Driving News – Page 25 – A-1 Driving Schools

March 10th, 2021

Officer Rescues Unconscious Teen From Burning Truck

The crash happened along Highway 53 in Floyd County. Police said a drunk, wrong-way driver hit the teen’s truck head-on.

It burst into flames, trapping a teen inside.

A driver recorded the moment officer Blake Puckett put his life on the line.

Puckett noticed 18-year-old Laurel Putnam strapped in her seatbelt and unconscious. He pulled out his knife and cut her free right before flames engulfed the truck.

Officers arrested the other driver, who they believe was drunk and driving with no license or insurance.

Puckett was commended for his performance by Sgt. Josh Ward, who said “there is no doubt that if Pfc. Puckett would not have gotten the female out of the car when he did … she would not be with us at this time. His swift actions and calm demeanor saved her life.”

The police department also wanted to thank other passersby who helped at the scene.

The latest records from Georgia’s Department Driver Services show police arrested 19,000 drunk drivers in 2019.

DUI crashes along interstates and roadways, according to the Governor’s Office of Highway and Safety accounted for 353 fatal accidents in 2019.

Georgia State law also 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:

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!

March 9th, 2021

Enhance Your Driving Skills

Traffic statistics indicate that older adults overall are safe drivers with good driving records.

However, medical conditions, certain medications, and age-related physical changes can increase the risk of injury and crashes among older drivers.

There are around 44 million Americans ages 65 and older on our roads, and that they rank only behind young new drivers in crash rates.

Defensive driving techniques and the normal changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time associated with aging. The courses also provide practical techniques for adjusting to these changes to ensure the driver’s own safety and that of others on the road.

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!

March 5th, 2021

Will Having My Teen On My Insurance Raise My Rates?

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

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

This average value varies depending on the state you reside in, discounts you have applied to your policy, and many other factors such as:

Tickets and accidents
Age of the driver
Gender of the driver
Student’s achievements
Number of policies you have with the provider
The age of your vehicle
The type of vehicle your teenager drivers
The number of people on your policy

Some insurance providers may even go as far as inquiring about the medical history of your teenage driver. So if your teenager suffers from some physical or mental illness, like anxiety or depression, that could play a role in your rates as well.

Wanting to stray away from letting your teenager onto the roads after learning the statistics and risks associated with drivers their age and gender is entirely normal for a parent.

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 a defensive driving course can get the following benefits:

Save on insurance premiums!
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.
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.

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!

March 4th, 2021

What Will a DUI Cost?

National vs state average annual rates with DUI

	Pre-DUI	Post DUI	Percent Increase
National	$1,674	$3,336	99%
Georgia	$1,982	$3,691	86%

Georgia’s average annual percentage increase is lower than the national average, but drivers can still expect to pay more for car insurance after a DUI.

How much does it cost for insurance after a DUI in Georgia?

Georgia drivers convicted of a DUI can expect to pay roughly 86% more for insurance than what they paid pre-DUI.

Georgia drivers also face numerous penalties from the state after a DUI conviction. Penalties include such things as jail time, community service, and fines.

If your drunk driving injures or kills someone, the penalties will likely be much more severe than what is listed below and will be determined by a court of law.

	First DUI	Second DUI	Third DUI
Fines	Minimum $300, plus court fees and surcharges	$600- $1,000, plus court fees and surcharges	$1,000-$5,000, plus court fees and surcharges
Jail Time	1 to 10 days	90 days to 1 year (may be mitigated with probation, but 3 days remain mandatory)	120 days to 1 year (at least 15 days must be spent incarcerated)
Probation	1 year	1 to 3 years	1 to 3 years
Community Service	At least 40 hours	240 hours	240 hours
Preventative Class	Yes	Yes	Yes
License Suspension	Possible, with limited driving permit	At least 1 year	5 years, with the option for a limited permit for the first two years
Ignition Interlock Device	Varies	Yes	Yes

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!

March 3rd, 2021

How Long a DUI Can Stay on Your Record

The 10-Year Rule in Georgia Explained:

Georgia sentencing guidelines require that if you are convicted of a second DUI within 10-years, you will be sentenced to a minimum of 72 hours in jail and a fine that ranges from $600 to $1,000 (plus court surcharges).

You will also receive 240 hours of community service, DUI School, 12 months on probation, a clinical evaluation, and any recommended substance abuse treatment.

The 5-Year Rule in Georgia Explained:

If you are convicted of a second DUI within 5 years, the penalties are even more severe.

In addition to the penalties listed above, you will also be required to pay a $25.00 fee to publish a notice of your conviction and your photograph in your county newspaper.

You will also be required to surrender the license plates to any vehicle registered in your name, and your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of 18 months.

If you are convicted of a second DUI within a 5-year period, you will be ineligible for a limited driving permit for at least 4 months. Additionally, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car as a prerequisite to getting a permit 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!

February 26th, 2021

Federal Agents Seize $2.82 Million Worth of Cocaine-Coated Corn Flakes

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati intercepted the smuggled drugs in a shipment of cereal coming from South America.

The shipment contained about 44 pounds of cocaine-coated corn flakes, which could have a street value of up to $2,822,400.

CBP Narcotic Detector Dog “Bico” was working incoming freight from Peru when he alerted to a large shipment of cereal headed to a private home in Hong Kong.

When officers opened the box to take a closer look, they saw the cereal contained white powder, and the flakes were coated with a grayish substance.

Officers tested the flakes and powder and found they contained cocaine.

Cincinnati Port Director Richard Gillespie emphasized that smugglers will hide narcotics in anything imaginable.

“The men and women at the Port of Cincinnati are committed to stopping the flow of dangerous drugs, and they continue to use their training, intuition, and strategic skills to prevent these kinds of illegitimate shipments from reaching the public,” Gillespie said.

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!

February 25th, 2021

Bartow Park Coordinator Arrested In Government Vehicle

Bartow County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) records indicate Christopher Joel Patterson — the Gatewood Park Coordinator — was taken into police custody following a stop conducted by a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) officer.

A GSP report obtained by The Daily Tribune News indicates the incident occurred near Bartow Beach Road and Jim Knight Road.

Per the GSP report, officer Richard Holman was contacted by BCSO deputy Ryan Wilson, who told him there was a vehicle stopped and that “the driver was intoxicated.”

Holman arrived on the scene at around 6:42 p.m. Per his write-up of the incident, Patterson, 45, was in a Bartow County vehicle at the time — a 1999 Ford truck with a “GV55546” license plate.

“He advised me he was attempting to block the road by his house to keep a vehicle trapped within a parking lot,” the report reads. “He stated that he was drinking beer and cooking dinner when he heard a truck doing doughnuts in a parking lot.”

The incident report notes that Patterson agreed to participate in a field sobriety test.

BCSO records indicate Patterson is facing one count of failing to exercise due care while operating a motor vehicle and one count of driving under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive.

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!

February 24th, 2021

Tyrece Radford Found Guilty of DUI

Suspended Virginia Tech men’s basketball standout was found guilty in Montgomery County General District Court of first-offense driving under the influence.

Radford also pleaded no contest to carrying a concealed weapon. Judge Randal Duncan took that case under advisement for a year and could dismiss that charge at the end of that period.

“You have too much going for you,” Duncan told Radford in the disposition hearing. “Do better.”

Radford was indefinitely suspended from the nationally ranked Hokies on Jan. 25 after being arrested by Blacksburg police a day earlier. He was charged with one misdemeanor count of first-offense driving while intoxicated and one misdemeanor count of carrying a concealed weapon.

Under the plea agreement, Radford pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence with the stipulation that he be found guilty.

Radford was sentenced to a 60-day suspended jail sentence and a $1,000 fine, with $750 of that suspended.

Radford, who has a Louisiana driver’s license, also had his driving privileges in Virginia revoked for 12 months — unless he gets a Virginia driver’s license, in which case his license will be restricted and he must have the ignition interlock device in his car.

Radford was also placed on probation for 12 months.

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!

February 16th, 2021

Car Insurance Guide

Car insurance discounts aren’t always what they seem. For example, you might think “big savings!” when you see a discount advertised with up to 40% off, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get 40% off your entire car insurance bill.

Here are some discount car insurance tips.

Some discounts apply only to specific coverage types, not your entire bill. For example, seat belt discounts might be applied only to your cost for medical payments coverage or personal injury protection, because those types pay for passenger injuries. Anti-theft device discounts might apply only to comprehensive coverage because that’s the coverage that pays for car theft.

Discounts can be capped. You might qualify for multiple discounts, but the insurance company usually limits the total possible discount percentage. For example, you might add up discounts that look like 75% off your auto insurance, but the total might be capped at 20%.

Not all discounts are automatic. You might have to ask for them, especially if you’ve had the same policy for a few years. Your insurance company may not know that you had an anti-theft device installed in your car, or that your student driver has excellent grades. The best way to save money on discounts is to ask your insurance agent on a regular basis to review your policy.

Discounts vary by state and the insurance company. A discount you see mentioned on an insurance company website might not actually be available in your state.

Insurance companies place teen drivers in the high-risk category. So, teens 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!

February 16th, 2021

Georgia State Patrol Arrests Man for Meth Trafficking

During a road check, GSP stopped a man, identified as 29-year-old Dreon Markale Neal, in the area of MLK Jr. Drive and Carter Street.

Georgia State Patrol troopers say they’ve seized roughly a pound of meth

Through testing, troopers said they determined Neal was driving under the influence so they stopped him and searched his vehicle.

During the search of his vehicle, Neal ran away but troopers were able to take him back into custody, GSP said.

Inside the car, troopers found a Glock handgun, 15 clear baggies of methamphetamine that weighed about a pound together, and about $6,000 in cash.

Based on the evidence, Neal was arrested and charged with multiple crimes including trafficking in methamphetamines, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, escaping, and driving under the influence.

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!