Driving News – Page 32 – A-1 Driving Schools

June 9th, 2020

Packers’ Defensive Lineman Arrested in GA

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Montravius Adams was arrested in Georgia and charged with marijuana and driving offenses.

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:

DUI
Drug Possession
Other drug offenses
Under-age possession of drugs or alcohol

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

May 18th, 2020

Atlanta Police Arrests On Street Racing

Photo: Google Images

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.

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

May 18th, 2020

Teen Caught Speeding in His Father’s Car Was Going 191 mph

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.

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!

April 29th, 2020

COVID-19 Driving Restriction

The U.S. Constitution ensures the “right to travel,” but during the coronavirus pandemic, state and local officials are increasingly telling drivers to stay home.

If you must hit the road

Do your research beforehand. Go to the official website of the state and localities that you are traveling to — and those between. Some states and municipalities are setting up border checkpoints and screenings, which may affect your trip, though no state has blocked through travel.
Before a longer trip, speak with a health care provider and get your vehicle checked for maintenance. Contact hotels to be sure they’re still open.
Check for open rest stops along your route. They vary by state, but as gas stations are essential businesses, they make a good option for restrooms. Pack food or plan for drive-through and carryout options only.
Don’t leave the driveway without packing necessary travel documents, including health insurance cards, along with ample snacks, water and, of course disinfectant spray and wipes.
Truck stops and travel plazas are still open, but you may notice a few changes on the roadside. Many locations across the country have transitioned to curbside or takeout options. Additionally, some locations have installed tap and pay machines to limit person-to-person contact.

These tips come from AAA and NATSO.

Please be safe on the roads!

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!

April 28th, 2020

What to Know About GA DUI

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

When someone has prior DUI Convictions in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

Punishment for drivers who have had prior DUI convictions depends on both the number of prior offenses and the severity of the current offense
Georgia has a 10-year “look back” period when determining required enhancements in a person’s punishment
Georgia has a 5-year “look back period when determining the driver’s license consequences of a person’s DUI offense
Georgia’s “look back” period has never prevented a judge or prosecutor from deciding whether to hold a prior offense against someone accused of DUI. The “look back” period only refers to mandatory penalties and punishments. In practice, most courts punish people based on their entire criminal record, not just the number of offenses in the past five or ten years

When someone is charged with DUI Drugs in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

The penalties for DUI Drugs in Georgia are essentially the same as alcohol-related DUI cases
The main difference is that those convicted of DUI Drugs do not qualify for a restricted license or limited permit

When someone is charged with Prescription Drug DUI in Georgia, they face the following potential penalties:

The penalties for Prescription Drug DUI in Georgia are the same as with any other DUI in Georgia
The difference is that people convicted of DUI while impaired by any drug may not qualify for a limited permit or restricted license.
The other main difference is that there is often more sympathy for this from of driving under the influence, and as a result, some prosecutors are more flexible in their evaluation of the case

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!

April 27th, 2020

Empty Georgia Roads Creating Desire for Triple-Digit Speed

Less traffic on Georgia roads these days may seem like a welcome side benefit of this pandemic.

But metro law enforcement leaders complain they’re seeing a new and more dangerous problem: more people driving not just fast, but at speeds over 100 miles an hour.

Snellville police ticketed this man for reckless driving and speeding. He was clocked going 103 in a 45 MPH zone. (Snellville police). The driver explained he was looking for a bathroom.

Alpharetta police had so many triple-digit speeders they created their own graphic warning people to slow down during this pandemic.

“I think people can’t normally go this fast because traffic’s usually more dense,” said Snellville police chief Roy Whitehead. “But with the reduction of the number of cars that are out there, I think that there’s more opportunity.”

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.

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!

April 21st, 2020

Drinking Alcohol Will Not Protect You From Coronavirus!

In case it bears repeating, the World Health Organization wants you to know that excessive alcohol consumption will not protect you against Covid-19. It won’t kill the virus, either — the opposite is true.

“At times of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption can exacerbate health vulnerability, risk-taking behaviors, mental health issues, and violence,” WHO/Europe said in a factsheet published.

WHO said the theory that drinking high-strength ethyl alcohol or ethanol can kill the virus is false. While products made with 60% or more alcohol can effectively disinfect the skin, the same process won’t work inside your body.

Alcohol-related deaths number 3 million every year

Excessive alcohol use is already an issue, pandemic or not, said Carina Ferreira-Borges, program manager for WHO’s Europe Alcohol and Illicit Drugs Programme. Every year, there are at least 3 million alcohol-related deaths worldwide, according to WHO.

Existing rules to limit alcohol use should be “upheld and even reinforced” during the pandemic, WHO said, and relaxing regulations isn’t a good idea, either.

DUI Clinical Evaluations and Treatment Classes

A-1 is offering State/DHR approved Drug and Alcohol Evaluations at our 19 convenient Atlanta locations. All of our DUI Clinical Evaluators are experienced, DHR Certified, and here to help our customers in their time of need.

Step 1: Evaluation

Simply review our DUI clinical evaluations schedule and save your spot online, or call (770) 962-9555 to make an appointment by phone.
Pay online. The cost for our DUI Clinical Evaluation is $95 (the State minimum) which covers your Clinical Evaluation and your transfer fee.

*Be careful other DUI Schools will charge you up to $25 for transfer fees (the State maximum).

Step 2: Treatment

A-1 Is now offering ASAM Level 1 DUI counseling. If you are required to take treatment after your clinical evaluation, A-1 can help. All of our counselors are DHR certified and are experienced in helping customers overcome

For more information visit www.a1drivingschools.com or call (770) 962-9555 to make an appointment by phone.

April 17th, 2020

D’Andre Swift is Headed to the NFL!

We are proud to share the exciting news regarding D’Andre Swift, UGA running back, and one of A-1 Driving School’s most famous customers – He is headed to the NFL.

From SI.com:

D’Andre Swift arrived in Athens as a five-star recruit out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the number one player in his state, the number four running back in the nation, and was ranked 33rd overall. Upon arrival in Athens, Swift made an instant impact for the Georgia Football program…

…So the consensus is that D’Andre Swift will be a late first-round pick, and the first running back selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Experts feel that the Miami Dolphins or the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, are the best landing spots for Swift to apply his trade at the professional level.

April 14th, 2020

Take Your Class, Virtually!

Because of COVID-19, all A-1 Driving School classes have been approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services to be offered virtually.

A-1 Driving School has helped thousands of drivers with DUI School and Risk Reduction classes, Defensive Driving courses, Driver’s Education/Joshua’s Law programs, and Teen/Adult Driving lessons.

DUI/Risk Reduction Program

DUI
Drug Possession
Other drug offenses
Underage possession of drugs or alcohol
The Assessment
The 20-hour DUI Course
Certificate of Completion

Defensive Driving Course

Ticket Dismissal
Points Reduction
License Suspension under 18 years old
License Suspension under 21 years old
License Suspension
Fine Reduction
Insurance Discounts
Earn Your Certificate of Completion

With 19 convenient locations in and around the Metro Atlanta area, we make traffic school efficient and easy. Visit www.a1drivingschools.com or call for information – (770) 962-9555.

April 12th, 2020

Georgia Dept. of Driver Services Grants 60-Day Renewal Extension for Licenses and ID Cards

Gov. Brian Kemp and Department of Driver Services (DDS) Commissioner Spencer R. Moore have announced an emergency operations plan for the agency which includes a 60-day extension for many Georgia residents with a driver’s license or state ID card nearing expiration.

In addition to the extended expiration dates, the DDS is closing all of its customer-facing service centers until further notice.

All valid Georgia driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards with an expiration date between now and June 30, 2020, will receive an extension by a period of 60 days.

Notices will be mailed and new cards will be printed and mailed directly to customers.

Eligible types include identification cards, commercial (CDL) and non-commercial driver’s licenses, limited permits and driving permits.

Medical certifications and CDL endorsements will be extended along with the CDL licenses.

Customers who need to reinstate their license or upgrade from a Class D to a Class C license should utilize DDS Online Services at www.dds.georgia.gov.

Customers who are new to Georgia will not be served during the closure period and should continue using their credentials from their former state. A plan to reopen safety for these customers is being developed.

A-1 Driving School is proud to be certified to administer road tests so students can get their licenses with A-1 and avoid the lines and hassle at the Department of Driver Services.

There are some basic requirements to be able to take the road test with A-1 and they are:

The student has to complete Drivers Education / Joshua’s Law Course with A-1
The student has to complete 6 hours of driving lessons with A-1
The student has to have had their permit for 1 year and 1 day

If you are interested in taking your road test with A-1 or would like to schedule your road test and please call (770)962-9555!

You can also enroll and pay for your road test online at www.a1drivingschools.com!