Efforts Continue To Reduce DUI Offenses in Illinois

 Posted on February 03, 2015 in DuPage County criminal defense attorney

Each year in the United States more than 10,000 fatalities occur as a result of alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2013, about 65 percent of those fatalities were drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. In Illinois, drivers 21 or over with a BAC of.08 may be subject to prosecution for driving under the influence or DUI. Driving Under the Influence in Illinois is not limited strictly to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, but also includes impairment due to use of marijuana, methamphetamine, other narcotics, or prescription medication.

In Illinois alone, nearly 1000 people were killed as a result of DUI-related accidents in 2013, according to NHTSA numbers. During that same year, Illinois law enforcement made almost 35,000 DUI arrests. A detailed analysis of drunk driving offenses in the state begins to provide a profile for the average DUI offender. Statistically, men are three times more likely than women to be arrested for DUI, and the majority of offenders are under 35 years old. Offenses are most likely to occur between 11pm and 4am and the average BAC is .16 or twice the legal limit.

While these numbers may seem startling, they are actually indicative of downward trend in DUI related incidents statewide over the last several years. Since 2011, DUI arrests have dropped more than 10 percent, a development in which Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White takes great pride.

Last month, Secretary White's office published the 2015 Illinois DUI Fact Book as a helpful resource for state residents. As with previous editions, this year’s version contains DUI-related statistics and information, as well as excerpts from and summaries of pertinent portions of Illinois law. The book also includes a detailed outline of the state's nationally recognized efforts to combat and prevent drunk driving.

 Under Secretary White's direction, Illinois has become a national leader in road safety as [he] strengthened DUI laws, reformed the CDL program and overhauled teen driving guidelines. Since taking office in 2002, drunk driving deaths in Illinois have been reduced by an astonishing 60 percent and Illinois roads are as safe as they have ever been.

 If you or someone you love has been arrested on a DUI-related charge, qualified representation can make all the difference. Contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney today for a free consultation. Our team will help you understand your options and will work with you through every step of the process.