Illinois residents should be concerned that incidents of drunk driving are on the rise. This news comes as a result of studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. According to the reports, arrests for DUI have increased at an alarming rate over the past few years. This is a dangerous trend that shows no signs of stopping.
Blood alcohol levels are on the rise
One of the most worrying statistics the studies reveal is that blood alcohol levels are increasing. This means that many people arrested on drunk driving charges are posting levels well past 0.08. Many of the people picked up by police are showing levels nearly twice that amount.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to come anywhere near the legal limit to be considered intoxicated. Some people were involved in fatal crashes after consuming less than 0.02 percent. The amount of alcohol a person can handle depends on a number of factors, including their age, weight and health.
Alternatives to driving are well worth exploring
Recent 2022 statistics have shown that nearly 12,000 people between the ages of 25 and 34 were involved in fatal crashes connected to drunk driving that year. Meanwhile, another 9,000 people aged 35 to 44 lost their lives in crashes. Most of these drivers were male. However, women were behind the wheel in a total of 2,100 accidents.
Police and highway safety experts have urged people to use safe alternatives to keep them from driving drunk. These can include using a designated driver or calling an Uber to pick them up. People in some areas are even calling delivery services to bring them beer so that they can stay home and avoid driving altogether.
Stay alive. Don’t drive and drive.