Defensive driving courses in Louisiana: Everything you need to know

Did you know that defensive drivers are less likely to be involved in a car accident?

During a defensive driving course in Louisiana, you’ll learn all about how to avoid accidents with other drivers by engaging in defensive maneuvers and being smart in your driving practices.

While these courses take up your valuable time, there are plenty of reasons why it could be worth it to take one.

Here’s what you need to know about defensive driving courses and why Louisiana traffic ticket attorney John Radziewicz of Crescent City Law might recommend taking one.

Defensive driving courses are generally four to eight hours long and often take place during the workday. This means that you’ll need to be prepared to take time off from work or school to complete the course. 

However, you can find some online courses to avoid in-class instruction and enjoy greater flexibility as to when you take the course.

During the course, you’ll learn about the following topics:

You’ll also learn some tips on keeping your vehicle maintenance up to date. Additionally, the course will guide you in setting up your vehicle for success with an optimal seating position and steering wheel setting.  

But don’t expect to learn any fancy driving skills, such as drifting or performance driving. Generally, these practices are viewed as dangerous behaviors and should be avoided unless on a closed course.

There are a few good reasons to consider signing up for a defensive driving course, including:

1. It can help you appeal a traffic ticket from being added to your record.
2. It can help you avoid car accidents and the liability associated with them.
3. You’ll learn valuable tactics to protect yourself and your passengers anytime you’re in a vehicle.

One of the best reasons to take a defensive driving course is to avoid having a traffic violation ticket on your record. To do so, you can appeal the ticket and request that it be dismissed. 

Instead of punishing drivers for poor decisions, the courts appreciate the opportunity to educate these drivers in good habits. These courses are often most favorable for drivers who are not repeat offenders or who only have a couple of traffic tickets against them in the last several years. 

In order to take the course instead of facing a penalty, you’ll need to get approval from a Louisiana judge. Without prior approval, the course will not guarantee ticket removal. 

Once the judge approves, they will supply you with a citation. You’ll use this citation when registering for the defensive driving course so that the courts get notified about your completion of the course.

Depending on which company you choose to take the course through, you should plan to spend $200-$400. The expense of the course will vary based on the facility. Some facilities feature different road surfaces to allow you to practice your new skills there.

While the cost of the course might be more expensive than paying for your traffic violation, don’t forget that having a ticket on your record could increase your insurance expenses. 

Additionally, some insurance companies provide a discount to drivers who willingly take a defensive driving course. So not only will you avoid large penalties for a traffic violation, but you might lower your insurance premiums long-term depending on who your carrier is and what programs they offer.

No matter the traffic ticket you’re facing, you can submit your ticket to Crescent City Law in New Orleans for legal insights. We’ll guide you through what to do next and help you build a legal defense, such as appealing to take a defensive driving course instead of accepting the ticket. Schedule a free consultation now to learn more.