Medical Lake Handles Traffic Violators With Class
Medical Lake’s traffic violators have the chance to keep their records clean and their wallets intact.
Two years ago, Officer Marty Lawrence and Sgt. Jim Sjothun launched a program giving first-time offenders the opportunity to take a three-hour class in lieu of a fine or record.
The pair is being honored tonight in Vancouver by the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission for their innovation.
Lawrence hatched the idea a few years ago, spying the chance to reinforce good driving habits rather than simply imposing a penalty.
The solution, they decided, was a free one-time class for people committing minor traffic transgressions - failing to wear a seat belt, running stop signs, a slight lead foot.
“We saw a need for first-time violators,” said Sjothun. “They shouldn’t have that offense going on their driving record. We wanted alternatives for sentencing.”
The two presented their plan to the Medical Lake Municipal Court.
“They really liked it,” he said. “It’s taken off really well.”
Depending on the nature of the infraction and the driver’s attitude, prosecutors determine whether the offender is eligible for the class. The driver then can decide to attend the class or accept the citation.
They choose to take the class about half the time, he said.
Sjothun calls the class “a good refresher.” Participants learn about seat-belt safety, speed limits and other rules of the road. They also have a chance to ask questions.
Among the primary concerns? Sjothun said drivers seem to have the most questions about the legality of tinted windows.
“The big thing is the relaxed atmosphere,” he said. “They’re not here to get chewed out and I think they appreciate that.”
As many as 20 people attend the class, which is offered once a month. Evaluations are filled out at the end of class and they’re generally positive, Sjothun said.
“They like it; they learn some new stuff,” he said. “Many of them also say they’ll use their seat belt from now on, which is good to hear.”
, DataTimes