Tag Archives: DUI
Is Driving While Stoned The New Driving Drunk?
With medical marijuana already legal in 15 states in the U.S., the number of drivers killed in traffic accidents with THC in their bloodstream have increased 18% between 2005 and 2011 according to the Associated Press.
Police Stops, Traffic Tickets Down
Good news for area drivers–police are stopping fewer drivers and ticketing even less of the drivers they do stop–at least according to the Chicago Tribune.
According to the Trib report, in 2010 statewide traffic stops are down 6% and traffic tickets are down 11% since 2008.
At the same time, it seems law enforcement has been more willing to issue warnings versus tickets in 2010 than 2008 with warnings jumping from 39% to 43%.
While numbers are down everywhere, it is in Chicago where the drop is most significant with a 19% drop in traffic stops and 30% less tickets written. These percentage drops are based on 38,000 drivers stopped and 40,000 less tickets written in 2010 versus 2008.
Travel, Driving Enforcement Both Up For Holiday
This holiday season, more drivers will be headed over the river, through the woods to Grandmother’s house and many other destinations than last year according to a report by AAA.
Christmas holiday traffic will be up just a smidgen this year, at least according to AAA Chicago.
The group estimates 4.25 million Illinois drivers will be on the road for the 11 day holiday stretch between December 23rd and January 2nd this year–only a .5% increase from 2010.
Report: Drinking And Driving Down 30%
According to findings by the Centers for Disease Control, incidents of motorists who drink and drive has declined 30% in the past five years.
Despite this decline, the CDC’s report says four million over served motorists drove a motor vehicle 112 million times over the course of 2010. The organization reports alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in approximately one out of every three crash deaths. This resulted in close to 11,000 deaths in 2009.
IDOT, State Police Promise 4th Of July DUI, Seat Belt Crackdown
Watch out this holiday weekend motorists.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are warning drivers local and state law enforcement will be out in force for the 4th of July holiday.
New Year’s Eve Safety Tips
Go ahead and pop that champagne cork tonight, but also make sure you get home safely.
New Year’s Eve is notoriously one of the most dangerous nights to drive, for obvious reasons. In addition, anytime you mix alcohol and driving, motorists are at risk for DUI.
Perhaps the best strategy if you plan on going out for New Year’s, is consider leaving the car at home tonight.
People residing in the city proper have many alternatives to driving themselves.
Each New Year’s the CTA offers 1 penny bus and train rides so party people can get home cheaply and safely.
Taxi cabs are a convenient, but more expensive alternative as well.
Of course, walking is a very low cost mode of transportation.
If you have to drive, don’t over do it imbibing your favorite adult beverage. Using a designated driver is recommended.
New Driving Related Laws Kick In January 1st
As most of 2010 is now in our rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward toward a litany of new rules and laws that take effect at the first of the year.
Most prominently, the Illinois state legislature passed changes to red light camera enforcement.
The law, which originally began as a law to ban all RLCs in the state, eventually became watered down legislation that allegedly streamlined the way Illinois towns handled red light camera ticketing. In it’s final form, the law accomplishes very little from the driver’s perspective.
The main changes to the law are that a safety impact study must be completed before a new red light camera can be installed, vehicles which come to a complete stop but pass the stop bar (but don’t enter the intersection) will not be ticketed, and a policeman–not a technician–must review any potential red light camera violations (although Chicago is exempt from this rule).
ALERT!: Driving Enforcement Ramps Up Over Holiday
Law Enforcement Cracking Down With Late Night Patrols
IDOT, Illinois State Troopers and local law enforcement will be playing hardball this Labor Day holiday weekend.
Law enforcement personnel statewide will have an notably increased presence on roads and highways from now through late Monday night with increased patrols, vehicle stops and roadside “safety” checks.
Police and state troopers will be focused on enforcing DUI and safety belt laws. So make sure you’ve got everyone belted up properly and you’re not drinking and driving.
Much of the enforcement will concentrate on the night time as a disproportionate number of drivers and passengers are injured or killed between the hours of midnight and 3 AM. And 79% of crashes during this time of the night are alcohol related.
