Erase your infraction
Information from a concerned citizen recently reminded me that there is a way to address traffic citations that can alleviate some of the woes connected with them.
Traffic education programs exist that can reduce the possibility of future tickets, accidents and escalating insurance premiums. Depending upon one’s age, license status and ticket issuing agency, classes designed to educate drivers and protect driving records are available to offenders.
One such program, known as “Alive at 25” is specifically aimed at youthful drivers (aged 15-24). Since traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for that age group, the National Safety Council has developed a defensive driving course attempting to save lives through education. As incentive for that education stressing defensive driving and focus on the road, ticketed drivers can keep their driving abstract clear and avoid rising insurance premiums by successfully completing a 4-hour class and having tickets “erased.” The offer is available on a one-time-only basis on the most recent infraction.
Eligible drivers merely need to respond to the court within 15 days of their infraction, and request entry into the program. A fee of $125 is collected at registration, which is less than a typical fine associated with the original ticket. It’s described as a win-win-win situation for youthful drivers, parents and courts.
A similar opportunity exists for drivers of all ages who have been cited for an infraction by the Washington State Patrol. Affected drivers (who have not made a previous request within 7 years) must submit an application online or at the District Court. An approved application places the defendant on probation for 12 months in favor of an administrative fee of $150 to monitor for subsequent violations. Completion of a successful probationary period will dismiss the infraction from the driving record, leaving insurance unaffected.
Yet another program is available to drivers of any age who receive tickets from an SPS officer. Traditionally known as “Traffic School,” classes are accessed through the Spokane County Sheriff’s office for a fee of $135. As with the other remediation programs, satisfying the eligibility and workshop requirements will result in the infraction not being recorded, thwarting the adverse effect on insurance costs.
In an associated service, the Center for Justice assists with re-entry to society after imprisonment. Among other things, like expunging old convictions that deter getting jobs and housing, the agency offers help with relicensing for such people who have suspended or revoked licenses.
These educational strategies are made available to the driving public because the various enforcement agencies wish to provide positive resolution alternatives. They would prefer that citations are not seen as a punishment, but rather as a potential favorable learning experience for participants. A side effect is that it can benefit the entire community in becoming more aware of our established driving privileges.
Courses are designed to make drivers realize that driver error is the cause of nearly 70 percent of vehicle collisions, and that defensive driving can drastically improve one’s odds of not being involved in one. Formal education has shown to be an effective deterrent to risky vehicle operation behaviors, resulting in accidents avoided and lives saved.
Especially with young drivers, the point needs to be driven home that anyone talking or texting on a phone while driving is more than four times likely to have a collision — if you are prone to that distracting habit, you need to stop!
Readers may contact Bill Love via e-mail at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.
