Category: Driving News

Justin Michael Voss, 33, was taken into custody in Dawson County on one count of DUI on Friday, Jan. 1, according to Georgia State Patrol SFC Curtis Bradshaw.

The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a road check at that location, and according to authorities, Voss almost drove through that road check.

Dawson County deputies flagged Voss down and performed an investigation after smelling what appeared to be alcohol.

After conducting the investigation, the Georgia State Trooper determined that Voss had been driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office was notified of Voss’s arrest and is conducting an internal affairs investigation. According to Stacie Miller, a spokeswoman with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia P.O.S.T. has been notified of the arrest.

“The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office takes DUI’s very seriously,” Miller said. “We have run several awareness campaigns throughout the year with messages stressing there are no warnings for DUI, because when you drive drunk, you put your life and other lives in jeopardy.”

He was placed on was put on administrative leave soon after.

The next step for Voss 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:

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!

A star UNLV basketball recruit was charged with driving under the influence of marijuana in a high-speed crash that killed a 52-year-old Las Vegas school custodian.

Attorneys for Zaon Collins appeared before a Las Vegas judge who let him remain free from jail with electronic monitoring but banned him from using drugs or alcohol pending a Feb. 17 preliminary hearing of evidence.

Combined, the charges against the 19-year-old Collins, including reckless driving, could have him face up to 26 years in state prison.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said blood tests showed Collins had 50% more marijuana metabolite in his system than allowed and police determined the 2016 Dodge Challenger he was driving was traveling 85 mph (137 kph) in a 35 mph (56 kph) residential area before the Dec. 30 crash killed Eric Echevarria of Las Vegas.

Police said Echevarria was making a left turn when his 2016 Hyundai Accent was struck by Collins’ car.

Echevarria’s death drew an outpouring of grief from family members and friends. He grew up in the Bronx, New York, and was an Army and National Guard veteran who worked as an elementary school custodian, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. He is survived by his wife, a teenage son, four adult stepchildren, and several grandchildren.

Collins was a star player at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas and was a top college prospect when he committed to UNLV.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Eric Echevarria.

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 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.

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

Jacobs, 22, was arrested near McCarran Airport in Las Vegas just hours after the Raiders won their regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos.

Jacobs sustained minor injuries from the crash and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Jacobs was then transported to the Clark County Detention Center where he was booked on a DUI charge.

Officials say Sgt. Daniel Mobley was hit by a vehicle while at the scene of an accident involving another officer along the Downtown Connector near Andrew Young International Blvd.

Mobley was struck by a car as he was getting out of his patrol unit. Medics rushed him to Grady Memorial Hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.

“Sergeant Mobley was responding to the area of I-85 and 75 to investigate a crash one of our officers was involved in,” said DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos. “Unfortunately as he exited the vehicle he was struck by an oncoming car.”

The Georgia State Patrol said the driver of a Ford Focus lost control going into a curve, struck the right concrete barrier wall, and then struck Sgt. Mobley and his patrol car.

The driver of the Ford Focus also was taken to Grady, but only suffered minor injuries, troopers said.

“If we are driving a county vehicle a supervisor has to respond to investigate it. It’s like an independent investigation outside the crash. We do our own supervisory investigation,” the chief said. “When one of our officers is involved in an accident a supervisor has to respond and do a supervisory investigation. He was on his way to do just that. So, he himself was on his way to investigate an accident that had already occurred when he himself became the victim of an accident.”

The off-duty officer was not injured in either crash but is hurting along with his colleagues at Mobley’s loss.

The Georgia State Patrol released a statement late Saturday that reads:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Mobley’s family, loved ones, and the entire DeKalb County Police Department.”

Officials are asking people to pray for Mobley and his family.

The Georgia Move Over Law requires drivers to move-over one lane when possible if an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of the highway. And 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 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!

Car insurance rate premiums shoot up by around 130 – 140% when a teen driver is added to an existing policy and can rise an additional 20 – 40% if that driver gets a speeding ticket or has an accident.

Rates like these tend to remain in place until a driver turns 20.

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!

You can expect to pay upwards of $10,000 to $25,000 for a first-time DUI, according to American Addiction Centers (AAC).

All the costs below are for a first-time offense. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence before, you’re likely to face much harsher penalties and fines.

Bail

When you’re caught driving under the influence, you should expect to be arrested immediately. Getting bail will cost anywhere from $100 to $2,500, according to the AAC.

Impound fees

Unless you have a sober passenger who can take over when you’re arrested, the police will have to tow your car, then store it while you’re in jail. These fees can vary substantially, from as little as $100 to as much as $1,200.

DUI fines

You can expect the court to fine you between $150 to $1,800 for the DUI charge, but it probably won’t end there.

The court may also level fines for your jail time ($10 to $300), sentencing ($100 to $250), probation ($200 to $1,200), and community service supervision ($100).

Attorney fees

The cost of a professional defense can vary wildly. Don’t expect to pay less than $1,500, and a good lawyer fighting a difficult case could cost $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

DMV fees

Your license may be suspended as soon as you’re arrested, though a conviction will almost certainly result in you losing your driving privileges for several months.

You’ll then face expenses including reinstatement fees at the Department of Motor Vehicles that can run anywhere from $20 to $200 and up.

Traffic school/alcohol education costs

If convicted, you’ll likely be required to attend traffic school or substance abuse classes in order to get your license reinstated.

These courses can cost as little as $350 or as much as $2,000 over the course of your probation.

GEORGIA DUI LAWS:

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 occured

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 incareceration (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!

Honda has announced recalls of 430,000 vehicles to check and potentially replace the left and/or right front driveshafts because of salt corrosion. T

he recall will include the 2007–2014 Honda Fit, the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, the 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, the 2013–2015 Acura ILX, and the 2013–2015 Honda Accord. The Accord is under a separate recall from the other vehicles, Honda said.

The automaker said the problem with the driveshafts is “a combination of potentially damaged or incorrectly cured protective coatings during driveshaft assembly and long-term exposure to road salt primarily used in the northeastern United States.

” If a driveshaft were to break, it could cause the vehicle to lose motive power or to roll while in park if the parking brake is not in use. However, Honda said no accidents or injuries have been reported to date.

Honda will recall 737,000 cars to update body control module (BCM) software. The problem is a “programming flaw” that could cause warning lights to light up unnecessarily and the rearview camera display, turn signals, and wipers to malfunction. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries.

This recall includes 2018–2020 Accord and Accord Hybrid and 2019–2020 Honda Insight vehicles. Owners will be notified starting in January, and they are asked to take their vehicles in to dealers for a software update to address the problem.

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!