Illinois Traffic Fatalities are on the Rise

 Posted on August 30, 2017 in Uncategorized

Recent news reports about the rate of traffic fatalities presented mixed results for drivers in the state of Illinois. While fatalities involving drunk drivers fatalities involving drunk drivers continue to decrease, the overall number of deaths due to traffic accidents is on the rise in Illinois and across the country.

Drunk Drivers and Drunk Driving Deaths

Twenty years ago, the Illinois legislature passed a statute that lowered the permissible blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers from .10 to .08. That law took effect just prior to the 4th of July holiday in 1997. A few facts about the law impacting driving under the influence include:

• Prior to the law change, Illinois experienced over 500 deaths in crashes where at least one driver had a BAC over .08.
• Just two years ago, that number was down to about 300.
• All 50 states and the District of Columbia enforce the .08 BAC law.
• Proponents praised the law change as life-saving legislation.

Driving under the influence of alcohol has the ability to change lives, and not for the better. The result may involve losing your license to losing your freedom—or worse. The best decision is to refrain from driving when impaired.

Overall, Traffic Deaths on the Rise

A report by the National Safety Council (NSC) indicated that an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, combined with an increase in speeding and distracted driving, is to blame for the spike in the overall traffic death rate. According to the NSC:

• In the U.S., traffic deaths in 2016 were up 6 percent over 2015.
• The total number of deaths exceeded 40,000 for the first time since 2007.
• The two-year increase in traffic fatalities from 2015 to 2017, is the steepest in 53 years.

In Illinois, the results were as distressing.

• Preliminary analysis indicates a 4 percent in motor vehicle deaths across the state in the first six months of 2017.
• A 22 percent increase in pedestrian deaths over the same period, with nearly one-third occurring in Chicago.
• Distracted driving is blamed as a major factor in this phenomenon.
• The NSC suggests the increased speed limit (70mph) on Interstate highways in Illinois is contributing to the rate of traffic fatalities, while laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving are not having the desired effect.

Get the Help You Need from an Experienced Will County Traffic Defense Lawyer

If you find yourself served with an order of protection from a friend, family member or co-worker it is important you know how to respond. The advice of a Joliet traffic and criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in how your case proceeds through the justice system. The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. performs a meticulous review of your case and provides a thorough and vigorous defense on your behalf.