Traffic Safety Legislation Is Coming — Traffic Educators Must Have a Seat at the Table
A recent investigation published by CalMatters signals a pivotal moment for traffic safety policy in California. Lawmakers are openly discussing new legislation aimed at addressing dangerous driving behaviors, including impaired driving and other high-risk conduct on our roadways.
One key takeaway from the article is especially important for our industry: the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has told legislators that it needs increased funding to effectively implement and enforce traffic safety reforms. This acknowledgement underscores what traffic safety professionals have long understood — meaningful change requires both resources and smart, comprehensive strategies.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
While the article outlines clear legislative intent to strengthen traffic safety laws, many details remain unknown. Additional bills may be introduced in the coming weeks and months, potentially impacting licensing, penalties, diversion options, and education requirements.
What is not yet clear is how — or if — traffic education will be incorporated into these reforms.
Historically, traffic educators and traffic school providers have been largely absent from these policy conversations, despite playing a critical role in driver behavior change, compliance, and long-term safety outcomes. Decisions have too often been made without input from the professionals who work directly with drivers every day.
Why Traffic Educators Must Engage Now
Traffic safety is not achieved through enforcement alone. Education, intervention, and behavioral modification are essential components of any effective safety strategy. Traffic schools and educators are uniquely positioned to provide:
Proven behavior-change education
Scalable, court-connected diversion and intervention programs
Data-driven insights into driver behavior and compliance
Practical solutions that complement enforcement efforts
As lawmakers consider new approaches to roadway safety — and as DMV requests additional funding to support those efforts — traffic educators must be part of the discussion from the outset.
If we remain silent, policies may be shaped without recognizing the value of education-based solutions or the existing infrastructure already in place across the state.
A Call to Action for the Traffic Safety Industry
This moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
The challenge: legislation may move quickly, with limited opportunity for industry input unless we act now.
The opportunity: to come together as a unified industry voice and ensure that traffic safety policy reflects a balanced, effective approach that includes education, prevention, and accountability.
The California Alliance for Road Safety (CARS) believes that traffic educators are not peripheral stakeholders — we are essential partners in saving lives on California’s roads.
Now is the time for traffic schools, educators, and industry leaders to engage collectively, communicate with policymakers, and advocate for solutions that are informed by real-world experience and evidence-based practices.
Together, we can ensure that traffic safety reforms are not only tougher, but smarter, more effective, and sustainable.