Evidence shows that repeat traffic violators are three to four times more likely to be involved in traffic collisions than non violators. This educational program addresses that problem by teaching people how to be safe drivers. The first Traffic Safety School classes began in November 1988 in the First Municipal District, and the program was expanded to the other five districts in Cook County within the first year. The program affects drivers who are ticketed for minor moving violations, such as speeding, running a red light, failure to yield and making an illegal turn, according to Sharon Bogetz, director of Traffic Safety School. Traffic Safety School enables motorists ticketed for the violations to avoid going to court and having the violation appear on their driving record by successfully completing a four-hour course offered at various sites.
Motorists also have the option of requesting a hearing before a judge or pleading guilty.
If the motorist goes to trial, judges who find a defendant guilty also have the option of sending that person to Traffic Safety School. Upon successful completion of the Traffic Safety School, the student receives a National Safety Council Certificate of Completion and the School reports to the court that the motorist has completed the course. The traffic ticket is adjudicated without a court appearance and the violation does not appear on the permanent driving record maintained by the Illinois Secretary of State. A major feature of the program allows participants to select the class location, day of week and time of the day most convenient for their attendance. Sign Language interpreters are available upon request.