Traffic School Online Blog

War is hell. But for some, the hell only continues when they get back home. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD has shown to have devastating side effects for returning combat veterans. They often have trouble sleeping, become overly anxious and, according to a newly released study from the United Services Automobile Association, drive erratically. According to the New York Times, the USAA, which insures millions of current and former veterans, examined the driving records of veterans and recommended online traffic school or some other form of defensive driving education to correct erratic driving behaviors.

The study, released this month, reviewed the driving records for tens of thousands of troops before and after deployments. The researchers discovered that auto accidents in which the service members were at fault went up by 13 percent after deployments. Accidents were particularly common in the six months after an overseas tour, according to the review, which covered the years 2007-2010.

The company is now working with researchers, the armed services and insurance industry groups to expand research and education on the issue. The Army, as well as researchers, are recommending therapy, along with increased education, including increasing awareness of the issue and correcting certain behaviors with defensive driving training.

While most online defensive driving and traffic school courses teach techniques to increase road awareness and be more decisive to avoid accidents, USAA researchers found that many former soldiers drive too defensively, aggressively or erratically, putting themselves at greater risk for causing an accident, instead of being an accident victim. Defensive driving training can teach ways to find a happy medium between these two extremes so no matter your past or your current emotional state, you can get safely where you need to go.

Labels: defensive driving, online traffic school, traffic school

Traffic Ticket CEO Outraged Over Escalating Traffic Fines

Steve Soldis owns http://www.TrafficSchoolOnline.com, a Santa Rosa-based business that offers people a convenient way to handle traffic citations. His company earns revenues when drivers need to take traffic school. So why is Soldis furious about the increase in ticket fines and fees in California?

For Steve Soldis, it's all about justice.

"Don't get me wrong," he says wryly. "I am in the 'ticket business'! However, I see an injustice being committed here. It's becoming the government against the people. The bureaucracy is draining the people only to balance their budget problems, and we don't have a say. It just isn't right. I condemn such exploitation."

What Soldis objects to is that fees and penalties for traffic violations are being significantly increased to compensate for a depleted state budget. (For some facts and figures, read "California Traffic Penalties Skyrocket" at http://trafficschoolonline.com/blog/.) With unemployment at an all-time high, he believes it's harsh and unfair to burden taxpayers with excessive fines to replenish state coffers.

For example, when the state government demanded a 32 percent increase in its share of parking tickets, the city of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County and Sonoma State University raised the cost of each parking ticket $3 to offset the rate hike. Now Santa Rosa Junior College wants to increase the cost of its parking tickets from $40 to $45 a 12.5 percent increase. Even the small town of Cloverdale, California charges $49.00 for a simple meter violation.

Soldis says it's time for the people to stand up and protest. "The government should not be in business to make profits, but to enforce the law and deter the problems. If somebody who earns minimum wage in Santa Rosa misses the meter by five minutes, the government takes most of that person's daily pay! It's totally outrageous!"

Soldis is a distance learning innovator who works with legislators, industry professionals, teen drivers and parents to improve driver safety through online education courses. He created http://www.TrafficSchoolOnline.com in 1997 when he realized he'd have to travel 45 miles to attend traffic school for a moving violation. As CEO of a nationally recognized service program, he's become a strong advocate for integrity within the motor vehicle industry.

Steve Soldis believes that drivers should be educated and informed, not punished for their mistakes. And calling attention to the steady rise of traffic fines is one way he's choosing to make a difference.

"It's time to say STOP to excessive fining," says Soldis. "The government is using traffic tickets as a tax without calling it a tax. It just isn't right when driving a few miles over the speed limit can cost a family a month's worth of groceries. The people need to speak up for good government."

TrafficSchoolOnline.com is the nations 1st online driver improvement company, starting back in 1997 and since, has graduated over 750,000 students. http://www.TrafficSchoolOnline.com has been featured on CBS and NBC affiliates, CNET, and in local and regional print media. Traditional traffic school makes bitter drivers, TrafficSchoolOnline.com makes better drivers.

Contact Steve Soldis. 707-521-3557 or steve(at)edmv(dot)com.

Labels: online traffic school, traffic school, traffic ticket

California Traffic Penalties Skyrocket

Have you been cited for a traffic violation lately? Maybe you were driving to meet your sweetheart for a Valentine's Day dinner and were a little too eager to get there, so you exceeded the speed limit by five or ten miles per hour. Maybe the light changed to red just as you cleared the intersection, and you were caught running the red on camera. It didn't seem like a big deal at the time until you found out what your traffic fine was going to cost.

California drivers are astonished and outraged at what seem like ridiculously exorbitant fines for traffic violations. What's going on? Why are we being hit so hard when so many of us are out of work?

Our state legislators are trying to repair the broken down state budget by increasing fees and penalties associated with traffic tickets. Traffic penalties can be increased by a simple majority vote, and that's a lot easier than raising taxes. So lawmakers have been attaching extra penalties to tickets for the past three years.

It's alarming to look at the list of "assessments" and "fees". They vary in different counties, but any moving violation is going to cost you hundreds of dollars. And for people already stressed by a depleted economy, that's a serious hardship.

Just for example, these fees can be added on to base fines for traffic violations in Los Angeles County, California:

• $49 imposed by all courts under Vehicle Code Section 42007.1
• $20 paid by all persons convicted of a traffic offense for "Court Security Fee".
• $35 for court construction or renovation
• $4 for emergency medical air transport services
• $10 state penalty required by PC 1464
• $5 state court construction penalty required by GC 70372(a)
• $2 for every $10 of base fine to assist crime labs in processing DNA samples.
• $35 Fee charged by the traffic violator school (it can be more)
• $1 for call boxes

Los Angeles courts will also tack on another $15 to fund "Court Assistance Programs". And all this is on top of the basic fine for each violation!

Base fines keep going up, too. The fine for running a stop sign has gone from $161 to $236. The fine for ignoring a school crossing guard has jumped from $201 to $280. Running a red light now costs California drivers $436. Driving at an "unsafe speed, 1 and 15 miles over the limit" is now $214 and "unsafe speed, 16 to 25 miles over the limit" is $328. But really, does anyone believe that ONE mile over the speed limit is unsafe?

The list seems to go on and on, with no end in sight. As TrafficSchoolOnline.com CEO Steve Soldis says, "It's unfortunate that 5 miles over the speed limit can cost a month's worth of groceries."

And now there's a new bill before the state Assembly, AB 190, that would raise traffic penalties another $3 to fund research for spinal cord injuries. The Sacramento Bee published a statement by Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, who authored the bill and claims it's justified by statistics that link vehicle crashes to spinal cord injuries. He also says lawmakers are "trying to adjust people's behavior."

What calls this point of view into question is the fact that there are no state statistics that prove whether all these extra penalties have resulted in better driving in California. If behavior modification is the goal, how are they measuring it? And how many "adjustments" are going to be necessary?

Smart drivers who get ticketed for moving violations choose to attend a good traffic school like www.trafficschoolonline.com, so the ticket won't accrue points on their insurance. They learn a lot and refresh their driving skills. So why should they get penalized with extra fees for taking responsibility for becoming a safer driver? It just doesn't add up but the penalties certainly do.

To learn more about the rights and responsibilities of drivers in California, please visit www.trafficschoolonline.com and www.driversedonline.com.

Labels: defensive driving, online traffic school, traffic school, traffic ticket

Introducing Electronic License Plates

July 16, 2010

In order to help close California's $19.1-billion deficit the state is looking into electronic license plates. The plates would generate revenue for the state by allowing ads to be purchased. According to San Jose Mercury News:

The device would mimic a standard license plate when the vehicle is in motion but would switch to digital ads or other messages when it is stopped for more than four seconds, whether in traffic or at a red light. The license plate number would remain visible at all times in some section of the screen.

In emergencies, the plates could be used to broadcast Amber Alerts or traffic information.

The plates would be made by a company such as Smart Plate in San Francisco, CA. Smart Plate's CEO, M. Conrad Jordan, said:

he envisioned the license plates as not just another advertising venue, but as a way to display personalized messagesbroadcasting the driver's allegiance to a sports team or an alma mater, for example.

According to the article from June 29 on the LA Times:

the Assembly Transportation Committee voted 9-0 in favor of a feasibility study to determine if advertising revenue from millions of digital license placards would help close the state's $19.1-billion deficit.

So the big question now is how safe is this? Are these license plates going to be distracting for drivers? Is paying attention to ads on license plates less distracting than talking on your cell phone or sending a text message? Of course, we don't know the answer. It's safe to assume a change like that would definitely cause at least some level of distraction but that will be part of the testing that is done before the decision is finalized.

Another concern is the security of the license plates. If we have digital license plates will they be vulnerable to some of the same issues computers have? In the future will it be possible to get a virus on your license plate? Will hackers be able to find a way to disable the plate, or use a plate number that isn't their own, or change registration tags?

If all of the tests show that this technology is safe for drivers and secure it could an exciting change and would make California the first state with electronic license plates.

Labels: defensive driving, license plates

Have You Made These Traffic Court Mistakes?

June 18, 2010

So highway patrol caught you speeding on the way home from work yesterday. You tried arguing with the officer a little that the speed really wasn't posted anywhere and you were only traveling at the speed that felt safest. He still gave you a ticket. You still don't feel it was rightly deserved and want to try and fight it! What do you do? You go to traffic court! But then, what should you do when you get there to help the case?

Here's What NOT To Do

Don't Wear Shorts, Tank Tops, or Chew Gum

When you go to court dress appropriately. Do not wear shorts and a tank top. Take the time to dress in a manner that shows the judge that you are a mature individual who deserves to have the privilege of driving. Wear some nice dress slacks and a button down shirt. Females may want to dress in a longer skirt and a nice blouse or sweater. Try to keep the attire business casual. Do not chew gum while in the court room.

Don't Talk Over or Interrupt the Judicial Officer

Have respect for the judicial officer hearing your case. Be polite and only talk at the appropriate times. Don't argue or interrupt. If you can't be polite and courteous in the court room the judge may not believe that you are capable of being a polite and courteous driver.

Don't Sit in the Audience Talking

While other cases are being heard you need to remember to sit in the audience quietly. Be patient. You don't want to annoy the judge and have an opinion formed about you before it is even your turn.

Turn Off your Cell Phones in Court

It is important to remember to turn your cell phone off in court. Many courts will actually post signs saying cell phones are not allowed.

Here's What TO Do

Actually Read the Code Section You are Being Charged With

Make sure that you have all the facts lined up before you set a trial. For most states you can find the code section online.

California Vehicle Codes

Arizona Vehicle Codes

Florida Vehicle Codes

Virginia Vehicle Codes

Texas Vehicle Codes

Nevada Vehicle Codes

Pay Attention to Other Peoples' Cases Being Heard

You'll generally learn something if you listen to other people's cases. See what they do to make things better or worse and use it for your own situation accordingly.

If You Have an Issue with the Officer's Behavior, Do Not Make this the Only Focus

If you're issue is with the officer's behavior make sure that is not the only focus for your trial. Generally, that is an issue to be taken up with the policy agency. Be sure to mention it as a secondary issue and don't use it as the entire reason you want the ticket to be dismissed.

Be Prepared to Spend Pretty much the Whole Morning in Court

Don't expect to get out of there early. Just be patient and wait your turn. You may not present your case properly if your frustrated and anxious to leave. Also, remember, everyone there is in the same position you are so remember to be courteous.

Labels: defensive driving, online traffic school, traffic court, traffic school, traffic ticket

The Secrets of Safe Summer Driving

April 16, 2010

Summer time is just around the corner and so are summer vacations! This summer during your travels remember to take the extra precautions necessary to ensure a safe trip for you and your family. By spending a few extra minutes to review the items below you can help prevent an accident along the way.

Check Your Windshield

Check your windshield to verify there are no dings or chips. If there are any be sure to get them repaired before starting your journey. Even though they may not have grown all winter it is possible they can begin to expand into a crack in the summer. The summer temperature can cause "thermal shock" which transforms those minor dings into a major crack. Thermal shock can occur when cold air from the air conditioner blows directly on a windshield that is hot from the sun.

If you don't have any dings or chips you're in good shape as far as the windshield goes but should still make sure to use a glass cleaner and wipe off any dust or dirt that can impair visibility while the bright sun is shining on it.

Check Your Tires

Verify that the tire pressure in all tires is at the recommended amount. It is important that the tire pressure is not too low or too high. If you are unsure what the tire pressure should be for your vehicle check your owners manual.

Check your tires to make sure that there is no baldness. Also, make sure that you have a spare tire and car jack. Of course everyone hopes to have no flat tires during the trip but it's best to be prepared just in case.

Check Your Fluids

Make sure to check all of your fluids prior to leaving so you don't run into any surprises during the trip. Some important fluids to check are oil, power steering, transmission, and brake fluid. Though having no windshield washer fluid doesn't affect your vehicle's performance you may also want to check that as it could become rather annoying during the travel if it is empty.

Check Your Battery

Check the cable ends and battery terminals to verify there is no corrosion.  If corrosion exists, contact a trained professional to have it removed prior to your trip.

Check All Lights

Check your headlights, taillights, and turn signals to verify they are all functional. Besides the risk of receiving a fix-it ticket for any lights not working it is also unsafe to drive with any lights not functioning properly.

Be Prepared

Even if you do every check on the list there's always a possibility that something can go wrong. The best thing you can do for you and your family is be prepared. Make sure to pack an extra quart of oil, some safety flares, and a jumper cable just in case. It's a good idea to always keep a car emergency kit in your vehicle. Bring a charged cell phone with you in case of emergency. Pack a small ice chest with some waters and bring some snacks. That way, if you do run into a problem at least you and your family won't be hungry. Also, remember to get a good nights rest before you leave, driving while tired is never safe.

To better prepare yourself you may want to take a traffic school course to brush up on your skills. TrafficSchoolOnline.com offers a course you can take at home at your own leisure prior to your trip. If you are traveling out of state you may even want to take a course for that state so you are familiar with their traffic laws.

Just remember; knowing the rules, being prepared, and making simple checks can make all the difference this summer and help you to experience the best summer vacation possible!

Labels: defensive driving, summer driving

Outrageous Traffic Incidents and Reckless Driving Charges of the Week

April 8, 2009

TrafficSchoolOnline.com has been helping drivers dismiss their traffic tickets since 1997. Naturally, in over 12 years of business, we've heard some unbelievable traffic ticket and driver safety stories from students enrolled in our online traffic school course. And until this week, we thought we'd heard it all.

Oh, how wrong we were. Over the past few days, we've witnessed some unbelievable stories related to unsafe driving, reckless speeding and idiotic behavior on the road. Here are a few of them.

Ohio Man charged with drunk driving — on a barstool.

Driving drunk is never a smart thing. Not only could you face a traffic ticket and a trip to traffic school online or an online defensive driving course, but you could also kill someone.

In one of the most peculiar stories of the week, an Ohio 'driver' faces drunken driving charges after crashing his barstool. Yes, that's correct. You're not seeing things. He was driving a barstool.

A motorized bar stool to be exact. According to the driver, the vehicle can travel up to 38 mph. And according to reports, the charged driver had consumed 15 beers before getting behind the um wheel. Not a good combination, if you ask us.

While an online traffic school and online defensive driving course doesn't cover motorized barstools, everyone at TrafficSchoolOnline.com will be watching this one closely to see how it plays out in court.

Get the whole bizarre story from msnbc.

Oregon driver charged with speeding after being clocked at 103mph — and you won't believe what she does for a living.

Here's something you'll learn not to do in online traffic school. On Sunday, March 29th, a woman from Salem, Oregon was charged with driving 103 mph in a 45 mph zone. For those of you without a calculator, that's 58 mph over the limit. Again, that's not a typo. 103 miles per hour.

The kicker? The speeding driver had worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation DMV since 1988. We're not making this up.

According to reports, the reckless driver was attempting to teach her grandson what not to do behind the wheel. At TrafficSchoolOnline.com, we think it would have been a lot safer, and smarter, to simply tell the grandson not to speed. Or enroll him in an online traffic school as a refresher course.

But what do we know? Get the whole story on this reckless driver.

Andres 3000 gets caught driving over 100mph

It seems like 100 is the magic number this week. Andres 3000 of Outkast fame was clocked driving 109 mph in Atlanta.

The music sensation is now free on a property bond to the tune of $1,200 and is scheduled to appear in court on April 29th.

Mr. Benjamin (no, 3000 isn't actually his last name) might want to take a look at taking an online traffic school course, much like the one offered by TrafficSchoolOnline.com. Given his excessive speed, it might not necessarily eliminate his ticket entirely, but the information he'll learn might be enforcement enough to help him drive within the limit.

Click here to read all the details.

Got something even more outrageous?

If you have a story related to traffic tickets, unsafe driving, online traffic school, defensive driving programs or developing traffic laws in your city or state, we'd love to hear about it. Send an email to news@trafficschoolonline.com with a link to the story and we'll share it with the world.

Labels: defensive driving, speeding, traffic accidents