A Look at Drunk Driving Realities and Risks in Illinois
During spring break season, it is wise for Naperville residents to have a renewed awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.
Drunk drivers pose tremendous risks to Naperville residents all year long. However, there are some times when this risk can increase and spring is one of those times. For that reason, now is a good time to review the realities of motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk drivers.
Drunk Driving Accidents Close to HomeIt only takes a moment to find news headlines recounting accidents involving alcohol in and around Naperville. A recent Chicago Tribune story reported on the DUI arrest of a driver after causing an accident on Roosevelt Road. CBS Chicago reported an accident across from a high school that was initiated by a drunk driver. Four vehicles were involved and some victims were sent to the hospital. Last summer, two people died when the vehicle they were riding in crashed just south of the Riverwalk.
Situations like these are sadly not uncommon. The injury or death of a family member at the hands of a drunk driver happens everywhere, including Naperville.
Drunk Driving Realities Throughout IllinoisIn 2013, Will County recorded the state's third highest number of drunk driving deaths according to data supplied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Statistics include the following:
- In Cook County, 93 people died in drunk driving accidents.
- In St. Clair County, 19 fatalities were attributed to drunk driving crashes.
- In Will County, 17 vehicular fatalities resulted from accidents involving alcohol.
- In Peoria County, nine lives were lost in impaired driving wrecks.
Statewide, a total of 322 drunk driving deaths were recorded that year.
The prior year, 321 traffic fatalities were recorded in Illinois per the Century Council. In 71 percent of those deaths, the drunk drivers had BAC levels over 0.14 percent. This highlights the added risk of exceptionally high levels of alcohol in drivers' bloodstreams.
Recommendations for Accident VictimsOne of the most sobering realities that Naperville residents must face is that not every drunk driving accident can be avoided. For this reason, people must be prepared to seek legal help when these tragedies occur. Whether it's the recovery of income lost from missing work, large medical bills for injuries sustained in an accident or permanent disability or death, a lawyer can protect your legal rights and help accident victims deal with the aftermath of a tragic accident.