Author: Mike Markos

Car crashes are an unfortunate reality of life on the road. While some are minor fender-benders, others can be life-changing. Understanding the most common types of car accidents can help drivers stay alert and potentially avoid dangerous situations. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent types of collisions and tips to reduce your risk.

1. Rear-End Collisions

What Happens: One vehicle crashes into the back of another.
Why It Happens: Tailgating, distracted driving, sudden stops.
Prevention Tips:

• Always maintain a safe following distance.
• Pay attention to traffic flow and brake lights ahead.
• Avoid distractions like texting or eating while driving.

2. Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Crashes)

What Happens: One vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections.
Why It Happens: Running red lights, failing to yield, misjudging traffic.
Prevention Tips:

• Look both ways at intersections, even on green lights.
• Slow down when approaching any intersection.
• Be extra cautious when turning left across traffic.

3. Head-On Collisions

What Happens: Two vehicles crash front-to-front, often at high speed.
Why It Happens: Wrong-way driving, drowsy or impaired driving, overtaking on two-lane roads.
Prevention Tips:

• Stay alert and in your lane, especially on rural roads.
• Never pass on curves or hills where visibility is low.
• Avoid driving when fatigued or under the influence.

4. Sideswipe Collisions

What Happens: Two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite direction scrape sides.
Why It Happens: Unsafe lane changes, not checking blind spots.
Prevention Tips:

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Use turn signals.
• Stay in your lane and avoid distractions.

5. Single-Vehicle Accidents

What Happens: A car hits an object, animal, or goes off-road without involving another car.
Why It Happens: Speeding, poor weather conditions, loss of control, falling asleep at the wheel.
Prevention Tips:

• Drive according to weather and road conditions.
• Avoid distractions and fatigue.
• Don’t speed—especially on unfamiliar roads.

6. Parking Lot Accidents

What Happens: Low-speed collisions, often involving backing up or poor visibility.
Why It Happens: Inattention, limited visibility, tight spaces.
Prevention Tips:

• Back into parking spots when possible for better visibility when exiting.
• Drive slowly and carefully in lots.
• Use your mirrors and backup camera if equipped.

But… like always to reduce the likelihood of crashing you should take as many driving lessons as possible. One-on-one classes are one of the best ways to improve your driving skills and to make sure you reduce you chance of crashing!

Ever cruising down the highway when suddenly your steering wheel begins to shake? Well here are a few possibilites:

🔧 1. Tire Issues: The #1 Culprit

If your wheel shakes—especially at certain speeds—the first thing to check is your tires.

Common causes:

• Imbalanced tires: Small weight differences can cause vibration at highway speeds.
• Uneven tire wear: Caused by poor alignment or underinflation.
• Bent rims: From potholes or curbs.

🛠️ Fix it: Visit a tire shop for balancing or alignment. If a rim is bent, it may need replacing.

🛣️ 2. Alignment Problems

Your car’s wheels should point straight and be in sync. If they’re not? Cue the shake.

Signs of bad alignment:

• Pulling to one side
• Uneven tire wear
• Shaky steering, especially at higher speeds

🛠️ Fix it: Get a professional wheel alignment—it’s usually quick and affordable.

🛑 3. Brake Troubles

If the shaking happens when you’re braking, it could be your rotors.

Possible issues:

• Warped brake rotors
• Worn-out brake pads
• Stuck calipers

🛠️ Fix it: A mechanic can resurface or replace your rotors. Don’t ignore brake-related shakes—they’re a safety issue.

⚙️ 4. Suspension or Steering System Issues

Less common, but more serious: your suspension or steering components might be worn or loose.

Symptoms:

• Shaking at all speeds
• Clunking noises over bumps
• Loose or “wandering” steering feel

🛠️ Fix it: This one needs a professional diagnosis. Worn ball joints, tie rods, or struts can all be culprits.

If this is not the only issue you have been having in terms of driving you should either contact a handyman, or assess your driving needs with a driving school. Driving schools are an overlooked resource as they can help you stay safe in an activity that you most likely do everyday, in ways such as DUI/Risk-Reduction, Driver’s Education, or Etc. Like always, we hope you have a great day! Stay safe on the roads!

During the month of spring, there are many great festivities and moments to see nature bloom, but that can sometimes mean negative things for our roads. Here are a few:

🛣️ 1. Watch Out for Potholes

• Snow, ice, and salt leave behind nasty potholes that can wreck your suspension or blow a tire.
• Tip: Don’t swerve to avoid them suddenly—slow down if you see one coming, and keep your tires properly inflated to minimize damage.

🌧️ 2. Rain!

• Spring showers = slick roads and low visibility.
• Hydroplaning is a real risk, especially when rain first starts falling.
• Tip: Slow down, keep your distance, and make sure your wiper blades are in good shape.

🐰 3. Watch for Wildlife

• Spring = active animal season.
• Deer, raccoons, and other critters are on the move, especially in the early morning and evening.
• Tip: Be extra cautious in wooded areas and watch for glowing eyes at night.

🌼 4. Allergies? Keep ‘Em Out of the Car

• Pollen season can hit hard—especially for allergy sufferers.
• Tip: Change your cabin air filter and keep windows up when driving through high-pollen areas.

If you have any other questions about driving, feel free to contact A-1 Driving Schools. Our Driver’s Education program is designed for the students, and questions are always welcomed in class! Have a safe spring!

On January 26, 2025, Tom Welling, best known for his role as Clark Kent in Smallville, was arrested in Yreka, California, on suspicion of driving under the influence. The arrest occurred shortly after midnight in the parking lot of an Arby’s. Welling, 47, was booked into the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office around 2 a.m. and released several hours later. His blood alcohol concentration was reported to be at or above the legal limit of 0.08%. ​

Arrests like these can show us that anything is possible. Celebrities maintain a life in the spotlife and their decisions are made public very fast just like this case. A poor lack of judgement, even if it doesn’t happen very often, can be life-threatening to you or other people. To reduce the risk of a DUI if you have been drinking call a friend or an Uber, because they’d much rather pick you up than have you arrested or even worse injured. If you or a loved one are facing charges for a DUI(DUI/Risk-Reduction Course), make sure to go to a certified driving school as your safety is our top priority.

Replacing a tire may seem daunting, but it is accomplishable as long as you follow these 9 steps!

🧰 What You’ll Need

Most cars come with the basics, but double-check you’ve got:

• Spare tire (fully inflated)

• Car jack

• Lug wrench (aka tire iron)

• Wheel wedges or heavy rocks (to stop rolling)

• Flashlight (if it’s dark)

• Gloves & a kneeling pad (optional but nice)

🔧 Step-by-Step: Changing the Tire

1. Apply Wheel Wedges

Place them behind the tires opposite the flat one to keep the car from rolling.

2. Remove the Hubcap (If Applicable)

Use a flathead screwdriver or the back of the lug wrench to pry it off gently.

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts

• Use the lug wrench to turn the nuts counterclockwise.

• Don’t take them off yet—just break the resistance.

• Pro tip: Stand on the wrench arm if they’re really stuck.

4. Position the Jack and Lift the Car

• Find your car’s jack point (check the owner’s manual—usually near the flat tire).

• Crank the jack until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

5. Remove the Lug Nuts and the Flat Tire

• Now take the nuts all the way off and keep them somewhere safe (like inside the hubcap).

• Pull the flat tire straight toward you and set it aside.

6. Mount the Spare Tire

• Line up the holes with the lug bolts and push it on.

• Hand-tighten the lug nuts.

7. Lower the Car

• Use the jack to carefully lower the car until the spare just touches the ground.

• Now tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite sides) to make sure it’s even.

8. Fully Lower the Car & Finish Tightening

• Bring the car all the way down, remove the jack, and double-check that all lug nuts are tight.

9. Replace the Hubcap (If It Fits)

Some spares don’t allow room for it, and that’s fine.

And as always make sure before you hit the road you or a driving school, have informed yourself about how to safely and properly drive. If you feel concerned about your ability to drive and if it’s up to par, take driving lessons or a driver’s education course!

But I thought break fluid was fake… well then what is it? Well believe it or not, you’re not alone and this is a frequently asked question. Here’s exactly what it is incase you don’t already know.

🔧 What Brake Fluid Does:

• Transfers Force: When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid transmits that force from your foot to the brakes at each wheel.

• Hydraulic System: Brake systems use hydraulics, meaning they rely on non-compressible fluid to multiply force and apply the brakes.

• Heat Resistance: It’s specially designed to withstand the high temperatures generated during braking without boiling.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Have It:

• Spongy Brake Pedal: Low or old fluid can make your pedal feel soft or unresponsive.

• Brake Failure: In extreme cases, especially if there’s air or moisture in the lines, you could lose braking ability completely.

• Corrosion: Old brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can corrode brake parts.

If you have anymore questions or just want to expand going to a certified driving school is always helpful. Driver’s Education programs can help you develop and hone your driving skills, and teachers will always be willing to answer your questions! Stay safe while on the road!

Just what exactly do you need to get your driver’s license at 16? To get your driver’s license at 16 in Georgia, you must meet several qualifications and complete a few requirements. Here’s exactly what you need:

1. Complete Joshua’s Law Requirements

• 30-Hour Driver Education Course: You must complete a 30-hour classroom or online driver education course, known as Joshua’s Law. This course covers the basics of driving, traffic laws, and safety.
• 6 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training: You need to complete at least 6 hours of driving instruction with a certified driving school or instructor.

2. Hold Your Learner’s Permit

• You must have held your Georgia Learner’s Permit for at least 12 months and 1 day before applying for your driver’s license.
• During this time, you should gain experience driving under supervision, including completing at least 40 hours of supervised driving (6 of which must be at night).

3. Pass the Road Test

• You’ll need to pass the road test at the Georgia DMV or a certified driving school. This will test your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
• In case you don’t want to go to the DDS, you can take the road test at a certified driving school like A-1 Driving School!

4. Parental or Guardian Consent

• If you’re under 18, you need parental or guardian consent to apply for your driver’s license.

5. Provide Required Documents

When you go to take the road test or apply for your license, you’ll need to provide:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, etc.)
• Proof of residency (like a utility bill or school record)
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Proof of completion of the Joshua’s Law course and driving hours

6. Pay the Fees

• The fee for the driver’s license application is typically around $32.

7. Pass Vision and Knowledge Tests (if not already done)

• You’ll need to pass a vision test and may also be required to take a written knowledge test (unless you’ve already taken it when getting your learner’s permit).

Taking driving school has many benefits, especially if you’re new to driving or want to improve your skills. If you live in Athens Georgia, now is the perfect time to take driving lessons! Here’s why it’s a great idea to enroll:

1. Learn Important Skills

Driving school teaches you the basic skills, like steering and braking, as well as advanced skills like parallel parking and defensive driving.

2. Build Confidence

If you’re nervous about driving, a driving school can help you feel more comfortable and ready to drive safely.

3. Prepare for the Driving Test

Driving schools focus on what you need to know to pass your test, like road signs, parking, and driving in traffic.

4. Understand Road Rules

You’ll learn the rules of the road, including traffic laws and how to stay safe in different situations.

5. Save on Insurance

Many insurance companies give discounts to drivers who complete a certified driving course, saving you money on car insurance.

6. Reduce Accident Risk

In driving school, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and drive safely, reducing your chances of getting into an accident.

7. Increase Road Awareness

You’ll become more aware of the road, other drivers, and pedestrians, making you a safer driver.

8. Learn from Experts

Certified instructors are experienced and know how to teach in a calm, clear way to help you become a safe driver.

9. Create Good Habits

Driving school helps you develop good habits, like always wearing a seatbelt and obeying speed limits.

10. Practice Behind the Wheel

You’ll get hands-on driving experience, which helps you feel ready to drive on your own.

Driving school is a smart investment and a great way to make the roads around you familiar, and having a driver who is familiar with the area in which you live is even better! It gives you the skills, confidence, and knowledge to become a safe driver. Whether you’re getting your license or just want to improve, driving school helps you get there and should not be inaccessible! We want every student to get the best at the best price for you. Sign up for a class today!

Do you live in Athens Georgia and need to take your road test? If you take a road test with a driving school that you have taken classes with prior you’ll feel more comfortable during the road test! Dealing with the DDS for your road test can be scary sometimes, so why not take it where you feel comfortable? Familiarity can be an advantage when the test rolls around, and on top of that you’ll know exactly what your driver expects of you! If you live in Athens and wanted to take your test with a driving school here are some of the ins and outs of the test!

Adult Road Test (18 and Over):

• No class requirement; students do not need to take lessons with A-1.

• Must have a valid Georgia Driver’s Permit.

• Cost: $150.

Road Test (Under 18):

• Must complete the 30-hour Joshua’s Law course (classroom or online) + 6 hours of driving lessons at A-1 or another certified school in Georgia.

• Must have a valid Georgia Driver’s Permit for at least 1 year and 1 day.

• Can retake the road test if failed.

• Cost: $95.

• Free re-test if failed the first time.

Additional Info:

• No refunds after 1:00 pm on Friday before the road test.

• Cancellations before that time incur a cancellation fee.