Category: Driving News

The Georgia Department of Driver Services announced a new online feature for Georgia drivers.

According to a spokesperson, motorists can now go online to reinstate driving privileges or pay a citation.

Officials are hoping this will alleviate time as the state grapples with the pandemic.

“As we continue to be vigilant during this emergency period, we recommend using DDS remote services to reinstate your license if possible,” commented Commissioner Moore. “DDS Online Services allows customers to pay fees, reinstate and replace their driver’s license safely and conveniently without visiting in person,” said DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore.

In addition, customers may view, print, or email a list of their specific reinstatement requirements, pay fees and reinstate driving privileges online.

Eligible customers may request that a free replacement of their original license be mailed directly to them, and they can drive on the online receipt until it arrives. Most services are discounted by $5.00 when you use DDS Online Services or DDS 2 GO.

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

Gwinnett County announced it would increase wages by $1.90 for all bus driver positions beginning in April, making the hourly range $17.63 to $24.98!

Gwinnett Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks touted the district’s bus drivers who worked through the pandemic delivering meals and eventually transporting limited numbers of students to school.

“The Gwinnett County Board of Education and I know that this has not been an easy time and that our bus drivers have served on the front lines — interacting, caring, and transporting students safely each and every school day,” Wilbanks said. “We have the best bus drivers in the business … that is not something we take for granted and we are pleased to be able to recognize you with this pay raise in April.”

A district spokesperson said Gwinnett bus drivers also will be eligible to receive any cost of living increase and longevity step increase for the 2021-22 school year.

The district said interested candidates can submit an application at www.GCPSJobs.Org/Drivers if they are 21-and-older, have a clean driving record, and high school diploma or GED.

To combat careless driving in school zones and bus routes, law enforcement has increased between 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Always Stop for a School Bus, when…

1. Approaching behind a school bus when its’ lights flash yellow and red.
2. Driving on either side of a 2-lane highway, both sides of traffic must always stop! for a stopped school bus.

Never Stop for a School Bus, when…

1. Driving on the opposite side of traffic, on a 4-lane highway.

This is the common mistake most motorists make when approaching a stopped school bus.

If you are driving on the opposite side of the traffic of a school bus, on a 4-lane highway, always proceed with caution, but always keep moving! Stopping will impede traffic and may cause accidents.

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!

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!

The measure, House Bill 247,  is part of a broader effort to end a dangerous habit that has contributed to thousands of traffic fatalities. It passed 119-52 with no debate ahead of a “crossover day” deadline.

How to prevent distracted driving?

What drivers can do: Do not multitask while driving. Whether it’s adjusting your mirrors, picking the music, eating a sandwich, making a phone call, or reading an email―do it before or after your trip, not during.

What passengers can do: Speak up if you are a passenger in a car with a distracted driver. Ask the driver to focus on driving. Reduce distractions for the driver by assisting with navigation or other tasks.

Defensive driving participants 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!

The officer has been charged with DUI and violation of the open container law after being arrested in Summerville, Ga.

Robert Moore III, 27, was reportedly involved in an altercation at an establishment named Jefferson’s in the small town in Northwest Georgia.

The altercation prompted calls to local law enforcement, who responded in time to stop Moore as he was leaving Jefferson’s.

According to reports, officers suspected that both Moore, and his father Robert Moore, Jr. – a passenger in the vehicle – was under the influence of alcohol, and the officers reported seeing multiple open cans of beer in their vehicle.

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!

As we move our clocks forward each spring, it often takes people a while to fully adjust to the loss of that 1 hour of sleep. Losing an hour of sleep can really make people feel drained. To make matters worse, when getting up it’s usually still dark.

American Automobile Association officials have come up with some tips to help drivers cope with the dark commute after they lose that hour during daylight savings time.

According to National Safety Council data, crashes typically increase by up to 6 percent on the Monday following the time change.

Drivers getting on the road before dawn are reminded to check and clean their car’s lights, such as headlights, and brake lights.

Tips for motorists:

• Get plenty of rest. Symptoms of drowsy driving can include having trouble keeping your eyes open, drifting from lanes, or not remembering the last few miles driven.
• Get some shades. Wear high-quality sunglasses and adjust the car’s sun visors as needed to avoid glare in the morning.
• Change driving habits. Reduce speeds and increase following distances, especially in more populated areas.
• Ditch the distractions. This can include cell phones, infotainment systems, or clocks that need to be turned back an hour.
• Use the headlights. This can make you more visible to pedestrians in the morning and evening. Don’t forget, even though the time changed, many will stick to their normal habits of walking home or exercising in the later hours.
• Remember to yield. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Also, don’t pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. Remember to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Please be safe on the roads and look out for the signs of drowsy driving, like not staying within the lines or zoning out!

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!

Learning to drive can be exhilarating for teens and nerve-wracking for parents. Education and practice are key to successful driving.

Knowing both the rules of the road and how to operate a vehicle safely can help new drivers be safe and confident on the road.

Whether the new driver is a teenager or someone older, the following tips can help first-time drivers stay safe:

• Take an approved driver’s education course!
• Practice. Practice will instill confidence and help the new driver understand both how to operate a car and obey traffic laws.
• Learn defensive driving! Another reason for taking driver’s education is to learn how to drive defensively. A new driver will not have the experience to control the car when a dangerous situation arises. Also, they will not know what to look for or prepare for when it comes to other drivers or adverse conditions. The more prepared they are, the better.
• Avoid distractions.
• Do not rush. Drivers do need to drive the speed limit except in adverse weather or road conditions, but speeding is never acceptable.
• Do not tailgate.
• Avoid fast braking and turns. Fast braking and sharp turns cause accidents.
• Do not drive under the influence! Unfortunately, teens’ alcohol and drug use are real, including prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse. No person, no matter their age, should drive under the influence, ever.

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!

Damon and his wife were pulled over in Windermere, Florida, at about 1:23 a.m. on February 19, after cops said they saw him swerving on the road and driving erratically.

Police reported that Damon had a blood-alcohol content of 0.30% – more than triple the legal limit in Florida.

Police arrested Damon’s wife, Michelle Mangan-Damon, on a charge of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence.

Damon played for seven teams during his 17-year MLB career, including the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

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!

Penalties for DUI in Georgia are related to the number of prior offenses:

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

When someone has a second DUI in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

• Between 12 – 36 months of probation
• Fines of between $600 – $1000, plus all applicable surcharges and court costs
• Between 90 days – 12 months in jail, all of which can be done through probation except for at least 3 days that must be served in jail.
• 30 days of community service (240 hours)
• DUI School
• Driver’s License Suspension
• Red stripe on license
• Installing of an ignition interlock device, after a “hard license suspension” of 120 days
• Surrender of license plate
• Mandatory substance abuse counseling
• Potential DUI Court, in jurim
• Photo publication in the legal organ of the county in which the offense occurred

When someone has a third DUI in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

• Between 12 -36 months of probation
• Fines of $1000 – $5000, plus all court costs and surcharges
• 120 days to 12 months in jail, with at least 15 days of actual incarceration (note a third DUI is a high and aggravated misdemeanor)
• 30 days of community service (240 hours)
• DUI School
• Five (5) years of driver’s license suspension (with an interlock permit available after two years)
• Surrender of license plate
• Photo publication in the legal organ of the accused’s home county
• Mandatory drug and alcohol treatment
• Declaration of Habitual Violator Status
• Potential DUI Court, in jurisdictions that have the program

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

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