The Chicago Tribune reports that, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the number of deaths from accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers has declined in the state since 2006. IDOT statistics show that there were 446 deaths related to impaired driving in 2006, and as of 2010, there were only 298 deaths involving alcohol on IL roadways.
The data was released by IDOT to remind motorists that there will be strict enforcement of drunk driving laws during this holiday season, especially the weekend of New Year’s. The Tribune notes that more than 200 police and sheriff departments plan to cooperate with Illinois State Police to conduct nearly “100 roadside safety checks, 400 safety belt enforcement zones, and hundreds of additional impaired driving and nighttime safety belt patrols.”
When celebrating this holiday season in Illinois, follow these simple tips to prevent a dangerous IL drunk driving accident:
- Never ride in a car with a drunk driver, instead, call a cab or ask a friend to take you home.
- If you think another motorist on the road may be intoxicated and is driving erratically, keep a safe distance from that car to prevent you from being a victim of their careless mistake.
- If the behavior another motorist is exhibiting is particularly dangerous, report the drunk driver to law enforcement.
- If you plan to drink at a celebration, select a friend to be a designated driver. When no one is available to be the sober driver, take mass transit (such as a bus or train) or a taxi to and from the party.
- If you are the party host and notice someone is too drunk to drive, take their keys away and insist they either stay the night at your home if you know them well or simply call them a cab. They’ll thank you in the morning!
Though the decline in alcohol-related deaths in Illinois is good news and is hopefully a continuing trend, one death is still too many as drunk driving-related accidents are completely preventable. If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by an impaired driver, the Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers of the Bradley Law Firm can help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Call (312) 252-1488 for a no-cost consultation. We wish everyone a safe and happy new year!
