Volvo is recalling 307,653 of its vehicles in the U.S.—and more than 2.1 million vehicles worldwide—for an issue with the front seatbelts.
As Automotive News reported, the automaker has discovered that a steel cable made by Autoliv that anchors the front seatbelts to the car could become weakened, potentially reducing the seatbelt’s restraining ability.
The affected vehicles were built between 2006 and 2019.
They include the S60 ncluding the S60L and S60 Cross Country, S80 and S80L, V60 and V60 Cross Country, V70 wagons, and XC60 and XC70 SUVs.
A Volvo spokesperson confirmed that it isn’t aware of any injuries or accidents that have resulted from the cable problem.
Volvo will contact owners to have the cable replaced at no charge beginning on August 25 of this year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
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.
A 60-year-old man with three DUI convictions on his record was arrested on another drunk-driving charge after being found shirtless and passed out in his truck in a store parking lot.
Photo: ocala-news.com
Mark James Havens, was charged with DUI (fourth or subsequent offense).
A deputy on-site observed the keys were still in the ignition. Havens had bloodshot eyes, his speech was slurred, and the smell of intoxicating beverages was emitting from within the vehicle.
Havens told the deputy he drank “a few” beers earlier in the day, the report said.
Another deputy responded and observed the vehicle was parked at an odd angle and was halfway out of the parking space, with the passenger-side front and rear tires in the grass. The second deputy observed Havens’ face was flushed, his eyes were bloodshot and watery, and his speech was slow, slurred, and mumbled, according to the report.
Havens failed a series of field sobriety tests and was taken to Jail, where a breathalyzer test came back with results of .132 and .115.
A records check showed Havens was convicted of DUI in 1985 and 1990 in Georgia, and 2014 in Marion County, the report said.
GEORGIA DUI LAWS:
Georgia drivers can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher.
When you are arrested for a DUI in Georgia, you’ll have to deal with both a criminal case and a separate license suspension. The Georgia Department of Driver Services will handle your license suspension pursuant to the implied consent laws and the GA criminal courts will prosecute the criminal case.
What happens in court won’t have any bearing on the status of your driver’s license and vice versa.
The Georgia courts impose criminal penalties including:
Fines;
Jail time;
Public service.
The Department of Driver Services imposes administrative penalties including:
Suspension or revocation of your license.
The higher your BAC, the more severe your penalties may be. Multiple convictions will also result in harsher sentences.
The state with the lowest drunken driving rate in the nation? That commendable distinction went to Delaware, with 44.3 DUI arrests per 100,000 people.
Men are far more likely than women to be arrested on drunken driving charges, as males accounted for nearly three in four DUI arrests in 2018, according to U.S. Drug Test Centers.
Additionally, whites accounted for 81.2 percent of DUI arrests in 2018, according to the report.
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:
“Drowsy driving is often overlooked in the discussion of the types of behaviors like impaired and distracted driving that cause deadly crashes on our roads,” Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 795 people were killed in drowsy driving crashes nationwide in 2017. However, that number is believed to be higher since it is difficult for investigators to determine if drowsiness was the cause of many fatal crashes involving lone drivers.
Teen drivers are considered to be one of the most vulnerable age groups for drowsy driving crashes and a majority of these types of crashes for drivers of all age groups happen overnight, often on rural roads and highways.
Photo: Google Images
It’s not always easy to tell when you’re too tired to drive. Here are some signs that it’s time to pull over:
Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
Daydreaming; wandering/disconnected thoughts
Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs
Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
Trouble keeping your head up
Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
Feeling restless and irritable
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.
The Independence Day holiday travel period is now set for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th at midnight, a total of 54 hours.
Photo: Google Images
Local and state law enforcement are making it a priority to target speeders, distracted and impaired drivers!
The Georgia State Patrol and Motor Carrier Compliance Division also want to remind drivers about the Georgia Hands-Free Law, which went into effect two years ago. Since then, almost 50,000 tickets have been issued.
The 2019 Independence Day holiday travel period was 102 hours long. During that time span, state troopers were called to 571 traffic accidents which were tied to 427 injuries and 17 fatalities.
More than 12,000 tickets were issued spanning from seat belt and child restraint violations, with 16, 846 warnings and 422 DUI arrests.
Colonel Gary Vowell, the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said “Despite restraints under COVID-19 guidelines, social distancing, wearing masks and timelines for re-opening states, motorists still plan to travel the roadways in celebration of the beginning of summer and family and friends will be participating in Fourth of July events. The Department of Public Safety wants everyone to put safety first by following the posted speed limit, not driving while impaired, making sure all occupants are restrained, keeping your hands off of your cell phones, and adhering to social distancing guidelines, wearing masks when necessary.”
Georgia State Patrol will also be enforcing Operation Zero Tolerance, which is aimed at fighting impaired drivers along with speeders and distracted drivers. AAA reports 97% of travelers will travel in a car and troopers, officers and deputies will be working together to cut down on roadway risks.
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.
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.
We are committed to helping Americans 50 and older sustain mobility and safety as they age, which consists of several programs in our offered courses.
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!
A teacher at Kennesaw Mountain High School faces assault and DUI charges after police say he drove under the influence of a hallucinogen and crashed his vehicle into another car carrying a couple and their 4-month-old infant.
Warrants show Joel Schroter, 43, of Marietta, was arrested after multiple witnesses to the crash said he’d seemingly intentionally swerved to crash his 2008 Mazda 3 into a vehicle at the intersection of Old 41 Highway and Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw and attempted to hit others.
Schroter is an orchestra instructor at Kennesaw Mountain High School.
A Kennesaw police officer wrote in the incident report, “As I approached the male he started jumping and dancing, and flailing his hands in the air stating, ‘thank you God, thank you God,’ and continued laughing very loud and giggling.’”
Police said both adults in the car appeared to have injuries, while the baby did not.
All three were transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.
Police say two vehicles were disabled in the crash, and one witness caught the incident on a dashboard camera inside their car, warrants show.
Officers said Schroter had been driving under the influence of a drug — possibly LSD, cocaine, ecstasy or another synthetic/natural hallucinogen.
A-1 is glad to hear that this wasn’t a fatal incident, and hope those involved a smooth recovery.
The next step for Schroter 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 any of the following:
DUI
Drug Possession
Other drug offenses
Under-age possession of drugs or alcohol
Keep in mind: Before getting behind the wheel after having a few, consider the many reasons why you should not!
It’s that easy – choose your location, pick the perfect schedule, and register.
Whether you are a high school student or adult learning to drive, our one-on-one driving lessons are designed as an inexpensive way to help you pass your driving test easily.
*Add on-site road testing at registration for only $75 (students under 18) and $125 (adults over 18).
Driving lessons are a great first step for new drivers, or licensed drivers, helping students to feel comfortable on the road, in traffic, and in a variety of weather conditions. Most insurance companies even offer discounts for drivers who have had lessons. Sign up for driving lessons, today.
Skip the DMV. We now offer onsite road testing at select A-1 Driving School locations. You can purchase driving lessons + on-site road test packages, or you can purchase the on-site road testing, alone, for $75 for students under 18, and $125 for adults over 18.
Driver’s Ed Frequently Asked Questions
What is JOSHUA’S LAW?
Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16 year-olds applying for a Class D driver’s license must complete a driver education course approved by the Department of Driver Services and complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian’s sworn verification that these requirements have been met. Any Georgia resident who has not completed an approved driver education course must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a Class D driver’s license. He or she must have completed a total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including at least 6 hours at night. The same verification in writing by a parent or guardian is required.
Will I be able to get a reduction in my insurance premiums when my child completes the driver’s education course?
Only a Certificate of Completion from a State Licensed School providing 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind the wheel instruction would be eligible for a reduction in insurance premiums.
What if my child just moved to Georgia?
All 16-year-olds must take an approved Driver’s Education Course to be issued a license in Georgia. Please call (770) 603-3320 or (706) 354-4755 (Athens area) for more information and to sign up.
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Montravius Adams was arrested in Georgia and charged with marijuana and driving offenses.
Photo: Google Images
He was stopped on suspicion of driving with a suspended registration and no insurance, according to a Houston County Sheriff’s Office report.
An officer detected a scent of marijuana, which was found in a search of the car, the report said.
He faces misdemeanor charges of possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, driving with a suspended registration and driving without insurance.
The Packers said in a statement they are aware of what happened but will not comment further because it is an “ongoing legal matter.”
Adams, 24, is a 2017 third-round draft pick from Auburn. He had 19 tackles last year while playing in 14 games and making two starts. He finished with 26 tackles and 1 ½ sacks in 2018 while playing 16 games and making one start.
It goes to show that no one is above the law!
Georgia State law requires a clinical evaluation and the attendance of the DUI 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:
With fewer people on the roads during the coronavirus pandemic, the Atlanta Police Department has repeatedly said they are dealing with street racing issues.
Atlanta police followed through on the “hard stand” they said they would take against the drivers, those who record them and gather in large groups – sometimes even lighting fireworks.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 44 individuals for activities related to street racing.
Additionally, 114 citations were issued, 29 vehicles were impounded, and four firearms were recovered, including a semi-automatic rifle.
“We pledged to deal with these speeders and reckless drivers who have shown a complete disregard for the safety of others with these dangerous antics,” said Chief Erika Shields. “With the help of our law enforcement partners, we made inroads. We will continue to impound, arrest and seek costly fines for those individuals who choose Atlanta for this senseless behavior.”
Arrests and citations included traffic offenses such as laying drag, speeding and reckless driving to other criminal offenses such as DUI, drinking in public, and possession of marijuana, police said. One convicted felon was found to be in possession of a firearm and charged.
Atlanta police department was assisted by the Georgia State Patrol, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections.
They said they focused this operation on known hot spots, including interstates and Spring Street in Midtown, and are prepared to continue focusing on these illegal activities as long as needed.
There are many reasons an individual might elect or be required to take the 6-hour Defensive Driving Class:
Ticket Dismissal
Many Courts in Georgia will dismiss a ticket for a traffic violation if the offender completes the 6-hour Defensive Driving Program prior to going to Court. If dismissed, there will be no points placed on your driving record and your insurance will not increase.
Points Reduction
You may complete the 6-hour Defensive Driving Program once every 5 years to remove up to 7 points from your record to prevent your license from being revoked.
License Suspension
If your license has been suspended, you must complete the 6-hour Defensive Driving Program before your license is reinstated.
Fine Reduction
The 6-hour Defensive Driving Program may be taken for a 20% reduction of the traffic fine and may result in the court not adding points to your record.
Insurance Discounts
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.
Earn Your Certificate of Completion
Each student will receive a Certificate of Completion.
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.
With fewer drivers on the road during the coronavirus pandemic, police in the Toronto region have charged at least 150 people with street racing or stunt racing — including a 19-year-old driving 191 mph.
The Ontario Provincial Police has seen a rise in “stunt driving” cases.
An OPP officer pulled over a 19-year-old along the Queen Elizabeth Highway in Ontario for driving 308 kph (191 mph)!
“This is the fastest speed that I’ve ever heard of,” Sargent Kerry Schmidt said.
Schmidt noted that the speed limit is 100 kph (62 mph), and there are areas where it reaches 110 kph. The driver was going triple the speed limit.
The driver was charged with street racing and criminal dangerous driving, and his license was suspended for seven days and his father’s car was impounded for seven days. Licenses are automatically suspended for seven days and cars are automatically impounded for seven days for this type of violation in Ontario.
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.
