Maintain Safety on the Road: Designate a Driver This Holiday Season

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Drunk Driving Accidents

Due to the upcoming holiday season, travel and traffic increase this time of year. Unpredictable Illinois weather causes riskier driving situations with higher levels of precipitation leading to dangerous conditions on the road. When mixed with celebratory occasions and holiday gatherings where alcohol is involved, this can become a deadly combination.

The most recent statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that in a single year, 886 motor vehicle accidents resulted in fatalities in the United States. Of those accidents, 436 people were killed in accidents where the driver’s blood alcohol concentration was over the legal .08 limit.

There are legal consequences for Illinois drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even a first time conviction can carry a penalty of:

• up to a maximum fine of $2,500;
• possible jail time for up to one year; and
• loss of driving privileges for one year.

Police typically prepare for extra DUI enforcement around the holidays to prevent drunk drivers on the road. Additionally, WBEZ 91.5 FM Chicago reported that one holiday season, a program directed by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists would reward people who reported Illinois drunk drivers $100.

The “drunkbusters” program encouraged anyone who saw a driver driving seemingly erratic or impaired to report the vehicle to 911. If the call resulted in a drunk driving arrest, the person with the tip received the cash reward. The program resulted in 340 DUI arrests that year with a payout of $34,000 to tipsters.

Safety should be a priority for everyone on the road. It is up to every driver to drink responsibly or designate a sober driver during the holiday season. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Illinois, contact an experienced Chicago motor vehicle accident attorney today.