Relates to driver safety courses

2 Co-sponsors

• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Dale M. Volker

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring certain drivers attend a mandatory driver safety course

Purpose

In addition to the penalties prescribed under §§ 1800 and 1801 of this article, the locality requires that a person who commits a traffic infraction or misdemeanor attend a mandatory driver safety course.

Summary of provisions

This legislation provides localities with the ability to require persons who commit a traffic infraction or misdemeanor to attend a mandatory driver safety course after the accident is assessed for the level of carelessness or recklessness of the driver.

Justification

In an effort to preserve life and prevent injury, death and economic costs associated with motor vehicle accidents, in many instances caused by repeat traffic violators and crash repeaters, there needs to be a system of early intervention that will reduce the incidents caused by these drivers. It has been established through various studies that repeat traffic violators represent a substantial crash risk. In California, the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) has intervened with 400,000 more drivers annually, preventing 2,000 more crashes. Along with citing drivers with a poor driving record, there needs to be a program that addresses their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and requiring a mandatory driver safety course which will act as a preventative device to this end.

Prior legislative history

2005-06: A.9123 - Assembly Transportation Cmte. 2007-08: Passed Senate/Assembly Transportation Cmte.

Fiscal implications

This bill will be more cost-effective in terms of the ratio of benefits (crash cost savings) to costs (program expenditures).

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall become law.