Category: Driving News

The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop, increasing their speed to 169 mph.

Deputies from Monroe County and Butts County arrived to put out the flames and were able to pull two male subjects from the car. Authorities pronounced four dead at the scene, while two others were hospitalized.

Police said they located three guns and 17 credit cards on the scene. The investigation is still active at this time, the sheriff’s office wrote on social media.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was not able to provide further details.

Our condolences go to the family and friends of those involved.

Speeding is more than just breaking the law…

The consequences are far-ranging:

• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control;
• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment;
• Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger;
• Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries;
• Economic implications of a speed-related crash; and
• Increased fuel consumption/cost.

Speeding behavior and aggressive drivers may not only affect the speeder—it can also affect other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Here are some tips for encountering speeders on the road: 

• Give speeding drivers plenty of space. Speeding drivers may lose control of their vehicles more easily.
• Adjust your driving accordingly. Speeding is tied to aggressive driving. If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky driving, use judgment to safely steer your vehicle out of the way.
• Call the police if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you.

To stay safe on the road consider taking a defensive driving class. A-1 offers classes virtually and at 19 locations where you can learn more tricks and tips such as these!

Atlanta police said a driver is charged with DUI after a crash on the Downtown Connector near 17th Street in Atlanta.

Police said a car entered the highway traveling north in the southbound lanes.

Police said three vehicles were involved and all of their occupants are in stable condition.

The at-fault driver was taken into police custody.

The wreck closed all but one right lane.

Delays also affected Ga. Highway 400 near the merger with I-85 southbound.

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!

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

Teen drivers who graduate from 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 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 from 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!

What To Do If An Animal Runs In Front Of Your Vehicle

• Scan the road and shoulders ahead of you.
  • Looking ahead helps provide enough reaction time if an animal is spotted.
  • Also, remember some animals move in groups, so when there is one, there are usually more in the area.
• Use high-beam headlights if there’s no oncoming traffic.
  • Wildlife may be spotted sooner when using high beams. This will give the driver time to slow down, move over or honk the horn to scare the animal away.
  • High beams also help in spotting some animals’ reflective eyes.
• If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane. 
  • Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or result in drivers losing control of vehicles.
• Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk.
  • Most animals, especially deer, tend to be more active early in the morning and at dusk.
• Slow down and use extra caution when traveling through areas with a high and active wildlife population.  
  • Be aware of increased wildlife movement in some regions during certain times of the year, such as hunting or mating season.
• Drivers should always wear a seat belt and remain awake, alert, and sober. 

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!

Affected cars with an automatic transmission can shift out of park without the driver pressing the brake pedal, which could lead to the cars rolling away.

One Lincoln and two Ford vehicles are part of a new recall due to braking problems, according to documents the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published.

The Ford Mustang, Fusion, and Lincoln MKZ may suffer from brake light issues, and any of the cars equipped with automatic transmission could potentially shift out of park without the driver pressing on the brake pedal. The issues affect the 2014-2015 Fusion and MKZ and the 2015 Mustang. A total of 199,085 cars are included.

The brake light problem has to do with a separated brake pedal bumper. If the defect surfaces, the brake lights will remain on at all times, as if the driver has applied the brakes. NHTSA said the confusion increases the risk of a crash. The more pressing issue involves a missing brake pedal bumper.

If the bumper goes missing in action, any of the cars in the recall equipped with an automatic transmission may shift out of park without the driver applying the brakes. Ford is not aware of any crashes or injuries involving the defects.

The recall specifically focuses on the nearly 200,000 cars originally sold or ever registered in a number of southern states. According to the automaker, high temperatures, high humidity, and salt air can cause the brake pedal bumper to corrode and separate.

Ford said cars ever registered in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Hawaii are the main focus.

Elmer Josue Santizo-Gomez, 24, of Kennesaw, improper passing of bicyclist, DUI; hit and run, and vehicular homicide.

It happened just after midnight along Ernest Barrett Parkway at Crater Lake Drive. Kennesaw police said a bicyclist, later identified as 67-year-old Arturo Vela Mantilla of Kennesaw, was struck from behind and was thrown off.

He was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where he later died.

Santizo-Gomez who drove the silver 2006 Honda Civic that struck the cyclist left the scene. Investigators were able to track that vehicle to a home in Kennesaw and to Santizo-Gomez who was taken into custody.

Santizo-Gomez was booked into the Cobb County jail.

Our condolences go to the family and friends of Arturo Mantilla.

Police said the bike was equipped with the proper headlight and taillight.

Georgia State law  requires a 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

In 2019, the latest year for which data is available, 846 bicyclists were killed and 49,000 were injured in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which collects data from police reports. 

A combination of consistent education, regard for traffic laws, and basic common sense can go a long way in helping reduce the number of fatalities involved in motorcycle accidents on a yearly basis. It’s important to understand some basic bicycle safety tips to make sure your next ride is a safe one.

Safe driving practices that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can be applied to being 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!

In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car:

• Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops
• Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car
• If using all-season tires, check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch
• Check the tire pressure; tire pressure drops as the temperature drops
• Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze
  

  How to Avoid a Crash

  • Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions
  • Steer in the direction of a skid, so when your wheels regain traction, you don’t have to overcorrect to stay in your lane
  • Accelerate and decelerate slowly
  • Increase following distance to 8 to 10 seconds
  • If possible, don’t stop when going uphill

There is a lot of very useful and informative information in driving 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!