Thursday, April 20, students from several schools were called to appear before District Judge Michael Manfredi in South Strabane Township, Washington County. Members of our Youth Traffic Safety Council were among them, with Junior Kaylee Pattison, being one of 14 named students who received “Mock Traffic Citations.” Students received their ‘citations’ for infractions of various vehicle codes and then were presented the opportunity to see what traffic court is like, providing a defense to their charges - if they were able. Of the 14 cases, only a few were overturned and found not guilty based on the presentation of their defenses and consideration of applicable circumstances.
In each of the 14 cases, ranging from violations such as parking illegally in a handicapped spot, to speeding through a school zone nearly striking a child (and many other scenarios), the severity and implications of the charges were discussed after each ruling to impress upon the students the importance of the situations and for them to gain an understanding of why citations like those exist and what the potential consequences are for not only those that commit the traffic violations, but others involved as well, such as those that could be harmed because of such actions.
Our students then stopped at Sarris Candies ice cream shop and candy store in Canonsburg for a treat. Thank you to the Highway Safety Network and the program sponsors, as well as District Judge Manfredi, for allowing us this learning opportunity.
Our students listening to Judge Manfredi explain a case that Trooper Allison presented.
Officer Ireland, of South Strabane Township, presenting his case against Kaylee.
Sarris Candies stop afterward! Posing in front of the gigantic castle made of chocolates and other candies.