Illinois Department of Transportation warns of holiday drunk drivers
On behalf of of Frederick & Hagle posted in Car Accidents on Friday, December 28, 2012.
While most individuals in Champaign and elsewhere in Illinois are able to enjoy the holidays in a responsible manner, there are some that think that are able to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after driving. New Year’s Eve there will certainly be a lot of drinking going on, so it is important for celebrants to be aware of the dangers of traveling on this holiday, because drunk drivers have a habit of ruining the holidays for many innocent victims and their families.
Police across the state will be looking to combat against drunk driving by having various DUI check points in multiple cities. However, there are things that drivers and travelers can do to better protect themselves as well.
According to data compiled by both the Illinois Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic safety Administration, once it hits 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, it is best to avoid the roads because there is a sharp increase in intoxicated drivers beginning at that time.
The deadliest time zone to be traveling across roads in Illinois is from 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. Avoiding those driving danger zones can help, but sometimes driving is an unavailable activity for a sober individual in Illinois. In such instances, many safety experts recommend being sure to buckle up in the event that an innocent driver crosses paths with an intoxicated motorist.
If a drunk driver does seriously injure another individual, the drunk driver could be facing serious criminal consequences. However, in addition to any criminal proceedings, the victim could also stand to hold the offender financially liable in a civil court as well. It is hoped that residents across Illinois will exercise caution so that these types of scenarios can be avoided all together as the holiday season draws to a close.
Source: Skokie Patch, “Skokie Police Department to Crack Down on DUIs This Christmas,” George Slefo, Dec. 19, 2012
