Traffic schools
Traffic schools are educational institutions designed to provide rehabilitation for drivers convicted of traffic offenses and to instruct new and inexperienced drivers. With the alarming statistics of traffic fatalities and the significant costs associated with motor vehicle accidents, traffic schools play a crucial role in promoting safer driving practices. Many states mandate that individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or other offenses complete traffic school programs as a means to reduce or eliminate points on their driving records. These programs offer a wide array of courses tailored to various needs, including defensive driving and specialized training for commercial drivers, motorcycle operators, and even those with unique needs.
Traffic schools are not solely focused on rehabilitation; they also serve to educate new drivers, particularly teenagers, who must often complete driver education classes to obtain their licenses. Courses can be taken in person, online, or through home-study formats, making them accessible to a diverse range of participants. The curriculum generally covers essential topics such as traffic laws, safe driving procedures, vehicle operation, and emergency measures. Overall, traffic schools contribute to developing responsible drivers and improving road safety, highlighting the importance of ongoing driver education in society.
On this Page
Traffic schools
Definition: Government and commercially run institutions that provide driver education classes and other types of driving-related training
Significance: Traffic schools, both private and public, provide rehabilitation for drivers convicted of driving offenses, instruction for new and inexperienced drivers, and specialized instruction for drivers with special needs.
In 1995, more than 41,000 people were killed in traffic accidents in the United States, and the cost of motor vehicle crashes was estimated at $4,000 per second. These statistics point to the need for safer driving, and the task of producing safer drivers falls mainly to traffic schools and driver education. It is projected that approximately one in every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time during their driving lives. The court system must deal with persons driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI).
One approach to the problem of driving under the influence and to other traffic violations is the mandatory enrollment of convicted drivers in traffic school programs. Many states use the successful completion of a traffic school program to reduce or remove DUI and other traffic violations from the offender’s record. To rehabilitate traffic offenders, private traffic schools offer a variety of programs. Many states employ a point system for various traffic offenses: The more serious the offense, the greater the points are assigned, until a specific total number of points is reached and a person’s driver’s license is suspended. In some cases the successful completion of an approved traffic school course is sufficient for removing points from one’s driving record. In some instances, driver education courses in public and private schools, as recognized by the courts, also serve to provide the appropriate training so that court-imposed penalties may be reduced.
Rehabilitation is not the only purpose of traffic schools. New and inexperienced drivers enroll in traffic schools to acquire skills and experience in driving. In most states, teenage drivers who have reached the legal driving age must undergo some form of driver training in order to obtain permanent licenses. This training is often conducted in schools in which driver education is an established part of the curriculum. Teachers who give driver education classes are licensed upon completion of specially designed programs as part of their college or university training. The Driving School Association of America (DSAA), representing 350 driving schools in the United States and Canada, serves as a medium of exchange for ideas and policies relating to driver training at all levels. It is also possible to enroll in and complete traffic school courses at home through videotaped programs and on-line Internet courses.
A number of specialized traffic schools meet the specialized needs of certain programs. Commercial truck, bus, and cab drivers receive special training in the operation and handling of their vehicles. There are schools for race car drivers, airplane pilots, school-bus drivers, motorcyclists, persons with disabilities, and off-highway vehicle operators. Those in law enforcement require specialized training. Business executives and others who may face dangers such as kidnappings and terrorist attacks can receive specialized defensive driver training.
Traffic school training involves more than just learning to handle an automobile. Traffic laws, safe driving procedures, vehicle operation, emergency repairs, emergency driving measures (such as swerving and panic stops), accident avoidance, and accident reporting are also covered.
Bibliography
Carroll, Alex. Beat the Cops: The Guide to Fighting Your Traffic Ticket and Winning. Santa Barbara, Calif.: Ace, 1995.
Glass, James A. Traffic Court: How to Win. Arcadia, Calif.: Allenby Press, 1988.
Matheson, Tim. Traffic Tickets, Fines, and Other Annoying Things. Secaucus, N.J.: Citadel Press, 1984.