Illinois DUI Lawyers: Arrests for Illinois Drunk Driving at All Time Low

The number of people killed in alcohol-related fatalities reached an all time low in 2005; however, driving under the influence continues to remain the leading factor in motor vehicle related fatalities. In 2005, Illinois ranked 5th in the nation in most alcohol related fatalities behind California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In 2004, 82% of people in Illinois arrested for a DUI were male. The average age of the person was 34, the arrest occurred between 11pm and 4am, and the driver had a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit.

Driving Under the Influence is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs or intoxicating compounds. In Illinois a person is deemed "Under the Influence" if they have a blood alcohol level of .08 or above, has used an illegal drug, or is impaired by medication. Furthermore, in Illinois a person can be defined to be "in operation" of their vehicle even if they are merely seated in the driver's seat of their car, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is on.

Illinois has increased their level of monitoring drunk driving. They have added a device to the police flashlight that is able to detect whether a person has consumed alcoholic beverages when brought within a foot of the driver's mouth. The flashlight detector is able to see through breath mints, gum and other tricks that have been used by the driver to throw off the scent of police officers. In 2004 92% of Illinois drivers arrested for a DUI lost their driving privileges.

Local businesses have also begun to recognize the need to reduce the number of drunk drivers. Many people will not reduce their alcohol consumption despite the risks related to drunk driving. Additionally, it is more difficult to obtain transportation from a bar to a person's home in the suburbs than in the city. Finally, there are numerous occasions when a person drives to a bar intending to only have one drink, but instead ends up consuming much more. A company in Naperville has decided to address these situations in offering to tow a person and their car from the bar to their home. These tows can be pre-ordered or arranged on the spot.

While alcohol related fatalities have decreased in Illinois, the situation remains a pervasive problem within the State. The state and local businesses are attempting to alleviate this situation, but they can't do it alone.

About the Author

Michael Kite is a law student at John Marshall in Chicago. For more information on Illinois DUI laws, Michael recommends that you visit http://www.findgreatlawyers.com/HotTopics/IllCrimLaw/1DUILaws.htm, the leading resource for information on Illinois DUI laws and to find Illinois DUI lawyers.