Before you head out to your New Year’s Eve Party, make arrangements ahead of time for a safe drive home. Starting off a new year with a bang is the right idea unless it involves a hospital bed or a funeral home. Our Chicago auto accident attorneys want to remind you to not drink and drive this holiday season and to do your part to keep the roads safe for everyone.
In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 156 fatalities in the United States on New Year’s Eve and Day that occurred as a result of at least one driver in the crash with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. Illinois recorded 3 fatalities on these same two days but two of those fatalities involved a BAC level of .20 or higher which is well over the legal limit of .08. Each year, hundreds of others are seriously injured in Illinois car accidents caused by drunk drivers through the holiday season.Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants to remind Illinois drivers that the penalties for drunk driving can be severe, especially if a serious or fatal accident is involved.
The penalty in the state of Illinois if you drive under the influence and cause an accident that kills someone is 3-14 years. If more than one person is killed in the accident the penalty is no less than 6 years up to 28 years in addition to a possible fine of up to $25,000.
Orland Park, located just outside of Chicago is increasing patrols this week according to an article in TribLocal Orland Park. It is just one of many communities taking a zero tolerance stance when it comes to drunk drivers. Seat belt violators, speeders and aggressive drivers will also be targeted.
If local residents of Orland Park or the surrounding areas can’t come up with a ride home then they should rely on the Safe Ride Home program funded by Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation where local establishments will call a limo service to get you home safely at no charge.
A number of other local services will also be available to get you home safe. The trick is to plan ahead, stay safe and enjoy the New Year’s weekend in a safe and responsible manner. Start your year off on the right foot and don’t drink and drive. Not only can you save your life but it could save the life of others, too.
If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident allow the experienced accident attorneys at Abels and Annes to assist you. Please call 866-99-ABELS for a free consultation to discuss your rights.