When you get a traffic ticket in Florida, you have options but those options have a deadline. You can attend traffic court on the date assigned by the officer in hopes of fighting the charge, you can pay the fine and accept the points on your record, or you can attend an approved Florida traffic school (if you are eligible) and have the points removed from your record. The deadline depends on the county in which you received your citation. To determine your personal deadline, you should read the options printed on the back of the traffic ticket or contact the Clerk of the Court's office in the county where you received the ticket.

Here are a few options on how to handle Florida traffic tickets:

Pay the fine – This is the same as pleading guilty. Though it seems the quickest and easiest way to resolve a ticket, there are consequences for the driver.

• Since the driver has admitted guilt, they may find their insurance premiums will increase when it comes time to renew the policy.
• Once the points go on a driver's record, they could wind up having their license suspended if they receive more points within a one to three year period.
• A driver with a “Safe Driver” designation on their license will lose that designation forcing them to renew their license more often.

Fight the traffic ticket in court – If a driver feels that the citation was a mistake, they can go to court on the date written on the traffic ticket. To fight the ticket, the driver will need to produce solid proof that they weren't guilty of the charges. In order to do this effectively, the driver may want to consider hiring an attorney who specializes in traffic offenses. Fighting the ticket is a gamble that should only be taken if the driver has absolute proof that the ticket was issued in error.

Attend traffic school – Attending a traffic school has several benefits:

• No points will be assessed against the driver’s record.
• Insurance premiums are not allowed to increase (unless the driver was at fault in a collision that their insurance company had to pay out on).
• The driver can keep their "Safe Driver" status if they had it to begin with.

For some, depending on the type of offense, attending traffic school may not be an option.

Finding the right traffic school means:

• Researching a school that is approved by the Florida Department of Highway and Motor Vehicles.
• Determining whether the school has a class that you can attend within your time limit or;
• Finding an online course that will allow you to attend traffic school at your own pace and on your own time.

Labels: 12 hour traffic school, defensive driving course, driver record, traffic ticket, traffic ticket fees

At least two states, New York and Texas, have come up with a novel new way to prevent drivers who have accumulated too many points on their record from accumulating any more. Both states have enacted Driver Responsibility Assessment laws that are very similar in nature. In the hope of curbing aggressive driving behavior before it becomes necessary to suspend a license, these laws put a price on aggressive driving and other offenses that could become quite a financial burden on some drivers.

In both New York and Texas, the Driver Responsibility Assessment Law places a financial penalty on drivers who have accumulated too many points over and above the cost of the ticket. Depending on the offense, a driver may have to pay a minimum of $100 per year in order to maintain their driving privileges. For example, A New York driver who accumulates 6 points within an 18 month period will have to pay an annual "Driver Responsibility Assessment" of $100 per year for a three year period. Each additional point on the driving record after the initial assessment will result in an additional $25 per point. Failure to pay the annual assessments will result in suspension of driving privileges.

Below is a breakdown of New York state's assessment/surcharge offenses and costs:

New York's Driver Responsibility Law applies to anyone, whether licensed in New York or not, who commits any of the following offenses while driving in New York State.

Conviction of an alcohol-related traffic violation and the violation occurred in NYS on or after November 18, 2004 (includes boats and snowmobiles); or

Conviction of a drug-related traffic violation and the violation occurred in NYS on or after November 18, 2004 (includes boats and snowmobiles); or

DMV hearing determines that you refused a chemical test and the refusal occurred in NYS on or after November 18, 2004 (includes boats and snowmobiles); or

Receiving six or more points on your NYS driver record during a period of 18 months and the violations occurred in NYS, Quebec or Ontario on or after November 18, 2004.

If you are convicted of a traffic violation that is alcohol-related or drug-related, or if you refuse a chemical test, the annual assessment is $250. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. The total assessment for the three years is $750.

If you receive six points on your driving record within eighteen months, your assessment will be $100 per year for a three year period or a total of $300. $25 is assessed for each additional point over and above the original six points.
For example: A driver convicted of driving more than 21 mph over the speed limit will receive six points and will be assessed $100 per year. If that driver is convicted of another violation and receives two additional points, the assessment will be $150 per year or a total of $450.

With a New York defensive driving course can provide up to a four-point reduction in the total number of active points on your driving record, depending on when the points were assessed. Learn more about the eligibiltiy requirements and benefits of a defensive driving course to protect your NY driving record.

For more information on the New York Driver Responsibility Law, visit: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/DRP.HTM

Labels: aggressive driving, defensive driving course, driver responsibility laws, new york defensive driving, new york driving laws

All New York drivers are eligible to take a defensive driving course that allows them to reduce the number of points on their drivers’ licenses and receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums. The cost of the course is quickly recouped by the savings on the driver's insurance policy. This course can be taken online or in a classroom. Taking the defensive driving class online allows drivers to complete the course at their own pace, in the comfort and privacy of their homes. It's easy even for drivers who have limited experience on the internet because the New York defensive driving course is designed to be simple for everyone, even those who are new to the internet. Here's how to complete the course online, remove points from your New York driving record, and save money on your auto insurance.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles requires that the defensive driving course be six hours long, so the length of the course will be the same no matter which provider you choose. The benefits of the course are also the same no matter which provider you choose: Up to a four-point reduction in the total number of active points on your driving record, depending on when the points were assessed, and a 10% reduction from the base rate of your current liability, no-fault and collision premiums for three years. Each person with a New York driver’s license listed as a principal operator on the family's auto insurance policy must register for and complete the defensive driving course to be eligible for the insurance discount. For example, if a husband and wife have two passenger vehicles, both must take the course to receive a discount on each policy.

When you register for the course, you'll provide personal information to verify your identity and participation, such as the Client ID number from your NYS driver's license and your date of birth. Identity and participation information can also include biometric data like keystrokes, facial recognition or voice recognition. The six-hour time requirement for the NY defensive driving course begins after you complete registration. You may complete the course in one sitting or log in and out as many times as you like. Your place in the course is automatically saved as you progress through it. You must complete the course within 30 days of registration.

You are not required to pass a test to receive your certificate for completing the course. You will receive a certificate for passing based on the delivery option you select. To get your auto insurance reduction, present your certificate of completion to your insurance agent within 90 days (after 90 days, you may still receive a discount, but your insurance agent may issue the discount effective from the date you submitted the certificate).

You may see the New York defensive driving course referred to as "PIRP" or "I-PIRP." This is the course you need for removal of points from your driving record and an auto insurance discount. PIRP stands for Point and Insurance Reduction Program. I-PIRP stands for Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program - the same course delivered via the internet.

Labels: auto insurance reduction, defensive driving course, new york defensive driving, point reduction

Some recent news articles concerning road rage incidents have pointed out how people can draw themselves into a road rage incident and some of the terrible mistakes that drivers make when they try to retaliate against an aggressive driver. A recent incident in Florida involved an enraged driver who started shooting and another driver, believing he had to defend himself, shooting back, resulting in a pitched gun battle on an interstate highway while other drivers swerved to get out of the way. Not only was the “road-rager” arrested but the other driver, who felt justified in shooting back, was surprised when he was arrested as well.

In previous articles, we discussed the difference between aggressive driving and road rage and the fact that people often use the terms interchangeably or get them confused. Road rage occurs when a driver snaps and tries to physically punish another driver. In this article we are going to discuss how to avoid road rage incidents and what to do if you find yourself the target of an enraged driver.
Incidents of road rage have grown to epidemic proportions and a quick Google search turns up a surprising number of road rage incidents that happened within the past 24 hours, several of them involving gunfire. Current economic conditions may be adding to the problem.

In 2006, the American Psychiatric Association gave road rage its own diagnosis, referring to it as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). IED is characterized by a degree of aggressiveness during the episode that is grossly out of proportion to any influencing events; it is a form of temporary insanity, in which the enraged individual wants to hurt other individuals or to destroy property. IED is more commonly found in young men and it is estimated that one in fourteen individuals are capable of experiencing the disorder. The bottom line is that, when you are dealing with someone in a road rage incident, you are not dealing with someone who is rational or reasonable.

How can you avoid being the victim of a road rage incident? There are a number of steps you can take; the key is to avoid, as much as possible, irritating another driver.

• Pay attention to the road ahead and be aware of the drivers around you. If you see an aggressive driver approaching in your rear view mirror, get out of his way. Move into another lane or give him plenty of space to get around you.


• Giving full attention to your driving means staying off of cell phones. Cell phone users tend to drive slower and are slower to regain speed after stopping at a red light.


• Stay in the right hand lane unless you are passing another driver. Keep the left lane clear for passing traffic. If you are on a two-lane road and traffic is building up behind you, pull over and allow faster traffic to pass.


• Use turn signals and slow in time so other drivers will have time to react to your brake lights.


• Remember that you can’t take the right-of-way, you can only give it up to someone else. If someone else insists on taking the right-of-way, give it to them even if you legally have the right-of-way.


• Most importantly, be courteous to other drivers even if they aren’t courteous in return.

Retaliating against other drivers by honking your horn, flashing your lights, making gestures, or trying to keep another driver from passing can trigger a traffic game, which can lead to a road rage incident. You may have experienced a traffic game in the past. One example is when a driver slows down in response to a tailgater, only to have the tailgater pass the driver and slow down as "punishment." In this situation, the tailgater is trying to teach the first driver a lesson. If the first driver tries to pass and becomes involved in the game, the two drivers could very quickly find themselves in a life or death struggle.

If you find yourself in this type of situation, do whatever it takes to get out, including getting off the road if necessary. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn in to a traffic game. You are never in such a hurry that it is worth becoming the victim of road rage.

One mistake people make that often results in serious injury or death is to stop to argue with the other driver. Remember that this person may have temporarily lost all touch with reality and may react in a way that is totally out of proportion to the incident.

If you encounter an aggressive or enraged driver, remember the following tips:

• Never try to retaliate; don’t blow your horn or make any gestures. Let them go! You can't change their behavior and only law enforcement has the authority to correct their behavior.


• Never stop to confront an aggressive driver.


• Never get out of your vehicle if an aggressive driver leaves her vehicle. If you are trapped in traffic or at a red light, do not open your door or roll down your window if the other driver gets out and approaches you. If you have a cell phone, call 911 and ask for help. Let the other driver see you calling. Honk your horn loudly to summon help.

Another aspect of Intermittent Explosive Disorder is that, after the event, the individuals usually feel upset, embarrassed, and genuinely remorseful but, by that time, it is usually too late. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you must put safety first.

Additional Articles on Driver Courtesy: Forget It and Drive On

Labels: aggressive driver, aggressive driving, aware driver, cell phone, defensive driving course, intermittent explosive disorder, road rage, road rage incident, thanksgiving traffic safety

If you’ve gotten a traffic ticket lately, you may be trying to decide whether or not going to traffic school is a good idea. With the economy in flux and people worried about every penny they spend, it may seem like a good idea to just pay the fine and forego the extra cost of a traffic school. But sometimes spending a little extra money can save you a lot more money in the long run. In order to help you make the decision, here are a few things that you might want to consider.

There are several consequences to getting a traffic ticket and each much be weighed when deciding whether going to traffic school may be beneficial. Some are obvious, but others are not so obvious.

Fines – This is the most obvious consequence of a traffic ticket. Fines differ from state to state and from county to county.

Points - Driving infractions usually have a point value added and, if you accumulate too many points in a set period of time, your license will be suspended.

Insurance – Insurance companies are very risk-averse and won’t hesitate to increase your insurance rates once they are informed of your traffic ticket. Many states have laws that prevent insurance companies from raising their rates for a driver who attends driving school.

Safe Driver status – Some states reward drivers with a safe driving record with a “Safe Driver” status which allows the driver to renew less frequently than those without the safe driver status.

What type of driver are you? When it comes to traffic tickets, there are basically two types of drivers:

Moderate drivers - These drivers rarely get a ticket but, due to inattention or stress, may find themselves driving a bit too fast and see those dreaded blue lights in the rear view mirror. A driver in this position probably isn’t worried about accumulating points and may decide to just live with the points, assuming that they probably won’t get enough points to risk having their license suspended. While true, these drivers could see their insurance rates go up, eventually costing them much more over the long run than the cost of a driving school. Those drivers may also lose their safe driver status, requiring them to renew their license more often.

Aggressive drivers – These drivers probably get at least two or more tickets per year. One more ticket could put this driver over the point limit, resulting in a suspended license. After completing their suspension period, these drivers may be required by the state DMV or court to attend an extended driving school before they can reinstate their license. The advanced school is much longer and costs much more than a typical driving school. While their insurance rates are probably already pretty high, attending the driving school will prevent them from going up any higher. In an already tough economy, losing your license could turn a shaky job situation into a no-job situation.

Drivers tend to develop negative driving behaviors over time and a traffic school provides a chance to re-evaluate your driving behaviors and look at them from a different perspective. They also can provide you with some valuable tips for avoiding those negative behaviors and, at the same time, update you on new driving laws that you might not be aware of.

Obviously, the best choice is to not get a ticket to begin with. Drivers should be aware that the stresses of the economy can increase your chances of getting a ticket. Stressed drivers tend to allow themselves to be distracted from the very important job of paying attention to their driving. Stress may also lead to aggressive driving behaviors that cause drivers to take more chances than they might otherwise take. Being aware of these issues and trying to put the distractions of the economy aside when you are behind the wheel will make you a safer driver, and safer drivers tend to avoid getting tickets.

Lowest Price Traffic School offers online traffic school for tickets and driver education courses required to obtain a Florida learner's permit. DMV approved and lowest price guarantee.

Labels: aggressive driver, aggressive driving, defensive driving course, distracted driving laws, florida driving laws, traffic school, traffic ticket

Automated Cameras Expected By Year's End

Get ready to smile for the camera, and pay a fine, if you're going to run a red light in Orlando.

Orlando is Florida's largest city to employ automated cameras to photograph and ticket drivers who don't obey red lights.

After being briefed on the concept recently, City Council members gave their unanimous support. Mayor Buddy Dyer, with the council's backing, said he would ready a plan for formal approval in the next few months, and hopes on having the cameras in effect by the end of the year.

With these developments, Orlando is sidestepping Florida lawmakers who have failed for years to embrace statewide red-light legislation.

Commissioner Patty Sheehan said. "That the Legislature will not act is unfathomable to me. The Legislature won't cooperate, so let's do it ourselves."

The details of the plan have yet to be worked out. The cameras cost $40,000 to $60,000 each or can be leased for approximately $5,000 a month, but city officials have not yet fully calculated the cost. They are holding off on decisions such as how many intersections would be covered by cameras and the amount of the fine.

The cameras appraise a vehicle's speed as it nears an intersection and takes a photo of the car and its license plate if it crosses the intersection after the light has turned red. The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority employs a similar system to photograph tollbooth violators.

A police officer will review the photographs, and then determine whether a ticket should be mailed.

According to city officials, the problem can no longer be ignored. Police Chief Michael McCoy said that in Florida, red-light violators cause at least 100 fatalities and more than 6,300 injuries a year. At least 458 crashes resulted from red light running last year in Orlando alone.

In 2005, the city tested the cameras' effectiveness in a pilot project at a major intersection. Over 7,500 violations were photographed in nine months, with warning letters being issued to 2,946 violators. To spot that many red-light violations, it would take 20 motorcycle cops a full year.

"Traffic enforcement is a very labor-intensive part of our Police Department," Dyer said. "Red-light cameras would certainly be a way to make it more efficient."

McCoy added that crashes at the test intersection shrunk by half, and violations dropped by 43 percent.

"We sent out thousands of warning letters and had absolutely no complaints from the public," he said. "I think the public is strongly behind this. It's overdue."

State laws do not address red-light cameras, but it is the state attorney general's opinion that the photos cannot be the basis of a traffic citation.

Municipal leaders have urged lawmakers to specifically permit the use of red-light cameras for a decade, to no avail. Lawmakers most often cite privacy issues in blocking the cameras' use.

According to city lawyers, Orlando could issue a ticket that's akin to a parking or code-enforcement infraction. This would result in a monetary fine, but no points on the violator's license, no jail time and no seizure of property.

The city of Gulf Breeze has been employing a similar process for a year, and just this month Apopka began issuing $125 fines.

There's a small chance that the city's action could be found unconstitutional, said City Attorney Mayanne Downs.

"We just need to send a message," Commissioner Phil Diamond said, "and hopefully people will start driving more carefully."

Did you know that courses are available to educate drivers on the rules of the road and the latest defensive driving techniques? Try one now!

Labels: defensive driving course, red light, red light camera, traffic fines, traffic ticket

In my last article I mentioned that aggressive drivers seem to concentrate on what they feel are unreasonable and unfair traffic laws passed by the state but forget that there are physical laws that come into play when they are driving that they can’t break no matter how hard they try. In this article we are going to take a closer look at those laws and how they come into play in a car crash.

Now this article involves a little math and I flunked high school algebra (twice) so instead of trying to do the math myself, I found a calculator online that I will share with you so you can check the figures yourself.

Let's take the scenario of an aggressive driver driving at 40 mph (in a 30 mph zone) who chooses to run a red light (he will try to say the light was yellow and he didn’t have time to stop). Meanwhile another driver traveling at the posted speed limit enters the intersection on the green light.

Now the first thing we have to consider is how many feet per second the two cars are traveling. The aggressive driver going at 40 mph is covering 58.8 feet per second (fps). The other driver going 30 mph is covering 44 fps. That means that the speed at which they are approaching each other is 70 mph or 102.9 fps.

The average driver’s reaction time is 3/4 of a second. That is how long it takes for them to realize there is a problem ahead. They still have to decide what to do and then act on their decision so, taking the aggressive driver’s lightning fast reactions into account, we will assume that it takes him 1.25 seconds before his foot actually hits the brake. In that time he has traveled 73.5 feet.

Now Newton’s laws of motion come into effect. The first law says that an object in motion tends to remain in motion. Simply put, you can’t stop a 3,000 pound car traveling at 40 mph instantly. It will take about 120 feet before his car can be brought to a complete stop. The other driver is also trying to stop so let’s assume both cars slow by 10 mph to 30 and 20 mph (50 mph closure speed) before the crash.

Using the calculator I found at http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/carcr.html#cc2 considering that both cars weigh approximately 3,000 pounds (6,000 pounds combined), the collision force will look like this:

Weight - 6,000 lbs
Speed - 50 mph
Crash Force - 501,779 lbs
or
Crash Force - 250 tons

Let's take it further and assume that one of the passengers is a girl who weighs 100 pounds. Unfortunately she wasn’t wearing a seat belt. Newton’s laws again come into play and the force of her body hitting the dashboard looks like this:

Weight - 100 lbs
Speed - 30 mph
Crash Force - 3,010 lbs
or
Crash Force - 1.5 tons

The greater the speed, the less time the driver has to react and the greater the collision forces will be. The aggressive driver’s driving skills and lightning fast reflexes don’t even come into play here. To see the approximate results of this crash click here: http://blog.syracuse.com/news/2008/05/large_051208crashLML1.JPG

To learn more about driver safety and education please visit our Driver Safety Alerts at SafeDriver.com

Be careful out there and drive safe.

Labels: agressive driving, defensive driving course, vehicle accidents, vehicle safety