Drunk Driving Accidents Usually Caused by Repeat Offenders

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Drunk Driving Accidents

There is no shortage of stories of drunk drivers who caused major accidents and then got behind the wheel again — drunk. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately one-third of people driving drunk on the road are repeat offenders, meaning that they have been arrested for or convicted of DWI in the past. The problem appears to compound itself as well: the NHTSA reports that drivers with prior DWI convictions are also more likely to be in fatal crashes. Only 3 percent of all licensed drivers had one prior arrest for DWI within the previous three years; disproportionately, 12 percent of all DWI drivers involved in a fatal crash were repeat offenders.

Such is the recent case in Chicago, in which a man, who served a five-year prison term for a drunk-driving crash that killed a teenage girl in 2003, was found slumped behind his steering wheel after hitting two parked cars. According to the Chicago Tribune, however, because of sentencing guidelines, the man could spend less than a year in prison, and remain on parole only a year after his release; despite the fact that he was also driving on a suspended license at the time of arrest.

Many victims of drunk driving accidents — and legislators— believe that though a person may serve jail time when convicted for the criminal offense of drunk driving, a person faces little consequences on the administrative side of the system when he or she applies for a new license. In Illinois, drivers who are convicted of DWI are expected to serve "hard time" for the offense, meaning they are not legally allowed to drive, period. This leads some to simply drive, sometimes drunk, without a license. A new law being discussed in Illinois would require all convicted drunk drivers to install a breathalyzer ignition device in the car; but would not require for the suspension of a license.

If you or someone you know has been injured by a drunk driver, the most important step is to seek legal counsel; you are likely eligible for compensation. Do not go through it alone. Contact an experienced Lake County accident attorney today.