Summer on the Open Road: Travel Tips, Traffic Advice, and Safe Driving Tips

schahczinski
Sep 8
2 min read

Hot town, summer in the city…

– The Lovin’ Spoonful

It’s early September now, and Chicago is still full of surprises when it comes to weather. One day it feels like fall, the next we’re right back in the middle of summer. At this point, though, I think we’ve all come to expect Mother Nature’s unpredictability. After all, how dull would it be if every day were exactly the same?

I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer. Whether you spent it traveling, relaxing at home, or just enjoying time with friends and family, my wish is that it’s been memorable.

Back at the end of May, I had the good fortune of taking a vacation in Florida. It gave me the chance to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Gulf Coast — and also to once again experience the organized chaos of our nation’s highways during 2,500 miles of travel. A few takeaways stood out, and they’re worth sharing:

Construction season has long been Chicago’s running joke. But after traveling through several states, I can tell you — every city now owns this “season.”
Traffic is universal. Years ago, I could cruise through Atlanta on I-75 without tapping the brakes. Now? If I’m not at a dead stop for 15 minutes, it must be 2:00 AM.
Courtesy on the road feels rare. It seems like you have to signal a full two miles in advance to find a gap.
Georgia wins for traffic enforcement. I admire the two-car system: one officer writes a ticket, the other watches for drivers ignoring the “Move Over” law.
Truck lanes matter. Most truckers stick to the right lanes, but the mix of speeders and cautious drivers creates plenty of unpredictable moments.
The Tennessee-to-Georgia descent still amazes me after nearly 50 years of travel. Watching some drivers turn it into a downhill slalom at highway speeds is both impressive and terrifying.
The Autobahn mindset has spread. Speed limit signs? They’ve become more of a suggestion than a rule.
Cell phones are the biggest hazard of all. At 80 mph, you’re covering more than 100 feet per second. Glancing at your phone for three seconds means driving the length of a football field on blind faith. No wonder insurance rates keep rising.

And of course, sprawl is everywhere. Interchanges filled with hotels, gas stations, and chain restaurants have replaced long, open stretches of road. Still, there’s something special about being able to travel by car in this country. The views may be different now, but the freedom of the open road remains, as long as you approach it with caution, and remember that while you may be on vacation, the driver tailgating you might just be late for work.

Enjoy the last days of summer, and as always — BE SAFE.

Dale Schahczinski - Chief Operating Officer