<head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" > <meta content="http://www.deskshare.com/st.aspx" name="Site Translator"></head><b> . The True Cost of a Speeding Ticket </b><br><p> por: <b> . Wayne Patterson </b><p><p><p><p> . Have you noticed more autos on the side of the road with an officer issuing the driver a speeding ticket? . Have you seen more trucks surrounded by DOT transport police? . I sure have. . There are several reasons for this increased activity. <p><p> . One is that after 9/11 many departments have increased patrols. . The additional police presence is to assure the public that efforts are being taken to prevent terrorist attacks like the recent sniper killings. . The other reason is that cities and states are faced with budget deficits in these tough economic times. . Since traffic tickets are a politically correct form of taxation, many jurisdictions are increasing fines as a means of balancing the books. <p><p> . A traffic officer will cost his department the average of $75,000 per year while he can be expected to issue between $150,000 to $200,000 in speeding ticket citations. . There are few businesses that can equal that rate of return. . Some towns like New Rome, Ohio and Waldo, Florida take in over 70% of their entire town budget through speeding tickets. <p><p> . What does this mean to you, the safe driver who has not received a traffic citation in years? . It means that you are now more likely than ever to see those dreaded blue lights flashing in your rear view. . If that does happen you need to know that the true cost of a speeding ticket has changed drastically in the last few years. <p><p> . Consider Mary, a successful sales representative who enjoys the perk of a company car. . She travels extensively and has received four speeding tickets in the last three years. . She considers herself a safe driver and in each instance was traveling with the flow of traffic on the interstate. . She has 9 out of the 12 points on her driver&amp;#8217;s license. . Imagine her surprise when her company&amp;#8217;s insurance carrier refused to allow Mary to drive a company car. . The company obtained supplemental insurance but Mary had to pay the extra $1600. <p><p> . Then there is Jeffrey, a CDL truck driver from Ohio who is an independent operator and owns his own truck. . He drives 150,000 miles per year and has five tickets on his record, none a serious violation. . He is unable to obtain insurance that he can afford. . He is in the process of losing his truck to the finance company and does not know how he will support his family. <p><p> . Families with teenagers may face an economic disaster if the teen driver receives a citation. . One traffic ticket for rolling through a stop sign could cost as much as $3000 in increased premiums over the three years it remains on their record. . The insurance industry considers young adults as teenagers until the age of 23. <p><p> . The purpose of relating Mary and Jeffrey&amp;#8217;s stories is not for you to feel sorry for them. . It is to impress upon you the severe consequences that may result from a traffic ticket. . It is important to obey all traffic laws, not just for your physical protection but also for the health of your pocketbook. . I have found that many people are more concerned about their pocketbook than their personal safety. <p><p> . What should you do if you receive a citation? . Never just pay a speeding ticket. . Check with the clerk of court to see if you are eligible for traffic school, even if it is an out-of-state citation. . Many states now accept online traffic school. . Check to see if this is available in your state at <a href="http://www.trafficschoolonline.com/?lcode=4013" target=new> . http://www.trafficschoolonline.com/?lcode=4013 </a> <p><p> . If traffic school is not available then you or your attorney need to appear in court to contest the speeding ticket. . Hiring an attorney may be your cheapest option when you consider the additional cost of you insurance. . Check with your insurance agent to find out the consequences of the original charge being entered on your driving record. . The American Bar Association says: "The best way for the majority of Americans to be able to assure themselves of legal assistance when they need it... . is through a prepaid legal plan." For nationwide legal services contact <a href="http://www.prepaidlegal.com/info/carolynpatterson" target=new> . http://www.prepaidlegal.com/info/carolynpatterson </a> <p><p> . Drive safe and stay out of the "No Zone." Remember if you got it a truck brought it. <p><p> . The author is not an attorney and this is not legal advice. <p><p> . If you need legal assistance consult an attorney. <p><p><p><p><p><table width=100% cellpadding=8 cellspacing=0 border=0 bgcolor=#dddddd><p><tr><td><p><p><b> Sobre El Autor </b><br><p><p><p> . Wayne Patterson owns two successful construction companies and has been featured in the national Constructor magazine. Visita <a href="http://www.speedingticketcentral.com" target=new> . http://www.speedingticketcentral.com </a> . and receive your copy of his ebook "The Bluelight Special". <p><br><a href="mailto:info@speedingticketcentral.com"> . info@speedingticketcentral.com </a> <p> <p> <p> <p><p></td></tr><p></table>