Drunk Driving Accidents: Who Is the Average DUI Offender?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Drunk Driving Accidents

Did you know that the roadways of Illinois are among some of the safest in the nation? This is largely due to the state’s strict laws on drunk and distracted driving, which continue to be recognized and praised around the country.

Drunk driving accidents are some of the most preventable yet common causes for fatalities and serious injuries, and the state of Illinois is dedicated to the prevention of these incidents through tough, efficient law enforcement that aims to hold offenders accountable.

These standards, combined with the ongoing collection and study of collision statistics, allow the state to provide drivers with factual information that equips them to be proactive and responsible before they get behind the wheel.

A Portrait of the DUI Offender

What has the state discovered about the average DUI offender? Who causes these crashes and what is the typical offender’s profile? According to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, most offenders are males around the age of 34 and are arrested on the weekends, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. They are typically caught driving with a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) of .17. This is more than twice the legal limit.

Other facts about the average DUI offender:

• 58 percent of male offenders are under the age of 35;
• There are more male offenders than female (77 percent are male);
• Most drunk drivers offend in the evening hours, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the rate of alcohol impairment that causes fatal car accidents is 4 times higher at night than during the day; and
• 86 percent of all drivers arrested for drunk driving are actually first-time offenders.

Based on these facts alone, it is obvious that almost anyone could be a potential DUI offender. Drunk drivers are our friends, neighbors, and co-workers. While a majority of them are male and between the ages of 21 and 35, anyone can make the poor choice to ignore limits, disregard their better judgement, and get behind the wheel when they are impaired by alcohol.

Planning is key. Designating drivers for outings, allowing enough time between drinks for your body to metabolize the alcohol, and calling a cab instead of getting behind the wheel are all simple yet effective ways to avoid becoming a DUI offender statistic.

If you have had the unfortunate experience of being a victim in a drunk driving accident, an experienced Lake County drunk driving accident attorney can help you with your case. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation today.

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