Driving News – Page 23 – A-1 Driving Schools | 19 Locations in Atlanta, GA

Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

In Georgia, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury death and the second-leading cause of hospitalizations.

With such a significant number of injuries and fatalities attributed to car accidents, it comes as no surprise that Georgia insurance providers tend to take high-risk driving behaviors seriously.

Drivers are considered “high-risk” if they have been found at fault for an accident, have at least one speeding ticket, have a DUI conviction, or have had a lapse in insurance coverage. Following incidents such as these, it can be difficult for high-risk drivers to find affordable car insurance. By taking the necessary steps such as taking a driving course to correct their driving record and researching available providers in the region, high-risk drivers in Georgia can find the car insurance coverage solutions they need to stay safe and protected on the road.

Rates after a speeding ticket

Car insurance company Georgia average annual premium for full coverage before a speeding ticket Georgia average annual premium for full coverage after a speeding ticket % difference
Nationwide $1,202 $1,939 61%
Progressive $1,800 $1,946 8%
State Farm $1,375 $1,719 25%

Rates after an at-fault accident

Car insurance company Georgia average annual premium for full coverage before an accident Georgia average annual premium for full coverage after an accident % difference
Auto-Owners $1,494 $1,659 11%
Nationwide $1,202 $2,226 85%
State Farm $1,375 $1,834 33%

Rates after a DUI

Car insurance company Georgia average annual premium for full coverage before a DUI Georgia average annual premium for full coverage after a DUI % difference
Geico $1,711 $3,227 83%
Progressive $1,800 $2,067 15%
USAA $1,506 $2,126 41%

Who is a high-risk driver?

For the purposes of this article, Bankrate defines high-risk drivers as individuals who align with our base driving profile and have one or more of the following incidents on their record:

  • At-fault accident
  • Speeding ticket
  • DUI conviction
  • Lapse in coverage

The best step to take after falling into the high-risk driver category is generally to commit to safer driving habits. Once you’re able to maintain a clean driving record for at least five years, your insurance rates should go down significantly.

Information learned in class 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!

Georgia Could Have a New Street Racing Law

Under recently passed legislation, higher penalties could soon be a result for people arrested on street racing-related charges.

State lawmakers passed the street racing bill at the end of this year’s legislative session, with bipartisan support in the House and Senate. It also has the endorsement of Gov. Brian Kemp, who publicly backed the bill during a February press conference, though he has not said when he might sign it into law.

Photo: Google Images

The new measure follows attempts by police departments and city governments in metro Atlanta to crack down “street racing” (dangerous driving in parking lots or on roads, or doing stunts in front of a cheering crowd).

Authorities said there was an uptick in 2020 as the pandemic emptied parking lots and streets, endangers drivers and pedestrians and the noise is a nuisance for nearby residents.

The measure, House Bill 534, allows authorities to suspend the licenses of some violators for up to a year and calls for penalties as high as $5,000. It creates the offense of “reckless stunt driving” and allows authorities to seize cars that are involved. Repeat offenders could be charged with a felony and face additional prison time.

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.

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!

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!

Georgia Ranks 16th in The Worst Drivers In America Study

Although the pandemic may have cut down on people’s driving during the last year, it didn’t stop Georgia’s residents from hitting the road and getting into accidents.

A new report found Georgia ranked 16th among the worst drivers in the U.S. the worst drivers in the United States.

The law firm of Friend, Levinson & Turner looked at the state’s number of DUI arrests per capita, fatal collisions per capita, uninsured drivers, and how many internet searches were made in Georgia for terms like “how to get out of a ticket.”

Those numbers then were used to score the state from 0-100, from best to worst, the higher the score the worse a state’s drivers.

As part of its findings, the firm revealed Georgia scored 63.7. Around 66 DUI arrests per capita are made in the state, 17 fatal collisions per capita typically occur, and 12 percent of Georgia’s drivers are uninsured.

Looking at regional trends, the firm found Southern states made up half of the top 10 worst drivers in the country. It also found Western states made up one-third of the worst.

Photo: Google Images

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

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

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 DUI School visit www.a1drivingschools.com or call (770) 962-9555.

DUI Suspect Charged with Cocaine Trafficking

Quantez Alfred Leonard, 34, of Jonesboro, is charged with cocaine trafficking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and DUI.

Deputies patrolling the interstate spotted a 1999 S-10 pickup truck driving erratically near exit 51, heading southbound.

After making a traffic stop on the truck, deputies observed the smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle and asked the driver to perform a field sobriety test.

Leonard reportedly failed to complete the test and was transported to the Coweta County Jail.

While performing an inventory of the truck, deputies located 41 grams of cocaine located in a lunchbox cooler, along with plastic baggies and a digital scale, according to Lt. Chuck Smith.

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!

Officer Struck by DUI Driver During Traffic Stop

Photo: Google Images

Officials say the crash happened on Georgia-400 South near Windsor Parkway around 1 a.m.

According to police, the officer was inside his patrol vehicle fully visible on the right shoulder with his emergency lights on when 24-year-old Khiry Smith ran into him.

Medics rushed the officer to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Smith has been charged with DUI, violation of the Georgia Move Over law, open container, and reckless driving.

Move Over Law:

  •  The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing yellow, amber, white, red, or blue lights shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a peace officer, proceed as follows:
    1. Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
    2. If a lane change under paragraph (1) of this subsection would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
  • Violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00.

There is a lot of useful information such as this Move Over Law that is taught 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!

Fatal Wrong Way Driving

A wrong-way driver was killed after crashing on Ga. 400 in Alpharetta, police said

The fatal wreck shut down the northbound lanes between Old Milton Parkway and Haynes Bridge Road for nearly four hours overnight, authorities said.

Alpharetta police confirmed the person driving the wrong way was killed in the crash, but authorities have not said whether anyone else was injured.

It’s unclear how many vehicles were involved in the wreck or how long the driver had been going the wrong way before the crash, which was reported about 3:45 a.m. The northbound lanes were reopened about 7:20 a.m.

It was the second wrong-way crash on a metro Atlanta highway of the week.

A Newnan man was killed when police said a woman driving the wrong way on I-285 slammed into his car head-on in DeKalb County. The wreck set off a chain reaction that shut down the eastbound lanes of the interstate for four hours near Flat Shoals Parkway. The victim was identified as 31-year-old Kevin Fitzpatrick, a father who was on his way to work when he was killed.

Driving practices and rules that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can be applied to be a safe driver. 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!

Former Kansas City Chiefs Assistant Coach Charged with DUI

Jackson County Missouri prosecutors have announced felony charges against Britt Reid. If convicted, Reid could face a jail sentence of 1-7 years.

Investigators found that Reid was driving nearly 84 miles per hour just before the crash. The speed limit was 65.

Photo: Google Images

Reid’s blood alcohol concentration was .113, well above the legal limit of .08.

Reid was driving a white 2020 Dodge Ram when it struck two stationary cars on the side of an interstate.

Prosecutors alleged Monday that Reid, while under the influence of alcohol, “acted with criminal negligence by driving at an excessive rate of speed, failing to be aware of a disabled vehicle, striking it and causing physical injury to a child in that vehicle.

Police said Reid admitted to having 2-3 drinks and a prescription Adderall on the night of the crash. A DUI Unit officer “noted his eyes were bloodshot and red,” according to the probable cause statement.

Photo: Google Images

Ariel Young, the 5-year-old girl injured in the crash, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. She “suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, a parietal fracture, brain contusions, and subdural hematomas,” according to the prosecuting attorney’s office.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Ariel Young.

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!

Holy Cow!

Photo: Google Images

If you were driving on that stretch of highway around 9 a.m. or so, no, your eyes did not deceive you. It really was a cow that you saw running against traffic for reasons nobody is quite clear about.

No, it’s not the first time there’s been a “loose animal” on a Metro Atlanta interstate. This time, it was on Saturday morning on I-285 west, just before Ashford-Dunwoody Road.

Dunwoody police say the cow somehow fell out of a livestock trailer. Police say it took some help from a handful of officers and a citizen with a rope to finally capture the loose cow.

Nearly an hour, things slowly began returning to normal.

There were reports of a crash in the area and at one point, three lanes on the highway were closed. It is not yet clear if the cow was involved or not.

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!

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

Sandy Springs Officer Hospitalized

According to the police statement released on social media, the patrol officer had stopped another vehicle on the shoulder of the highway near Windsor Parkway and was in his patrol car with emergency lights activated when the crash occurred.

The patrol car was struck by another driver on Ga. 400 just before 1 a.m.

Photo: 11alive.com

Police have since identified the driver of the other vehicle as 24-year-old Khiry Smith of Atlanta. He now faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, violation of Georgia’s “Move-Over” law, open container, and reckless driving.

Meanwhile, police haven’t specified the condition of the officer hit in the crash but stressed to the public the importance of using rideshare services rather than drinking and driving.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the officer involved.

“If you plan on drinking and need to get somewhere, please use services such as Uber, Lyft or call a friend,” the message stated. “Doing these simple things can save a life, including your own.”

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

Before getting behind the wheel after having a few, consider the many reasons why you should not.

The Georgia Move Over Law requires drivers to move over one lane when possible if:

  1. An emergency vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of the highway
  2. If traffic is too heavy to move over safely, the law requires drivers to slow down below the posted speed limit instead AND to be prepared to stop.

Move Over Law:

  •  The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing yellow, amber, white, red, or blue lights shall approach the authorized emergency vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a peace officer, proceed as follows:
    1. Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
    2. If a lane change under paragraph (1) of this subsection would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.
  • Violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00.

There is a lot of useful information such as this Move Over Law that is taught 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!

Tips for Teens

Driving as a teen already puts you at an experiential disadvantage. That, combined with distracted driving behaviors, has prompted some alarming statistics.

  1. Car crashes are the leading cause of death and disability for teens.
  2. 78% of teenage crash deaths in 2019 were passenger vehicle occupants.
  3. About 2 of every 3 teenagers killed in crashes in 2019 were males.
  4. The risk of fatal crashes goes up in direct relation to the number of teens in a car.
  5. 28% of teen crashes in 2019 involved speeding.
Photo: Google Images

Distracted driving is putting more than the driver at risk. Next time you get in the car, limit your exposure to fatalities by doing the following things:

  • Wear a Seatbelt. In 2018, the CDC reported that almost half of the teens, ages 16-19, that died in fatal car accidents died while unrestrained.
  • Put Your Phone On Do-Not-Disturb
  • Don’t Drive Late at Night. Teenage motor vehicle crashes in 2018 were found to occur most commonly between 9:00 PM and midnight.
  • Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and stay safe.

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.

If you’re gearing up for driving to and from school every day, these tips should help you protect yourself and those around you!

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