Driving News – Page 33 – A-1 Driving Schools | 19 Locations in Atlanta, Georgia

Category: Driving News

December 15th, 2020

Two Teens Killed in Head-On Collision

According to Georgia State Patrol, a 2001 Acura driven by 17-year-old Tyrese Wright was going west on the highway near Watson Reynolds Road.

A 2019 Freightliner was driving in the eastbound lane near the same location.

GSP says “for unknown reasons,” the driver of the Acura — Wright — lost control and traveled across the double yellow lines.

The Freightliner and Acura then collided head-on, killing both Wright and his passenger, identified as 18-year-old Jonathan Jarrett.

The driver of the Freightliner, a 42-year-old from Hiram, was unharmed.

Georgia State Patrol says Wright and Jarrett were ‘unrestrained’ at the time of the accident.

The accident is still under investigation.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Tyrese Wright and Jonathan Jarrett.

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!

December 8th, 2020

What You Need to Know About Driver’s License Points

Your driver’s license gives you the legal right to drive. In return, you’re expected to obey the relevant traffic laws.

One way that many states keep track of your driving history is to assign points to your license if you get a ticket for a moving violation!

Photo: Google Images

Point System: Points are added to your license upon conviction of certain violations.  The Georgia Point System ranges from 2 to 6 points.

How many points will suspend your license?

A driver with 15 points in a 24 month period will have their license suspended. Licensed Georgia residents may request that the Department of Driver Services reduce the number of points assessed against their Georgia driver’s license.

How do I reduce points on my Georgia driver’s license?

  • Up to 7 points can be reduced once every 5 years.  In accordance with rule O.C.G.A §40-5-86
  • To qualify for a Points Reduction, you must successfully complete a certified Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course.  Once you complete the Driver Improvement (defensive driving) course: Bring the original certificate of completion to a DDS Customer Service Center or you can request a Points reduction by Mail.  Mail the original certificate of completion to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P. O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013.
  • A-1 is proud to say that we offer certified defensive driving classes visit a1drivingshcools.com for more information!

When are points not added?

  • You will not receive points for the following:
    • Speeding convictions less than 15 miles-per-hour over the posted speed limit
    • Convictions of driving “Too Fast for Conditions’
    • If you are a Non-Georgia Resident

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!

December 8th, 2020

Zero Tolerance Crackdown

Law enforcement agencies all across Georgia are joining forces to crack down on DUI, speeding, distracted driving, and violations of other traffic laws to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and deaths during the holiday season. They’re warning drivers they will go straight to jail.

The increased enforcement effort is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs from December 18, 2020 through January 1, 2020. 

Photo: Google Images

The pandemic may put fewer vehicles on the road, but state troopers say all impaired drivers will be arrested and no warnings will be issued.

Georgia’s legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is .08. 

Sobriety checkpoints will be set up throughout the state. Officials say a DUI arrest could cost drivers up to $10,000 in fines, legal fees, court costs and higher insurance premiums.

In Georgia, 375 out of the 1,504 traffic fatalities in 2018 were alcohol related. That’s 25 percent of all traffic deaths in the state. 14 people died on Georgia roads from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve to 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 26.

All motorists can use the following tips to stay safe, focused, sober and patient while traveling:

  • Plan ahead for a sober ride.
  • Arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service or program the numbers for cab companies into your phone.
  • You can also plan to use public transportation, but check schedules ahead of time in case service is altered during the holiday.
  • Don’t try to make up time by speeding. Because of extra traffic on the road, leave for your destination earlier than needed to allow for increased travel time.
  • Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seat belt and all children under 8 are riding in an approved child passenger safety seat or booster seat.
  • Limit driver distractions by staying off phones. Program GPS before you get on the road or have a passenger be in charge of navigation.
  • Take breaks to avoid drowsy driving: Plan rest stops as needed and alternate drivers if possible!

Drivers can benefit from understanding state laws and penalties pertaining to impaired driving, especially now that the holidays are near.

The same safe driving practices that are taught in A-1’s Defensive Driving Class can be applied 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.a1drivingschool.com!

December 8th, 2020

Prepare for Winter!

In addition to annual maintenance, here are some tips to winterize your car:

  • Test your battery; battery power drops as the temperature drops
  • Make sure the cooling system is in good working order
  • Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car
  • If using all-season tires, check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch
  • Check the tire pressure; tire pressure drops as the temperature drops
  • Check your wiper blades and replace if needed
  • Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze

    How to Avoid a Crash

    Photo: Google Images
    • Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions
    • Steer in the direction of a skid, so when your wheels regain traction, you don’t have to overcorrect to stay in your lane
    • Accelerate and decelerate slowly
    • Increase following distance to 8 to 10 seconds
    • If possible, don’t stop when going uphill

There is a lot of very useful and informative information 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!

 

December 1st, 2020

Father Charged with Fatal DUI

A North Georgia man is accused of driving under the influence during a crash that left his 5-year-old son dead.

State troopers responded to the fatal wreck on Ga. 385 in Habersham County, the Georgia State Patrol said in an emailed statement.

According to investigators, a 2016 Toyota Prius driven by 34-year-old Gregory Thompson of Mount Airy crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Honda Accord that was traveling north.

The crash injured Thompson and killed his 5-year-old son, Maximus, who was riding in the back seat.

The driver of the Honda, 78-year-old Donald Preece of Clarkesville, was also injured in the wreck.

Both he and Gregory Thompson were taken to Habersham Medical Center in Demorest, authorities said.

Thompson faces eight charges in the crash: homicide by vehicle, DUI, driving on the wrong side of the road, serious injury by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, failure to exercise due care, endangering a child under 14 while driving under the influence, and a safety restraint violation for a child younger than 8.

 

Photo: Google Images

Or worse…DUI driving can lead to harming others like what happened in this tragic accident…

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Maximus and Donald Preece.

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!

December 1st, 2020

GSU Police Chief Resigns Following Second DUI Arrest

Photo: 11alive.com

Police Chief Joe Spillane resigned last week following an arrest in Fayette County for DUI, a school spokeswoman told 11Alive.

She said it was his second arrest while serving as GSU police chief.

Following his resignation, the university named Assistant Chief Anthony Coleman as interim police chief.

In 2017, following a DUI arrest, he told 11Alive he was disappointed for getting himself into that situation.

“I’m human – and it happens,” he said as he apologized for that arrest.

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!

November 24th, 2020

Traffic Stop Lead to Seizure of $20K Worth of Drugs

An Atlanta man faces several felonies after a weekend traffic stop in North Georgia led to the discovery of more than $20,000 worth of marijuana and THC wax, authorities said.

Photo: Google Images

A state trooper pulled over 51-year-old Donald Pickett along Ga. 15 in Tallulah Falls on Sunday as he drove from North Carolina to Atlanta, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Task Force said.

A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of five pounds of pot and 500 grams of THC wax, along with THC oil and gummies, authorities said. The marijuana was worth $6,000 and the THC products had a street value of approximately $15,000, according to police.

Pickett was booked into the Habersham County Jail on charges of driving under the influence, felony marijuana possession, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, two counts of possessing a Schedule 1 drug and possession of a Schedule 1 drug with the intent to distribute, authorities said.

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!

November 24th, 2020

Head-On Crash Kills 5-year-old in North Georgia

A North Georgia man is accused of driving under the influence during a crash that left his 5-year-old son dead.

According to investigators, a 2016 Toyota Prius driven by 34-year-old Gregory Thompson of Mount Airy crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Honda Accord that was traveling north.

The crash injured Thompson and killed his 5-year-old son, Maximus, who was riding in the back seat.

The driver of the Honda, 78-year-old Donald Preece of Clarkesville, was also injured in the wreck. Both he and Gregory Thompson were taken to Habersham Medical Center in Demorest, authorities said.

Thompson faces eight charges in the crash: homicide by vehicle, DUI, driving on the wrong side of the road, serious injury by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, failure to exercise due care, endangering a child under 14 while driving under the influence, and a safety restraint violation for a child younger than 8.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Maximus.

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!

November 17th, 2020

Grant Awarded to Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office For DUI Enforcement

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has announced that the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is one of 21 law enforcement agencies in Georgia to receive a Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic grant for the 2021 grant season.

Referred to as a H.E.A.T. grant, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office’s award totals $108,444.60.

The goal of the H.E.A.T. program is to combat crashes, injuries and fatalities caused by impaired driving and speeding, while also increasing seatbelt use and educating the public about traffic safety and the dangers of DUI.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office H.E.A.T Unit will use the grant from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to develop and implement strategies to reduce local traffic crashes due to aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety H.E.A.T. grants are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“The loss of one life on our roads is one too many, and the fact almost all fatal traffic crashes can be prevented is one reason why we are awarding this grant,” Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole said.

“The target of zero traffic deaths in our nation is achievable, and we will continue to help develop and implement educational messages and enforcement campaigns aimed at bringing our state one step closer to that goal.”

As law enforcement partners in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over DUI and Click It or Ticket seatbelt campaigns, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will also conduct mobilizations throughout the year in coordination with Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s year-round waves of high visibility patrols, concentrated patrols, and multi-jurisdictional sobriety checkpoints.

The grant will continue through September 2021.

Photo: Google Images

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!