Driving while intoxicated puts commuters and pedestrians at risk for catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Many accidents occur on Illinois roads because of drunk driving, and the problems continue to persist. A review of drunk driving statistics may lead some to realize how serious and pervasive the problem is.
Drunk driving stats
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a government entity that tracks data related to motor vehicle accidents. The NHTSA’s recorded information about drunk driving reveals that 32 people die daily in drunk driving collisions, meaning one person dies roughly every 45 minutes in such crashes. In 2020, 229 deaths were children, and 2020 also experienced a 14.3% increase from 2019.
Persons involved in DUI-related collisions could face numerous criminal charges. When someone dies in the crash, the drunk driver could face vehicular manslaughter charges. Drunk drivers involved in less serious accidents might compound their situation by fleeing the scene, leading to hit-and-run charges. Those arrested for driving under the influence would face legal troubles even when no accident occurs.
Drunk driving charges
Persons charged with drunk driving in Illinois could face misdemeanor or felony charges. Felony charges would fall under the category of aggravated DUIs. Aggravated DUIs that result in fatalities could leave the driver facing many years in prison.
Drunk drivers could defend their charges based on the case’s circumstances. Issues about probable cause and whether the police conducted the breathalyzer test correctly could impact DUI evidence.
With more serious DUI charges, such as ones involving harm to others, the defendant might seek a plea bargain. A plea deal could result in a lesser sentence and punishment than a conviction at trial.