1 stated that she did not realize that she had struck anyone or anything.  The two pedestrians were too young to provide statements.  The witness stated that while walking through the parking lot, Vehicle 1 started backing out of a parking space.  Witness  yelled for Driver 1 to stop, but that she didn’t hear or stop, but continued backing up, striking lightly  Pedestrian 1 & 2.  Neither of the children appeared to be injured.  CCFD Engine responded,  but  transportation to the hospital  was  declined. Driver 1 was cited for failing to look back to observe surroundings before backing up. Note: Failure to observe surroundings when driving canl result in serious injuries, property damage or worse, someone’s death.   

Cobb County/Marietta accident report states that on September 14, 2015  an officer was dispatched to the incident location to investigate an accident and that upon arrival,  as Driver 1 stated,  he was making a U-turn in the middle of So Cobb Drive and his vehicle struck Vehicle 2.  Driver 2 advised that he was driving on So Cobb and observed Vehicle 1 in the middle of the roadway.  Driver 2 advised me that he was unable to stop, before Vehicle 1 ran into him.  Driver 1 was cited for making a U-Turn and Driver 2 was cited for failure to stop for traffic in the roadway. Note:  U-Turns are usually not allowed, but when allowed do so cautiously only when there is no oncoming traffic.