State Senator Frederick E. Berry has come up with a plan to make the roads safer while help reduce the financial bite for motorists who get traffic tickets.
The Peabody Democrat has filed a bill that would create "traffic violator schools." Traffic violators who have not been cited for any other driving offenses within a two-year period would have the option of attending the schools as an alternative to paying fines and surcharges. The students would have to pay a fee to the schools, which would be privately run.
Berry, who got the idea from a constituent in Beverly, said improving public safety is the primary goal of the bill. But he said offering normally conscientious drivers a way to avoid fines and surcharges was also a worthy goal. He said insurance surcharges can be a particular financial burden on low-income drivers.
"If you are driving a BMW, you're probably not going to want to take the time to attend a traffic violator school. ... It's directed at people of lesser means who would rather spend time in the classroom than pay through the ears," he said.
Berry said another benefit of the bill would be to promote greater courtesy on the road.
"I think people should be reminded at least about manners and fair play on the road. A lot of people are in such a hurry to get places that they forget the common courtesies that they were taught," said Berry, who represents Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, and Salem.
The bill directs the Registry of Motor Vehicles to establish regulations for licensing and operating the schools, as well as a curriculum and written exit test.