February 2020 – A-1 Driving Schools | 19 Locations in Atlanta, GA

February 17th, 2020

Georgia Eases Driver’s License Rules for Puerto Ricans and Others

The Georgia Department of Driver Services has agreed to make it easier for Puerto Ricans and applicants from other U.S. territories to get driver’s licenses under the terms of a federal lawsuit settlement which was announced recently.

The department agreed to allow residents from the territories — who are U.S. citizens — to transfer their driver’s licenses to Georgia without taking driving or written tests. That’s what people who move to Georgia from the 50 U.S. states are already allowed to do.

In addition, the DDS will no longer require Puerto Ricans to take a test of island geography, politics and culture to prove they are from that territory.

The settlement could make it easier for thousands of people to drive, get jobs and otherwise settle in Georgia.

In a written statement, the DDS confirmed the changes in policy.

“The top priority at DDS is to provide efficient customer service while following all Georgia and federal rules and requirements,” Commissioner Spencer R. Moore said. “We welcome instances like this where opportunities for improvement can be made after an additional assessment of existing law.”

Looking for Driving Lessons?

Driving lessons are a great first step for new drivers, or licensed drivers, helping students to feel comfortable on the road, in traffic, and in a variety of weather conditions. Most insurance companies even offer discounts for drivers who have had lessons. Sign up for driving lessons, today.

We now offer on-site road testing at A1

ONSITE ROAD TESTING

Skip the DMV. We now offer onsite road testing at select A-1 Driving School locations. You can purchase driving lessons + on-site road test packages, or you can purchase the individual test, alone, for $75

For more information visit www.a1drivingschools.com or call (770) 962-9555!

February 10th, 2020

Car Insurance 2020 Tips

The first couple of years of driving for a teenager are statistically the most dangerous of all. Teen drivers can lower their car crash risk by enrolling in a defensive driving course!

Teen drivers that graduate a defensive driving course can get the following benefits:

Learning the fundamentals of driving. Teen drives will learn the traffic rules in a systemic way.
Builds confidence. The first time behind the wheels can be a scary or stressful experience for a teen driver. Teen drivers can practice in a safe environment, where they can build confidence in their abilities and skills as they learn how to drive with the help of an experienced driver.
Shows them the risks. Teen drivers need to be aware that driving is dangerous. Being too nervous is dangerous, but if a teen driver is not nervous at all, it means he is not aware of how risky driving can be. Teens will learn how dangerous driving can be and what risks are involved. They will also learn how to avoid those risks.
Learning the consequences. In this course, teens will learn about the effects of driving under influence (DUI). Teen drivers will also learn they will have to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others.
Practice time. Teenagers will practice their driving skills in a safe, supervised environment. Teen drivers can learn driving techniques from qualified instructors and can develop their skills.
Learn the state’s laws. Traffic laws differ from one state to another. Depending on which state the teen driver is taking the course, he will be presented with the laws of that state.
Cheaper insurance premiums. Insurance companies place the teen drivers in the high-risk category, thus they have to pay more for their insurance. One way for teen drivers to lower their car insurance rates is by graduating a defensive driving course.

For additional info about class schedules or to see A-1’s 19 convenient locations call (770)962-9555 or visit us at www.a1drivingschools.com!

February 4th, 2020

Higher Fines for Distracted Driving

A bill that would increase fines for distracted driving got a skeptical reception from some Georgia lawmakers.

House Bill 113 would raise fines for drivers who handle their cellphones or other electronic devices while driving. The current fine is $50. Under the bill, it could be as high as $100. Fines for subsequent offenses also would increase.

At a hearing before the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, supporters said Georgia motorists have had two years to get accustomed to the state’s ban on handling phones while driving. They say stiffer fines are needed because many people are ignoring the law.

Some lawmakers questioned whether raising fines is the best approach. They wondered whether additional educational efforts or other methods make more sense.

HB 113 would be the first update to the Hands-Free Georgia Act, which prohibited motorists from handling their phones while driving beginning in 2018. Under the law, motorists can use such devices if they use hands-free technology. But supporting a device with any part of their body is illegal.

The Georgia State Patrol wrote nearly 25,000 distracted driving citations in the first year after the law took effect. Early evidence suggested the new law has had an impact — Georgia traffic fatalities fell 2.2% to 1,515 in 2018 and an additional 4% last year.

But anyone driving on metro Atlanta highways can still see plenty of drivers with their eyes glued to their phones instead of the road.

Under the bill, the fine for a first offense would be $50 to $100, at a judge’s discretion. The fine for a second offense would range from $100 to $200, and a third offense would cost $150 to $300.

The bill also would raise fines for distracted driving offenses within school and construction zones.

The same safe driving practices that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can apply to be a safe driver in a car and on a motorcycle. There is a lot of very useful and informative information in the class and it will apply whether you have been driving for years or you are a brand new driver.

For more information about class schedules or to see A-1’s 19 convenient locations call (770)962-9555 or visit us at www.a1drivingschools.com!

February 4th, 2020

Ex-Pro Wrestler DUI Arrest, Strikes 5-Year-Old on Bike

Mark Hildreth, who was a professional wrestler under the name ‘Van Hammer,’ was traveling 58 mph in a 35 mph zone, police estimate.

A 5-year-old boy whose bicycle still had training wheels was struck by the car driven by the former professional wrestler, who was speeding and drunk, and who then took off, police alleged.

Mark Hildreth, 60, is charged with leaving the scene of an injury crash and DUI with injuries.

The boy, whom police did not name, was thrown atop the car’s hood, a police report said.

He was taken as a trauma patient to Delray Medical Center, with possible internal injuries and “road rash.” Police said the injuries are not life-threatening and he was in stable condition.

In court at the Palm Beach County Jail, Circuit Judge Ted S. Booras set bail for Hildreth at $125,000, with an option for house arrest. Prosecutors said Hildreth had a 2004 DUI arrest in Georgia.

Hildreth — 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds in his prime — spent 12 years in wrestling before retiring in 2002, according to a 2013 Palm Beach Post profile.

We are glad that no one was seriously hurt in this accident which could have easily turned out differently.

How to keep bicyclists safe:

Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways.
Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for anyone crossing before driving
3 Feet of Clearance: More than 20 states have passed laws requiring motorists to give bicycles on the road about 3 feet of space.

DUI Laws | What You Need to Know

The laws make it illegal for drivers of all ages to operate motor vehicles if they have BAC percentages of:

0.08% or higher, if they’re 21 years old or older operating regular passenger vehicles.
0.04% or higher, if they’re operating commercial vehicles.
0.02% or higher, if they’re younger than 21 years old.

Georgia State law also requires clinical evaluation and the attendance of a DUI / Risk Reduction Program that’s certified/licensed by the Georgia Department of Driver’s Services before your driver’s license can be reinstated if you have been charged with any of the following:

DUI
Drug Possession
Other drug offenses
Under-age possession of drugs or alcohol

Before getting behind the wheel after having a few, consider the many reasons why you should not.

For more information about DUI School visit www.a1drivingschools.com or call (770) 962-9555!

From everyone here at A-1’s Driving School, we would like to wish everyone a safe, festive holiday!

February 4th, 2020

New Med School Graduate Killed by DUI Driver

A University of Georgia graduate who had recently completed medical school was killed after a drunken driver smashed into his car, officials said.

Tyler Wallace, M.D. was driving home from a post-medical training class when he was hit by a DUI driver. Wallace was exiting Highlands Grove Business Park at 3690 Highlands Parkway S.E. in a gray 2016 Chrysler 200 when he was struck on the driver’s side by a black 2014 Toyota Tundra.

First responders had to use the jaws of life to extract Wallace from his vehicle. He was rushed to Kennestone Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Police at the scene of the wreck asked the other driver, Brent Douglas Davis, to step out of his truck to speak with them, the warrant said. An officer noticed he was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred. Officers noticed the smell of mouthwash on his breath.

Davis denied a field sobriety test and denied he was drunk. Police later found beer cans in the car.

Davis was charged with homicide by vehicle and DUI.