IDOT, law enforcement launch 4th of July crackdown

[July 01, 2011]  CHICAGO -- The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and hundreds of local law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists to drive sober or risk arrest this Fourth of July weekend. Law enforcement also reminded motorists to buckle up before driving or expect a safety belt citation to be issued. The "You Drink & Drive. You Lose" crackdown began as IDOT revealed data showing the overwhelming financial costs associated with driving under the influence.

"The number of fatalities and injuries on Illinois roadways has declined in recent years due to many factors, including effective traffic safety programs, excellent safety engineering, strategic partnerships with law enforcement and the fact that more motorists are buckling up today than ever before," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "Even with these accomplishments, however, impaired driving is still responsible for far too many motor vehicle deaths and injuries across Illinois. IDOT stands firm in its goal to eradicate the senseless act of drinking and driving on Illinois roadways."

In an effort that began on June 17 and runs through July 4, the Illinois State Police and approximately 300 local police and sheriff departments are conducting 200 roadside safety checks and more than 300 nighttime safety belt enforcement zones. Additionally, thousands of patrols will occur throughout the campaign in which law enforcement will be alert for impaired drivers and safety belt law violators. In all, more than $1 million in federal highway safety funds will be committed to this enhanced effort to keep Illinois roads safe through the holiday period.

Crash data indicates 319 people in Illinois died in 2009 in crashes that involved an impaired driver. This number represents 35 percent of the motor vehicle fatalities that occurred that year.

Driving under the influence is a criminal charge prosecuted in court. Legal penalties in court and driver's license sanctions administered by the Illinois secretary of state's office are significant.

See details: Minimum DUI penalties

The financial costs of a DUI are also very steep.

See details: Average costs of a DUI

"During the summer months, weekends provide families and friends with an opportunity to come together and enjoy the warm weather," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. "As the July 4th weekend approaches, and the summer driving season shifts into gear, the Illinois State Police want to remind motorists to stay focused behind the wheel, obey all traffic laws and avoid unnecessary distractions. Our goal is to make the summer driving season as safe as possible."

Data shows that during last year's July 4 weekend (from 6 p.m. on July 2, 2010, until midnight July 5, 2010), 10 people lost their lives and 780 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Seven of those fatalities involved a drinking driver.

For more information about the "You Drink & Drive. You Lose" mobilization or IDOT's program on impaired driving, visit www.drivesoberillinois.org.

[Text from Illinois Department of Transportation file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]

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Minimum DUI penalties

Loss of driving privileges	First DUI	Second DUI	Third DUI
Eligible for monitoring device driving permit allowing driving relief with breath alcohol ignition interlock device, or BAIID	Yes	No	No
Eligible for restricted driving permit	No	Yes, after 1 year and only with a BAIID	Yes, after 1 year and only with a BAIID
Jail	Up to 364 days	Up to 364 days; mandatory five days (or 30 days community service)	Class 2 felony with possible three to seven years; mandatory 90 days imprisonment depending on facts
Community service	Up to 25 days depending on facts	30 days (or five days in jail)	Mandatory 25 days depending on facts
Fines	Up to $2,500	Up to $2,500	Up to $25,000

Average costs of a DUI

Insurance	High-risk insurance -- additional $1,500/year; required for three years	$4,500
Legal fees	Uncontested plea and hardship driving permit	$5,000
Court-ordered fines	Fine up to $2,500; law enforcement equipment fund $500; lab fee $150; reimburse towing and storage fees $500; trauma center fund $100	$3,750
BAIID cost	Approximately $110/month during the suspension/revocation period, plus $100 installation fee	$760
Income loss	Loss of four weeks' income due to jail or community service, court appearances, evaluation and remedial education classes (based on yearly income of $40,000)	$4,000
Rehabilitation	Evaluation at $150 and basic remedial substance abuse class at $250	$400
Driver's license reinstatement	$500 plus $10 for a new license; $500 for multiple DUI offenders; $50 formal hearing fee	$560
	Total average DUI cost	$18,970