Costco Connection - September 2010

CONSUMERconnection Speeding through court

Ask David

Horowitz

MANY PEOPLE HAVE written me, angry and confused as to why the cost of traffic tickets has increased astronomically. I have done some research, and found out a few facts and figures people may not be aware of in regard to this issue.

On average, more than 100,000 people per day receive a speeding ticket in this country. That’s close to 40 million speeding tickets per year. The average speeding ticket costs $150. More than 95 percent of people who receive a speeding ticket never contest it and simply pay the fine. The average traffic officer will make a city an average of $200,000 per year in traffic ticket fines.

The average increase in insurance costs for one speeding ticket over the course of three years is $900. That amounts to about $12 billion extra the insurance industry makes in a single year just from speeding tickets.

Because of traffic stops, or speed traps, many drivers find themselves constantly checking their rearview mirrors—not for safety’s sake, but for the police. Does this make streets safer? And drivers now have to beware of overhead traffic cameras, which are arguably an invasion of privacy. So, when all is said and done, does the traffic penalty system make society safer or more paranoid? Is it just or unfair?

I classify traffic violations as a hefty “hidden tax” in addition to the taxes we already pay, and it is not clear if these fees deter poor driving.

I recommend that drivers constantly read up on the new studies, tips and rules that are readily available on the Internet (do a search for “tips for avoiding tickets”). Even though drivers should be ticketed for speeding, the cost of such a violation should not be the equivalent of a day’s pay.

Let’s rethink the system and figure out how to make it fair for all. Find out who your local elected officials are and let them know how you feel about the high price of traffic-related fines and the inconvenience of the system as it is now.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are pulled over or charged with a traffic offense.

• When pulled over, say as little as possible, other than to answer the few questions, such as your name and whether you have insurance. Do not admit guilt, as this can be used against you, although if the officer asks, “Is there a reason why you were speeding?” you could say something like “I’m not aware I was speeding.”

• Avoid arguing or being belligerent with the officer. You won’t win, and this will make things even worse.

OUR HOME was remodeled four years ago, and the waterproofing of our balcony decks failed miserably. Based on quotes from three different businesses, our insurance company said it would cost $25,000 for repairs. When we went to the waterproofing company, we learned that they had sold their business. The new owners’ insurance company said they would only pay $15,000. Obviously, the new owners have no intention of resolving this and are trying to hide behind their own insurance company quote, in order to save money. What can we do?

Julie H. Windsor, California

• Know the exact speed you were driving. If the ticket says you were driving faster than you actually were, even if you were still speeding, the ticket can be dismissed.

• Write down as many details of the incident as you can, as this will be helpful in court. Take notes right after the officer has ticketed you.

• Take the ticket to traffic court whenever you can. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and, at the very least, the fine could be reduced. Those who make an effort to fight a ticket often have their case dismissed or receive reduced charges that won’t appear on their driving record, which means their insurance rates won’t be affected.

• According to statistics, 30 to 50 percent of the time, the ticketing police officer fails to show up in court. This is often grounds for dismissal of the case. The longer it takes for your case to reach court, the less likely it is that the officer will show up.

• Know everything about the situation and refer to your notes. Come prepared. Many things can be used to dismiss the case, from the exact wording of the offense to proving the radar gun might not have worked to questioning how the officer could have judged your speed based on how fast he or she was driving.

Of course, the best way to avoid these troubles in the first place is to drive responsibly, and obey all traffic signals and posted signs. If you’ve done everything right and still find yourself in court, FightBack! by arming yourself with information. C

Go back to your insurance
company and have them get
directly involved with
the new owners’
insurance company.
Your insurance com-
pany should be able
to show that the
three higher quotes
were relatively
similar and that
$25,000 is clearly
what it will take
to get this work
done properly.
Update: We learned
that after their insur-
ance company went
to the owners of the
waterproofing company,
the family was awarded
what they needed to get
the work done with every-
thing that was necessary
for proper remodeling, at the
higher, and accurate, quote.

AMY CANTRELL

David Horowitz is a leading consumer advocate ( www.fightback.com).

He is a frequent guest on radio and television stations. Consult your local listings for dates and times.

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SEPTEMBER 2010 ;e Costco Connection 13

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