In Texas, your driving record will say Defensive Driving and then some mysterious code. I called the state DMV office in Austin and asked what the code meant and they said "Defensive driving taken in lieu of speeding ticket." I can almost guarantee you that the airlines know what those little codes stand for, so DON'T lie.
BTW, I got hired by two major airlines with a sucky driving record. Just own what you did, don't make any excuses and explain what you learned from the experience. Don't say something stupid like, "the guy was out to get me!" Statements like that show that you don't take responsibility for your own actions.
If you want more information, you can PM me.
A couple of tickets are not going to make or break your career.
Good Luck.