Author: Jenny Chiem

As we move our clocks forward each spring, it often takes people a while to fully adjust to the loss of that 1 hour of sleep. Losing an hour of sleep can really make people feel drained. To make matters worse, when getting up it’s usually still dark.

American Automobile Association officials have come up with some tips to help drivers cope with the dark commute after they lose that hour during daylight savings time.

According to National Safety Council data, crashes typically increase by up to 6 percent on the Monday following the time change.

Drivers getting on the road before dawn are reminded to check and clean their car’s lights, such as headlights, and brake lights.

Tips for motorists:

• Get plenty of rest. Symptoms of drowsy driving can include having trouble keeping your eyes open, drifting from lanes, or not remembering the last few miles driven.
• Get some shades. Wear high-quality sunglasses and adjust the car’s sun visors as needed to avoid glare in the morning.
• Change driving habits. Reduce speeds and increase following distances, especially in more populated areas.
• Ditch the distractions. This can include cell phones, infotainment systems, or clocks that need to be turned back an hour.
• Use the headlights. This can make you more visible to pedestrians in the morning and evening. Don’t forget, even though the time changed, many will stick to their normal habits of walking home or exercising in the later hours.
• Remember to yield. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Also, don’t pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. Remember to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Please be safe on the roads and look out for the signs of drowsy driving, like not staying within the lines or zoning out!

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!

Learning to drive can be exhilarating for teens and nerve-wracking for parents. Education and practice are key to successful driving.

Knowing both the rules of the road and how to operate a vehicle safely can help new drivers be safe and confident on the road.

Whether the new driver is a teenager or someone older, the following tips can help first-time drivers stay safe:

• Take an approved driver’s education course!
• Practice. Practice will instill confidence and help the new driver understand both how to operate a car and obey traffic laws.
• Learn defensive driving! Another reason for taking driver’s education is to learn how to drive defensively. A new driver will not have the experience to control the car when a dangerous situation arises. Also, they will not know what to look for or prepare for when it comes to other drivers or adverse conditions. The more prepared they are, the better.
• Avoid distractions.
• Do not rush. Drivers do need to drive the speed limit except in adverse weather or road conditions, but speeding is never acceptable.
• Do not tailgate.
• Avoid fast braking and turns. Fast braking and sharp turns cause accidents.
• Do not drive under the influence! Unfortunately, teens’ alcohol and drug use are real, including prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse. No person, no matter their age, should drive under the influence, ever.

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!

Damon and his wife were pulled over in Windermere, Florida, at about 1:23 a.m. on February 19, after cops said they saw him swerving on the road and driving erratically.

Police reported that Damon had a blood-alcohol content of 0.30% – more than triple the legal limit in Florida.

Police arrested Damon’s wife, Michelle Mangan-Damon, on a charge of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence.

Damon played for seven teams during his 17-year MLB career, including the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

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:

1. DUI
2. Drug Possession
3. Other drug offenses
4. 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!

Penalties for DUI in Georgia are related to the number of prior offenses:

When someone has a first DUI in Georgia they face the following potential penalties:

• 12 months of probation
• A minimum fine of $300 plus court costs and surcharges
• Between 1 – 10 days in jail, which many times can be waived
• At least 40 hours of community service
• Substance abuse counseling
• Attendance of the DUI Risk Reduction School (commonly referred to as DUI School)
• Attendance of a Madd Mothers Victim Impact Panel
• Drivers License Suspension, with a limited permit to drive

When someone has a second DUI in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

• Between 12 – 36 months of probation
• Fines of between $600 – $1000, plus all applicable surcharges and court costs
• Between 90 days – 12 months in jail, all of which can be done through probation except for at least 3 days that must be served in jail.
• 30 days of community service (240 hours)
• DUI School
• Driver’s License Suspension
• Red stripe on license
• Installing of an ignition interlock device, after a “hard license suspension” of 120 days
• Surrender of license plate
• Mandatory substance abuse counseling
• Potential DUI Court, in jurim
• Photo publication in the legal organ of the county in which the offense occurred

When someone has a third DUI in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

• Between 12 -36 months of probation
• Fines of $1000 – $5000, plus all court costs and surcharges
• 120 days to 12 months in jail, with at least 15 days of actual incarceration (note a third DUI is a high and aggravated misdemeanor)
• 30 days of community service (240 hours)
• DUI School
• Five (5) years of driver’s license suspension (with an interlock permit available after two years)
• Surrender of license plate
• Photo publication in the legal organ of the accused’s home county
• Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment
• Declaration of Habitual Violator Status
• Potential DUI Court, in jurisdictions that have the program

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:

1. DUI
2. Drug Possession
3. Other drug offenses
4. Under-age possession of drugs or alcohol

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

Traffic statistics indicate that older adults overall are safe drivers with good driving records.

However, medical conditions, certain medications, and age-related physical changes can increase the risk of injury and crashes among older drivers.

There are around 44 million Americans ages 65 and older on our roads, and that they rank only behind young new drivers in crash rates.

Defensive driving techniques and the normal changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time associated with aging. The courses also provide practical techniques for adjusting to these changes to ensure the driver’s own safety and that of others on the road.

Participants learn about the current rules of the road and how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment.

Topics include:

• Maintaining proper following distance
• Minimizing the effect of dangerous blind spots
  Limiting driver distractions such as eating, smoking, and cell phone use
• Properly using safety belts, airbags, and all car features
• Effects of medications on driving
• Maintaining physical flexibility
• Monitoring the driving skills and capabilities of yourself and others

There is a lot of very useful and informative information offered in our classes 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!

On average, it can cost anywhere between 130% to 160% extra to add a teenager to your auto insurance policy.

This means you could be paying a minimum of an additional $2,000 a year in premiums for auto coverage.

This average value varies depending on the state you reside in, discounts you have applied to your policy, and many other factors such as:

• Tickets and accidents
• Age of the driver
• Gender of the driver
• Student’s achievements
• Number of policies you have with the provider
• The age of your vehicle
• The type of vehicle your teenager drivers
• The number of people on your policy

Some insurance providers may even go as far as inquiring about the medical history of your teenage driver. So if your teenager suffers from some physical or mental illness, like anxiety or depression, that could play a role in your rates as well.

Wanting to stray away from letting your teenager onto the roads after learning the statistics and risks associated with drivers their age and gender is entirely normal for a parent.

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 & lower car insurance rates!

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

• Save on insurance premiums!
• 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.
• 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.

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!

National vs state average annual rates with DUI

Georgia’s average annual percentage increase is lower than the national average, but drivers can still expect to pay more for car insurance after a DUI.

How much does it cost for insurance after a DUI in Georgia?

Georgia drivers convicted of a DUI can expect to pay roughly 86% more for insurance than what they paid pre-DUI.

Georgia drivers also face numerous penalties from the state after a DUI conviction. Penalties include such things as jail time, community service, and fines.

If your drunk driving injures or kills someone, the penalties will likely be much more severe than what is listed below and will be determined by a court of law.

The 10-Year Rule in Georgia Explained:

Georgia sentencing guidelines require that if you are convicted of a second DUI within 10-years, you will be sentenced to a minimum of 72 hours in jail and a fine that ranges from $600 to $1,000 (plus court surcharges).

You will also receive 240 hours of community service, DUI School, 12 months on probation, a clinical evaluation, and any recommended substance abuse treatment.

The 5-Year Rule in Georgia Explained:

If you are convicted of a second DUI within 5 years, the penalties are even more severe.

In addition to the penalties listed above, you will also be required to pay a $25.00 fee to publish a notice of your conviction and your photograph in your county newspaper.

You will also be required to surrender the license plates to any vehicle registered in your name, and your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of 18 months.

If you are convicted of a second DUI within a 5-year period, you will be ineligible for a limited driving permit for at least 4 months.  Additionally, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car as a prerequisite to getting a permit to drive.

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:

1. DUI
2. Drug Possession
3. Other drug offenses
4. 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!