YOU DRINK & DRIVE. YOU LOSE.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety, during the Christmas and New Year's holidays in 2007, 24 people were killed and 9 of those fatalities involved a driver who had been drinking.
IDOT Secretary Milton R. Sees has been blunt about how area police departments plan to deal with drunk drivers this upcoming New Year's Eve: "Police departments will be out in force making sure impaired drivers are off the road. No amount of good cheer will be able to save you from the consequences of impaired driving. If we catch you, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses."
IDOT recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends and family drive impaired as just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:
* Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
* If you are impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
* Use your community's designated driver program.
* Promptly report impaired drivers you see on the roads to law enforcement.
* Wear your seat belt. It is your best defense against an impaired driver.
Driving while impaired just isn't worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving under the influence can be incredibly significant. The tragedies and costs from drinking and driving do not end at potential death, disfigurement, injury and disability - violators who are caught will be spending money on bail, court, lawyers and towing fees. Plus, there is the added embarrassment, humiliation, and potential loss and consequence after informing family, friends and employers. And, as I noted in a previous blog, the Illinois legislature has passed more stringent drunk driving laws that will go into effect on January 1, 2009. Hopefully all of these reasons will encourage you to designate a driver this New Year's Eve.
Best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy 2009!
If you have been injured in an automobile accident and are in need of a competent, experienced and compassionate attorney, please contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll.
