Should I choose Deferred Disposition for a speeding ticket?

Yes and No.  Deferred disposition can be the most expensive option for ticket dismissal, so if you don’t mind opening your wallet really wide, then this may be an option for you.  However, if the speeding ticket you received is in an area that you frequently drive then deferred disposition may be a bad idea.  This option places you on a probationary period, usually 6 months, where you will need to make sure you do not get another ticket during that time period.  Should you happen to get another ticket, be prepared to pay the court fines and watch your insurance premium go up when you renew.  Your insurance company will see the violations on your driving record.

When would I choose Deferred?  Well, if I were traveling out of town somewhere that I would never be driving again then I may take the option for deferred if the court offers it and it is not ridiculously expensive.

What is the worst option for dismissing a speeding ticket?

Well, you will only have 3 options, and the worst option is just paying the court the fine for your traffic ticket.  Why is this so bad?  Well in the state of Texas all traffic violations are reported and maintained in a database that is used by insurance companies to base your premium policy rates on.  If an insurance company sees that you have speeding tickets they will assume you are a higher risk and charge you a higher premium.

According to NerdWallet who compared rates across the country, a 35 year old driver that gets ticketed for 16 mph over the speed limit should expect a premium increase of about 25%.  A typical driver convicted of speeding, pays an average of $2,043 a year for full coverage, which is $413 more than a driver with a clean record.  If you just look at the state of Texas instead of the country the rate of premium increase appears to be closer to 10% according to Nerd Wallet.

Is defensive driving the best option for dismissing a speeding ticket?

I know you don’t want to hear this but when compared to deferred disposition for a speeding ticket, taking defensive driving is still the best option when it comes down to cost. It is the cheapest option to pay the court and the only option to keep a speeding ticket off your driving record so your insurance premium isn’t effected.

Taking a defensive driving course in Texas is relatively easy.   Just spend some time watching fun videos, get your certificate, send it to the court and you are done!!!  Get started today with Comedy Defensive Driving.

*You may also hear the term Deferred Adjudication which is used in Class B and Class C charges as a probation that results in a dismissal if completed properly.  For traffic tickets both result in dismissals of the charges if completed properly.

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Tips for driving in a winter storm

1. Get your car ready

Getting your vehicle ready before taking off is key! Make sure to defrost windows and remove ice from any covered areas. Always try to remove the snow from your hood as well! Removing the snow from your hood will prevent it from falling and blocking the view from other vehicles driving behind. Another handy tip, keep your windshield wipers fresh. If it has been a couple years since they have been replaced, it may be time.

2. Keep your distance and slow down while driving in Texas snow!

We go over the appropriate amount of distance in our course but, when conditions are bad these need to be even more exaggerated! You should allow around 3-4x as much space as you normally do. This comes out to be Around 8-10 seconds behind a vehicle. An eight-ten second following distance means your car should pass an object (like a road sign) eight-ten seconds after the car in front of you passes it.
This is by far the most common mistake we see. Driving to fast and tailgating a vehicle is one of the leading causes of accidents during a storm. Even with the appropriate snow tires (which most of us do not have in the lone star state) a vehicle can not stop as quickly as it can under normal conditions. If you do find yourself in need to break, try to avoid slamming on them in order to prevent skidding. Also, reminder to never use your cruise control while in there types of road conditions!

3. Steering over breaking

Deciding if you need to break of steer away from an accident is different from every situation. We check out what AAA Texas had to say about how people can best decide what to do in theses situations.
“Some driving situations require abrupt action to avoid a crash or collision and in winter conditions the decision to steer or brake can have very different outcomes. When traveling more than 25 mph, AAA Texas recommends steering over braking to avoid a collision in winter-like conditions, as less distance is required to steer around an object than to brake to a stop. In slick conditions, sudden braking can lead to loss of vehicle control. However, sometimes steering is not an option. Braking on slippery surfaces requires you to look further ahead and increase following and stopping distances. Plan stopping distances as early as possible and always look 20-30 seconds ahead of your vehicle to ensure you have time and space to stop safely.”

4. Keep an emergency kit, just in case

We all know Texas weather can be unpredictable. It is never a bad idea to keep an emergency kit in your truck just in case! Good things to pack in your kit are warning flares and reflective triangles, a bag of kitty litter or sand for traction, extra clothes, gloves, hand warmers, hats and thermal blankets.

5. Don’t forget your basic driver safety!

Reminder to not forget your basics! Remember to always wear your seat belt! This was is a non negotiable. Stay off your phone while during. Make all lights are working and keep them on while driving in a snow storm. Check your tire pressure and your car battery! Both of these tend to have issues during sudden changes of temperature.

Remember to stay safe and if you or anyone you know needs to relearn some defensive driving you can always send them here.
Comedy Defensive Driving

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There, you can either print your 2020 Texas driving record, or choose to have it mailed to you.

If this is required by a Texas judge for a ticket dismissal, he/she will request that you to order the 3A type of driving record. You will see that there are several types to choose from.

Again, make sure that you use the web address the court listed on your paperwork, or use the link above. If you do a web search for where to order your record, there are many scammers that will overcharge you. You should never have to pay more than $12.00 ($10+service fee) for a certified Texas driving record.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO PRINT YOUR DRIVING RECORD

Once you are on the website, you can purchase and print out your record with no delay. If you choose to print it, this is what you will need:

• Audit number shown on your Texas driver license (long number, starts with an “AA
• Date of birth
• Last 4 digits of social security number
• Must have Adobe Reader downloaded (download link conveniently available on website)
• The latest version of one of these browsers (Google Chrome, Safari, Explorer, Mozilla)
• Credit Card ($10 plus a $2 processing fee)
• A Printer

IF YOU MAIL THE APPLICATION

You also have the option to print out the application and mail it in. If you don’t have a printer, perhaps the court can supply you with a record application. The website notes that you should allow 3 weeks from receipt before your application is processed and the record is mailed to you. Again, don’t forget that you need to order the 3A type and enclose a check or money order for $10.

ANOTHER GOOD REASON TO GET A DRIVING RECORD

Look at your driving record like a credit report of your driving errors. You will never know what is on it if you never see it. If you’ve ever received a citation and paid an attorney to get your ticket dismissed, you could find that it still ended up on your record. And that would be a good indication as to why your insurance rates increased. So, if you do get tickets, it’s always a good idea to check that there are no moving violations on your record. Because once they’re on your record, they’re impossible to get expunged. Only time will delete a moving violation from a driving record.

Until next month…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

2020 DRIVING RECORD – Comedy Defensive Driving

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So here’s the answer. Apparently, one of the most common traffic tickets issued to California drivers is for the rolling stop. When drivers approach a stop sign, they are supposed to come to a complete stop. Not fully stopping can pose a danger to other drivers as well as to pedestrians. That’s why police are cracking down on those of us rollers. After all, if there are no other cars in an intersection, there is no one to completely stop for, right? So, it’s safe. You actually yielded. But your car didn’t “settle” behind the crosswalk line before you left the stop sign or turned right at a red light. So, more police officers are stopping cars that roll through stop signs and red lights without completely stopping. These tickets are costly and can jack up your insurance rates by adding points to your driving record. To remove these points, you can attend a defensive driving school. And the traffic fine should also be reduced if you attend a class. If you have camera lights in your neck of the woods, a majority of those are a result of a rolling stop at an intersection. But those are a civil offense, like a parking ticket and will not go on your driving record. Those affect your registration (license plate), not your driver license.

As a driver, you need to know that speeding is not the only common moving violation now. Coasting through a stop sign or red light instead of making a full stop could result in an accident which is why rolling stop violations are taken very seriously.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Rolling Stop – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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• One of the most important things you will learn is how to react and defend yourself against all the “road-ragers.” When someone is driving erratically, whether they are drunk, distracted, or just angry, it puts you in danger. Knowing how to react in situations, such as being cut-off or tail-gated, will help keep you safe until you are well away from the problem driver.

• Another important aspect you will learn is expecting the unexpected. You have to be sharp while you are on the road; you have to expect things to happen, such as changing weather conditions or sudden brake lights in front of you, so you know how to react. Being unprepared is the fastest way to get into an accident. We will teach you how to expect the unexpected and stay on your toes while driving.

• Distractions are a big reason why drivers get into accidents. Learning how to minimize distractions in your car is another key feature of our course. From hands-free phone calls, to leaving the snacks at home, it is essential that you always have your hands on the wheel and your mind on the road. You must be aware of your situation at all times, and distractions, such as phone calls, sandwiches, and changing radio stations, can reduce your ability to react to sudden changes.

Comedy Defensive Driving is here to help you become a strong, prepared driver on the Texas highways. Contact us today to learn more about the different things we will teach you and to sign up for your first course!

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Keep in mind you are on a deadline as prescribed by the court in your area. They will have issued a date on your approval for a Texas defensive driving online course, which shows when you must turn in all related documentation. If you miss this deadline, then the original traffic citation offense remains in effect and any points for that offense are added to your license. In addition, you may still be required to pay fees and/or other penalties based on the traffic citation.

Why the Court Does Not Obtain Your Driving Record

The court asks for your driving record to see your driving history. Since they are willing to allow you to take a defensive driving course and dismiss your traffic citation, it is your duty to prove to the court they made the right decision. The court wants you to demonstrate to them you are able to take responsibility for your actions by requiring you to obtain a copy of your driving record.

Your driving record shows prior tickets, accidents, points, and the number of previous traffic violations which were dismissed. If you have already had a ticket dismissed by completing a defensive driving course, it is up to the court whether you are eligible to take another course. Before you go through the processes of obtaining your driving record and completing the course, ask the court.

The easiest way to get a copy of your driving record is directly from the State of Texas’ website, where you will locate the section called Driver Records. Verify you are ordering the right version, which in most cases is 3A, and that it is the certified copy required by most courts. While you are waiting for your driving record to arrive, complete our defensive driving course online so you can turn in all of your documentation on time.

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Our online course costs only $25 and is the #1 comedy course online. If you have a tight schedule and cannot get away to take our classroom course, then taking it online is for you. This is because you set your own schedule. All that you do is watch a very funny video on your mobile phone, tablet, Mac, or PC. There is no reading or writing, and you can log off if you need to go to work or do something else. When you resume watching the video, it will automatically start where it left off. It couldn’t be any easier than this.

We offer our classroom course at many locations around the State of Texas. You can take Comedy Defensive Driving in Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Dallas, and many more cities in Texas. There is sure to be one near where you live. We are proud to say that it is the #1 comedy course for classroom training. Prices start at only $25, and you will enjoy the entertaining and easy classroom atmosphere. Both our online course and classroom course have these things in common:

• Only 5 hours of course time with a 1 hour break time
• State approved by all courts in Texas
• Certificates processed each business day
• Free and expedited certificate options available
• Hilarious content that is taught by top comedic talent

Our Texas Defensive Driving Courses Will Keep You Laughing

We have designed our Texas Defensive Driving courses to be funny and entertaining. Our online course was written by professional comedians. If you opt to attend our classroom version of our course, you will feel a lot like you are at a comedy club. That’s because your course will be taught by professional comedians who know how to entertain you and keep you laughing as you learn. The Texas Education Agency realizes that students learn best when they are interested in a subject. They also know that humor helps students remember the material that was covered in a course. For these reasons, they have approved our course.

Over 3 million students in Texas have successfully completed our course to remove their speeding tickets, failure to stop, or other moving violations from their driving records. You won’t want to miss out on the fun at our classroom sessions. Since 1989, we have had headline comedians including Robert Hawkins, Ralphie May, Scott Kennedy, Howard Kremer, Patrick Candelaria, and others teach defensive driving with us. A few of our current instructors are Daun Thompson, William DeButts, Joel Malloy, Eric Smith, and Evan Ramsay.

There are a few things that you need to know before you attend our classroom course. You need to bring a state issued ID with you, like your driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. You should also bring a copy of your traffic ticket and any paperwork that you were given by the court that handled your case. It is important to be on time, because state law does not permit us to admit students who are late to class. Be sure to bring a pen and some paper, and some cash or a money order to pay for your course if you have not already paid for it. Also, bring along some meal money, because students are allowed to eat and drink at certain times during class. We will have a menu with items listed that you can buy. In some locations, the meal is included in the cost of your class during registration.

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Comedy Defensive Driving school discovered and recruited Chrix after he had a lead role in a film they were producing for the T.A.B.C. (Texas Alcohol And Beverage Commission). You can see Chrix Thornton at Buffalo Wild Wings in Fort Worth. He now teaches defensive driving  in Fort Worth every Wednesday evening at 4:00 p.m. and every other Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings, 5601 South Hulen Street. It is right off of Interstate 20 (I-20), near the Highway183 split and just west of Interstate 35W (I-35W). Everyone loves wings! Plus they have tasty burgers, sandwiches and decadent desserts.

I teach Comedy Defensive Driving, myself, and have had numerous “repeat offenders”who have taken a class with Chrix and commended him on his humor and hip demeanor. Students have said his teaching methods were not only entertaining but thought provoking. And, we all know that now and then we have to be ‘provoked’ to think.

Come on out and see Chrix work his comedy antics while enjoy some awesome food and fun…you’ll be glad you did. Call for reservation: 972-573-2700

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Chrix Thornton at Buffalo Wild Wings in Fort Worth – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Here are some facts about our online course:
• Costs only $25.00 with no hidden charges
• Mobile phone, tablet, Mac and PC friendly
• State approved by all courts in Texas
• #1 comedy course online
• Free and overnight certificate delivery options
• Only 5 hours of course time, plus 1 hour of break time
You are in complete control of when you take your Texas defensive driving online course. You can complete it all in one sitting, or divide it up into smaller segments. Many of our students watch an hour each night, or half on a Saturday and the second half on Sunday. No matter how you want to do it, the choice is yours, with no need to take off of work or school to attend a class. If the phone rings or you want to go get something to eat, simply stop the video and resume watching when you return. It will always take you right to the spot where you left off, so there is no searching for where you need to begin again.

Texas Online Defensive Driving Is the Number One Online Course

Since we began our business in 1989, over 3 million students have successfully completed our course. They tell us the fact that it is all video makes it convenient, and because it was written by professional top comedic talent, you know that it will be hilarious. It may be difficult to believe that you can dismiss your traffic ticket while you have fun, but you really can do this with our Texas online defensive driving course. Whether you received your traffic citation from a Justice of the Peace Court or from a City Municipal Court, our course qualifies to dismiss your traffic ticket for you.

You will need to have approval to take a defensive driving online course or classroom course from the court that handled your traffic citation. The court will notify you if you need to obtain a certified copy of your Texas driving record, although some courts charge you extra and get the record for you. We recommend that you make sure that you know exactly what you need to do to dismiss that traffic ticket from your record. If you are not sure, it is best to call the Clerk of Courts in the court that handled your traffic ticket.

If you need to get a copy of your Texas driving record, it is easy to do online. Simply go to the State of Texas website and follow the link to obtain your driving record. You will need to pay with a credit card, and be sure to order the certified copy, since many courts in the state require certified copies.

Our course is 100% guaranteed, and customer satisfaction is always important to us. We know that you will have fun taking our course, just as millions of others have. You may learn some things that you did not know, or you will be reminded of things that you already knew but temporarily forgot. There is no reading or writing involved in our course, which makes it even easier since you simply sit back and enjoy yourself. There is no getting dressed to go out, and you can take our course in your pajamas, if you like.

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