Driving News – Page 19 – A-1 Driving Schools

January 13th, 2022

Tesla to recall 475,000 cars in the US

The electric vehicle firm announced it was recalling 356,309 vehicles because of potential rear-view camera issues affecting 2017-2020 Model 3 Teslas.

A further 119,009 Model S vehicles will also be recalled because of potential problems with the front trunk, or boot.

A safety report estimates that around 1% of recalled Model 3s may have a defective rear-view camera.

Over time “repeated opening and closing of the trunk lid” may cause excessive wear to a cable that provides the rear-view camera feed, says a Safety Recall report submitted by Tesla to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US on the 21 December.

If the wear causes the core of the cable to separate “the rear-view camera feed is not visible on the centre display”, the report notes. The loss of the rear-view camera display may “increase the risk of collision”, it adds.

The Model S recall involves vehicles manufactured between 2014-2021, some of which may have a problem with a “secondary latch” on the front trunk, or boot.

In another Safety Recall report also filed on 21 December, Tesla notes the fault could mean, if the primary latch is inadvertently released, the front trunk “may open without warning and obstruct the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash”.

Around 14% of recalled Model S’s may have the defect, the report notes.

In both cases, the reports state that “Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths” relating to the potential faults.

Whether you have been driving for years or you are a brand new driver, A-1 offers classes that will help you brush up on some rules and regulations before it’s too late.

If you have a clean driving record for 3 years, you may take the 6-hour Defensive Driving Program to receive a 10% -15% discount on your auto insurance premium. The insurance discount percentage is determined by your insurance company.

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!

January 12th, 2022

Don’t Panic!

State law is very clear: If you see an emergency vehicle coming from either direction, you are required to pull over to the right as best you can to make way.

The penalty ranges from a $50 fine for the first offense to a year in prison and license suspension for subsequent offenses. And worse, you may not be risking not only your life, but that of the emergency crew, other drivers, and, of course, the patient.

Ambulance drivers receive training from their departments, which could include defensive driving strategies and simulator training.

The driver of an ambulance is barraged by incoming information that demands attention: the condition of the patient and what’s happening with treatment, road and weather conditions, control of the lights and siren, the chatter from two or three radios, the emotional status of a family member riding in the passenger seat, and the actions of other drivers.

While it might seem like the ambulance is speeding down the road, in most cases, drivers aren’t exceeding the speed limit.

Let’s say you’re driving down the road and an ambulance comes up behind you or towards you. What does state law say you are required to do?

Oh, did we mention your answer could be a matter of life or death?

a) Immediately come to a full stop.

b) Pullover as far as you can to the right side of the road then stop.

c) Stay in your lane but slow down to less than 20 mph.

d) Keep driving fast enough to stay ahead of it.

If you answered anything but (b), you need to review your driving lessons.

For more safe driving information or safe driving practices, A-1 Driving Schools has 19 convenient locations around metro Atlanta that all offer defensive driving courses! For more information please call (770)962-9555 or visit us at www.a1drivingschools.com!

January 11th, 2022

Rockdale County Deputies Involved in DUI Incident

Two Rockdale County Deputies are on administrative leave following an arrest and citation by Georgia State Patrol for alcohol-related offenses.

Tobias Holmes, who was the driver and taken into custody, and Brandon Oglesby, a passenger inside the vehicle who reportedly had an open container.

On Dec. 5, GSP notified the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office that a deputy had been arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. A second deputy was cited for having an open container.

According to the incident report, a Georgia State Patrol trooper was on an unrelated traffic stop when a car sped by him at over 100 mph.

The trooper began to pursue the car, which sped up more in an attempt to elude the officer. At that time, the car was traveling at 134 mph in a 60 mph zone.

It wasn’t until another trooper helped the original officer box the speeding car in that the driver finally stopped.

After putting the driver in handcuffs, Holmes told the GSP trooper that he was a law enforcement officer and complained about the handcuffs being too tight. He also refused a sobriety test.

The trooper also noted in his report that all of the passengers in the car were inebriated and unable 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:

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!

January 7th, 2022

Drive Safe This Winter

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

Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drop
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
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!

January 5th, 2022

Deadly New Year’s DUI

Just two hours into the New Year, a Dallas man drove under the influence and injured himself, his passenger, and killed another man in a fatal three-car crash, Cobb County police said.

30-year-old Robert Godhigh of Dallas was driving southbound on Dallas Acworth Highway near Autumn View Drive with Berenice Sanchez, 22, as a passenger. Godhigh attempted to pass another car, driven by Khalil Wilson 22, of Acworth, by driving southbound in the northbound lane.

But another car, driven by Jermain Wilkins, 30, of Cartersville, was also driving northbound on the same road, approaching Autumn View Drive.

Godhigh crashed head-on into Wilkins’ car, which came to rest on the eastern shoulder of the highway. Godhigh’s car kept heading southbound and starting spinning counterclockwise due to the impact, hitting Wilson’s car on the left side before finally stopping in the southbound lane of Dallas Acworth Highway.

Wilson and his passenger, Camyrn Currie, 22, of Dallas, were not injured. Wilkins was pronounced dead on the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Godhigh and Sanchez, his passenger, were taken by ambulance to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries. Godhigh was admitted to the hospital but charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and improper passing.

The collision remains under investigation by the Cobb County Police Department.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of those involved in this fatal accident.

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.

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!

January 5th, 2022

What to do after a hit-and-run in Georgia?

5 things to do after a hit-and-run in Georgia

Getting into an accident can be frightening, and when the other driver flees the scene, the scenario can be even more stressful. Knowing what steps to take in advance can help you make sure you take care of everything you need to do.

Check for injuries and call 911: Your first priority is your safety and the safety of those around you. Check yourself, your passengers and anyone else involved for injuries and call the emergency services if there’s a need.
Move your car: If you can, move your car to a safe spot nearby, such as a shoulder or nearby parking lot. You shouldn’t move too far from the accident scene, but getting out of the flow of traffic is the safest option.
File a police report: The police can help you record details about the other driver that you remember, take witness statements, and could eventually find the at-fault party.
Take pictures of your car: If it is safe to do so, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and record the details of the accident. Doing this as soon as possible after the crash could help you keep a record of what happened.
File an insurance claim: If you want to file a claim on your own insurance policy, you can call your company to do so. Many companies also have claims services on a mobile app or website. You may want to provide the police report number and the photos of your damage.

Safe driving practices that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can apply 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!

December 15th, 2021

Happy Holidays!

“Drink” and “be merry” are the top two activities expected at many holiday parties set to get underway and law enforcement wants you to keep this message in mind: “Drive sober or get pulled over.”

Unfortunately, Christmas is one of the times of the year when DUI numbers spike…

Don’t let a DUI crash ruin what is supposed to be a great time of fellowship with family and friends.

Make that plan for a sober ride home before the night begins.

All motorists can use the following tips to stay safe, focused, and sober while traveling:

Plan ahead for a sober ride.

Arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service or program the numbers for cab companies into your phone.
You can also plan to use public transportation, but check schedules ahead of time in case service is altered during the holiday.

Don’t try to make up time by speeding. Because of extra traffic on the road, leave for your destination earlier than needed to allow for increased travel time.
Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seat belt and all children under 8 are riding in an approved child passenger safety seat or booster seat.
Limit driver distractions by staying off phones. Program GPS before you get on the road or have a passenger be in charge of navigation.
Take breaks to avoid drowsy driving: Plan rest stops as needed and alternate drivers if possible!

The same safe driving practices that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can be applied 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!

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

December 13th, 2021

Common-Law Right to Boot Vehicles

Private business owners do not reserve the right to boot cars parked on their property, according to a new ruling from the Georgia Supreme Court.

The case dates back to 2018 when Forrest Allen sued the owner of RCC Wesley Chapel Crossing, LLC and several of its tenants in Clayton County State Court, claiming negligence, premises liability, false imprisonment, conversion, and violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Allen claimed in the lawsuit that on Feb. 8, 2018, when he parked his car in the parking lot of the shopping center, he returned to find his vehicle immobilized by a boot.

The suit also stated that Allen paid $650 to have the boot removed and that at least 250 other people had a similar fate when parking in the lot dating back to 2013.

The owners argued they had a common law right to boot the car as it was on their property.

However, nearly three years later, the Georgia Supreme Court agreed with Allen, citing that there is no state law or common law that allows for booting.

In the opinion, Justice Shawn Ellen LaGrua wrote that the judges “disagree and conclude that neither the right to remove trespassing property … nor distress damage feasant supports the vehicle immobilization practice defendants engaged in here.”

WABE legal analyst Page Pate said that for any booting to occur on private property, there would need to be a city ordinance allowing it. “The Supreme Court, in this case, has basically said there is no right for a private property owner to place a boot on a car that’s been over parked on a lot,” he said.

And while the court acknowledges that there is a way to deal with overparked vehicles through the Georgia Towing law, that law does not address booting.

Defensive Driving Course participants can 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!

December 11th, 2021

‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign

State troopers and local law enforcement officers are stepping up traffic enforcement during the Christmas/New Year’s holiday season and will take any drunk or drugged driver they find to jail. No excuses! No exceptions!

The increased enforcement effort is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ mobilization, which runs from December 15, 2021 – January 2, 2022.

Georgia law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates are urging anyone planning to include alcohol in their celebration to include a plan for a ride with a sober driver, cab, or rideshare.

GEORGIA DUI LAWS:

Georgia drivers can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher.

When you are arrested for a DUI in Georgia, you’ll have to deal with both a criminal case and a separate license suspension. The Georgia Department of Driver Services will handle your license suspension pursuant to the implied consent laws and the GA criminal courts will prosecute the criminal case.

What happens in court won’t have any bearing on the status of your driver’s license and vice versa.

The Georgia courts impose criminal penalties including:

Fines;
Jail time;
Public service.

The Department of Driver Services imposes administrative penalties including:

Suspension or revocation of your license.

The higher your BAC, the more severe your penalties may be. Multiple convictions will also result in harsher sentences.

The state with the lowest drunken driving rate in the nation? That commendable distinction went to Delaware, with 44.3 DUI arrests per 100,000 people.

Men are far more likely than women to be arrested on drunken driving charges, as males accounted for nearly three in four DUI arrests in 2018, according to U.S. Drug Test Centers.

Additionally, whites accounted for 81.2 percent of DUI arrests in 2018, according to the report.

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

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

December 5th, 2021

Pedestrian Rights

What Are Georgia’s Rules for Crossing Intersections?

Pedestrians must cross intersections at a crosswalk. While most people consider a crosswalk as the pathway across the intersection denoted with white lines (i.e., a marked crosswalk), it is important to note that there are both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

An unmarked crosswalk is a line between one side of the roadway and the other. The only way this differs from a marked crosswalk is that there are no distinguishing marks.

If a pedestrian is in either a marked or unmarked crosswalk, he has the right-of-way. Drivers must yield to pedestrians already inside these crosswalks, regardless of whether the driver has a green light or not.

What Responsibilities Do Drivers Have?

According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, motorists must stop and stay stopped for pedestrians at crosswalks. Drivers must stay put until the pedestrian has vacated the driver’s side of the road.

Georgia law also holds that a driver cannot overtake another motorist who has stopped for a pedestrian.

What Responsibilities Do Pedestrians Have?

Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to drivers outside of crosswalks. While you can cross the street outside of a crosswalk, you must wait until traffic has cleared. If a pedestrian is hit outside a crosswalk, they might be liable for any injuries he sustains.

While pedestrians do have the right-of-way in crosswalks, Georgia’s crosswalk laws dictate that “no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impractical for the driver to yield.”

If you step into a crosswalk in front of oncoming traffic and suffer injuries in an accident, you might be liable for your own injuries.

The same safe driving practices that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can apply 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!

DUI Laws | What You Need to Know

How to Avoid a Crash Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions

DUI Laws | What You Need to Know

5 things to do after a hit-and-run in Georgia

All motorists can use the following tips to stay safe, focused, and sober while traveling:

What Are Georgia’s Rules for Crossing Intersections?

What Responsibilities Do Drivers Have?

What Responsibilities Do Pedestrians Have?