I just got a job recently driving a company van as a courier for a semi-small company located in Pasadena. They aggressively stress driving as safely as possible at all times. I am within my 90 day probationary period. With that said, I received a speeding ticket in a school zone yesterday. I was unaware that I was in a school zone at the time and the cop clocked me at 38mph. After dealing with the cop and his lecture, I immediately called the guy who trained me on my route (he's cool) and he told me not to tell anybody (mgmt) at the company where I work. He told me to take defensive driving as soon as possible and that the ticket will never appear on my driving record. My company checks driving records of their employees at the beginning of each month if your birthday falls within that particular month. My birthday is in July. If they were to find out about this indiscretion, there is a strong chance (according to my trainer) that I would be terminated because of this happening within my probationary period. I have two questions... 1.) Is 18mph over the speed limit (in a school zone) too high for me to be eligible to take defensive driving? 2.) If I am eligible for defensive driving and take it asap, will anything appear on my driving record concerning this citation at the beginning of July? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
I can't give you an aswer on the legal questions but I don't think trying to deceive your company is the way to go. You made a mistake, you might get fired for it but you can feel better about yourself if you take responsibility for your own actions. The stress of wondering everyday if they are going to find out about it will wear on you and if they do find out you you don't say anything you will definitely be fired. My opinon is you ask for a meeting with your supervisor, tell him you got a ticket but you didn't realize you were in a school zone and you are enrolling in a defensive driving course. You may get fired but at least you will have your integrity. I know that's hard to do if you have bills and no money and even harder if you have a family to support so I won't browbeat you about it. Everyone has comprimises they have to make.
Looks like you are not elegible to take the Driver Safety course if you hold a commercial drivers's license which I assume you have to have for the courriers job.
The van I drive is a Ford E-150...just a normal van. I don't have a commercial drivers license so I am fine in that department. I do have lots of bills and rent to pay...can't afford to admit my mistake and get fired at this point in time....
You should still be able to take defensive driving, I think the 25 miles over the limit is the max. At least I still took it after being clocked ay 78 in a 55. www.defensivedriving.com is a pretty easy way to get it out of the way.
