Drunk Driving is Still a Problem in Chicago

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Drunk Driving is Still a Problem in Chicago

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Despite numerous public safety campaigns, driver education, and news headlines, drunk driving is still occurring at alarming rates in Illinois, especially in Chicago. Those injured in these crashes or families who have lost loved ones to drunk driving accidents need to know that they have legal rights.

Drunk driving needlessly results in countless injuries and deaths every year throughout America. Illinois and Chicago contribute more than their fair share to these accidents. Chicago car accident lawyers are available to help those injured by impaired drivers and their family members.

Drunk Driving Statistics

Drunk driving is a significant factor in traffic fatalities and injuries in Chicago, throughout Illinois, and nationwide. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports that of the 1,000 deadly accidents statewide in 2016, 30.7 percent involved alcohol. Many of these needless accidents occurred in the Chicago area. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed 10,497 drunk driving deaths nationwide that same year. The national percentage of adults who admitted to driving after drinking too much in the last 30 days was 1.9, compared to Illinois at 2.2.

Reasons Drivers Drink and Drive

While every driver has their own reasons for drinking and driving, there are some common reasons behind these risky actions. These reasons include:

• An altered state of mind and perception due to drinking alcohol
• Not wanting the inconvenience of having to ask for a ride or call a cab
• A false sense of confidence and relaxation
• Failure to plan ahead
• Feelings of self-reliance, independence, and not wanting to depend on others
• Inability to judge physical limitations related to alcohol consumption
• Embarrassment about their intoxication and asking for a ride home
• Failure to remember how many drinks they had over what time period
• For habitual drunk drivers, a feeling as if they will never get caught
• An “autopilot” mindset, where normal, patterned behavior dominates critical thinking
• Alcohol reduces an individual’s ability to judge their own sobriety

Even though these are common reasons, none of them are acceptable or making drinking and driving okay. A Chicago car accident attorney can work to hold drunk drivers accountable for their negligence.

Learn How a Skilled Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Fortunately, drivers responsible for alcohol-related accidents usually face severe criminal charges in addition to being held civilly liable to innocent victims and their families. It’s crucial that the victims of any drunk driving accident seek legal advice from an experienced Chicago car accident attorney.

The victims of crashes caused by an impaired driver can see their lives torn apart in the blink of an eye by a driver’s negligent behavior. The skilled car accident attorneys at Malman Law take special care in representing victims who have been seriously injured or killed by the negligent acts of a drunk driver and their families. The firm works with clients to seek just compensation from intoxicated drivers and their insurance companies.

Anyone who has been injured or killed by an impaired driver, request a free case review or call (312) 629-0099 now.