Driving News – Page 22 – A-1 Driving Schools

October 11th, 2021

Will Insurance Rates Raise With A New Teen Driver?

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

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

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 from a defensive driving course can get the following benefits:

Save on insurance premiums!
Learning the fundamentals of driving
Builds confidence
Shows them the 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

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!

October 11th, 2021

Have You Noticed?

According to the weekly press release from Montrae Waiters, the spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, Georgia drivers experienced a sharp 8-cent increase over the past week.

“The probable cause for the increase appears to be an uptick in demand and the high price of crude oil, which is stubbornly staying above $70 per barrel. High crude prices will likely contribute to gas prices remaining elevated this season,” Waiters said in a statement.

The price of a gallon of regular unleaded in Cobb County is $3.049 at the time of this writing, about one cent less expensive than the statewide average.

How does AAA determine gas prices?

According to AAA: Every day up to 130,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline.

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!

October 11th, 2021

What to Know About Digital Driver’s License

Apple announced that the Transportation Security Association (TSA) will accept digital IDs from Georgia’s Department of Drivers Services (DDS) next year.

“We are excited about being on the cutting edge of technology and to have an option for a mobile license in addition to the hard card” DDS communications director Shevondah Leslie said.

DDS says “option” is the keyword. Physical driver’s licenses are not going anywhere. The digital cards will supplement the traditional cards.

“Your license will be encrypted according to Apple,” University of North Georgia professor Bryson Payne said. “But it still leaves your iPhone open to theft. If you don’t use Apple ID to lock it, then anyone who picks up your phone can get your information.”

Apple says a handful of states including Georgia, Arizona, Kentucky, and Iowa are among the first to link Apple wallet to their state IDs.

DDS says they’re considering options for Android users.

Your driver’s license gives you the legal right to drive. In return, you’re expected to obey the relevant traffic laws.

One way that many states keep track of your driving history is to assign points to your license if you get a ticket for a moving violation!

Point System: Points are added to your license upon conviction of certain violations. The Georgia Point System ranges from 2 to 6 points.

How do I reduce points on my Georgia driver’s license?

Up to 7 points can be reduced once every 5 years. In accordance with rule O.C.G.A §40-5-86
To qualify for a Points Reduction, you must successfully complete a certified Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course. Once you complete the Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course: Bring the original certificate of completion to a DDS Customer Service Center or you can request a Points reduction by Mail. Mail the original certificate of completion to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P. O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013.
A-1 is proud to say that we offer certified defensive driving classes visit a1drivingshcools.com for more information!

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!

October 4th, 2021

Dangerous New “Game” on Highways

Officers have been made aware of several recent incidents of people riding on the outside of moving semi-trucks on local highways.

The Atlanta Police Department explains that these acts put not only the “stowaway” clinging to the massive truck at risk but the drivers behind and next to the violated truck, in danger.

The department is asking people who see these incidents to put their cameras down and use their phones to call 911 instead.

APD says in a statement on social media, “The safety of our citizens is our number one priority. We take these incidents seriously, and we want to send a strong message to those that continue to put Atlanta on the map or on the ‘Gram’ for things that don’t serve our greater good, make us better, or uplift our city.”

Motor collisions continue to injure and claim the lives of many people every year.

It is recommended that drivers practice defensive driving at all times to avoid collisions!

Drivers are advised to not drive too closely behind other cars so that they can have more time to maneuver in case those vehicles abruptly come to a stop.
Drivers should also activate their car signals whenever they decide to change lanes, turn a certain direction, speed up, or slow down.
Car owners must also carry out regular and proper maintenance of their vehicles.

The same and more 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!

Each student will receive a Certificate of Completion!

For more information about class schedules call (770)962-9555 or more details can be found on A-1’s official website www.a1drivingschools.com.

October 4th, 2021

Preparing Teen Drivers

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 from a defensive driving course can get the following benefits:

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.
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!

October 4th, 2021

Gainesville Driver Charged with DUI

Gainesville man 59-year-old Ricky Carroll, Jr. was seriously injured in the wreck on State Route 17 and charged with DUI.

Corporal Bronson Taylor with GA State Patrol Post 6 in Gainsville investigated the crash. He says Carroll was northbound in a 2014 Dodge Charger when he crossed the centerline rounding a curve.

The Charger struck a southbound 2019 Ford Superduty pickup truck driven by Mark Martin, 59, of Cleveland.

The wreck seriously injured Carroll. It also injured his passenger, 61-year-old Donnie Lamar Carroll. Also, the 59-year-old Marin and his passenger, 47-year-old Tonia Martin of Cleveland all suffered non-life-threatening inures.

Medics transported all four injured people to Northeast Georgia Medical in Gainsville for treatment.

Georgia State law will require Ricky Carroll to complete a clinical evaluation and attend 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 since he has been charged one 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!

September 26th, 2021

Athens-Clarke County Commissioner DUI

The commissioner’s blood-alcohol content more than twice the legal limit, according to a police report!

An officer spotted a Black GMC Terrain on College Station Road. The officer wrote in their report that the driver, identified as Patrick Davenport, was suspected of DUI. Davenport’s blood-alcohol content registered at .216 during a breathalyzer test at Athens-Clarke County Jail.

It’s illegal to drive with a BAC of more than .08 in Georgia.

As the officer approached the car on College Station Road, they noticed the driver’s side front and rear tires were flat. The officer said Davenport was laying back in the driver’s seat when they tapped on the window.

“While the driver was looking at me and talking I could see his eyes bounce from side to side,” the officer wrote in their report.

The officer conducted a sobriety test and Davenport allegedly showed evidence of intoxication during multiple parts of the test.

The officer cuffed Davenport, who said he would consent to a breath test.

Davenport is an Athens native representing District 1. His initial term as a commissioner began in January 2019.

The next step for Patrick Davenport is to complete 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 his driver’s license can be reinstated since he has been charged with one of the following:

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!

September 26th, 2021

What To Know As A Teen Driver

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!

September 18th, 2021

Chevy Bolt Battery Recall

GM has announced that it is recalling every Chevrolet Bolt made to date, including new electric utility vehicle models, over concerns that a manufacturing defect in the cars’ LG-made batteries could cause a fire.

The recall now numbers 141,000 electric vehicles over six model years, every Bolt the company has built since sales began in December 2016.

No schedules have been given for any cell replacements. Roughly a dozen fires in Bolt EVs have been publicly identified. To date, no injuries or deaths are attributed to the problem.

GM initially advised owners to limit charging, but it then announced that it would recall 69,000 early Bolt EVs to replace the suspect packs, which it said would cost about $800 million.

GM will replace defective lithium-ion battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs with new lithium- ion modules. They will notify customers when replacement parts are ready. Until then, owners should following these guidelines:

Set your vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation using Hilltop Reserve mode (for 2017-2018 model years) or Target Charge Level (for 2019-2022 model years) mode. Instructions on how to do this are available in the videos below. If you unable to successfully make these changes, or do not feel comfortable making these changes, GM is asking you to visit your dealer to have these adjustments completed.
Charge your vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting their battery below approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) of remaining range, where possible.
Park your vehicle outside immediately after charging and do not leave your vehicle charging indoors overnight.

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.

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!

May 12th, 2021

Cameras To Be Installed At Select School Zones to Catch Speeders

Gwinnett County drivers are going to want to slow down when driving past schools from now on, or they may end up getting their pictures taken for a not-so-good reason.

County commissioners approved a request from Gwinnett County police to install speed cameras in some school zones. The request was based on research police did at six school zones, according to Deputy Chief J.D. McClure.

“We found fairly significant violations of speed limits,” McClure told commissioners. “The goal would be to identify and cite violators within our speed zones. The end result is increased safety for motorists and pedestrians in the form of students who may be walking to and from school.”

Initially, drivers will only be given warnings as county officials let them get used to the new process for looking for speeders. Notices will be installed before the county begins using the cameras.

The question that has not yet been answered, however, is where the cameras will be installed.

Cpl. Ryan Winderweedle said the school zone speeding research that served as the basis for the police department’s request for the cameras was conducted at Lanier and Discovery high schools as well as Beaver Ridge, Camp Creek, Duncan Creek, and Ivey Creek elementary schools.

That does not necessarily mean those schools will be where the cameras will be installed.

Speeding causes accidents!

Whether you are 15 and in need of taking the course or 45 and you just want to brush up on the rules and regulations of driving, A-1 Driving School is here to help!

Atlanta Drivers Education has been mandated for all 16-year-old drivers. We are here to spread the awareness of safe driving habits and that driving is a very serious responsibility.

We have 19 convenient locations around the metro Atlanta area offering different programs. For more information call (770)962-9555 or visit us at www.a1drivingschools.com!