Although DUI is a serious crime, people often don’t take it as seriously as they should. This is particularly true during the holidays when people tend to drink more than usual. If you need legal assistance, our DUI lawyer Bonfield Illinois is here to help. At The MacNeil Firm we are dedicated to getting you the results that you deserve. Call today for a consultation at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947.
Drinking and driving is dangerous. It can result in injury or death, as well as jail time and fines. Drinking and driving is illegal. In all 50 states, it’s against the law to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated and in Illinois a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can result in a DUI charge. Drinking and driving is a crime that can result in serious penalties including fines, imprisonment, license suspension/revocation, or community service requirements. If you drink before getting behind the wheel, or allow someone else who has been drinking to drive your car, you could face criminal charges for DUI.
Seasonal DUI
The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also be dangerous. If you’re planning on drinking this season, take precautions to keep yourself safe. Make sure you have a designated driver or use public transportation. If someone else is driving, don’t let them drink at all. Drink moderately because it’s better to have one or two drinks over several hours than five or six straight shots in an hour or less. You want to enjoy the holidays and celebrate with family and friends and you don’t want to have to worry about causing harm to yourself or others because you are intoxicated.
Data from IDOT’s Bureau of Data Collection shows the number of alcohol-impaired fatalities in motor vehicle accidents involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher has increased. In 2021, a total of 275 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in Illinois, an increase of 50 deaths from 2020. In 2022, 1,334 people lost their lives in crashes, the highest total since 2005. According to provisional data, 1,182 fatalities have occurred in 2022 as of Dec. 14, which is 98 fewer deaths over this same period last year.
During the winter holidays, 40% of highway deaths are alcohol related. Every year, the most wonderful time of year becomes the most devastating for some due to drunk driving. Holiday parties and festive libations cause 16% of adults to drink more this time of year, leading to an increase in alcohol-related road deaths. New Mexico had the most Christmas holiday fatalities per capita in 2019, followed by Louisiana and Alaska. In total, 140 Americans lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes over Christmas Day.
There are more drunk drivers on the road during the holidays. Everyone needs to be safe, so it is important to have a designated driver, use public transportation or taxi services, or use a ride share app to avoid the consequences of drinking and driving. If you do need a DUI lawyer Bonfield Illinois, the legal team at The MacNeil Firm is here to help.
Contact The MacNeil Firm to consult with our DUI lawyer Bonfield Illinois
Holidays should be a time of celebration with loved ones and you can ensure that it is enjoyable and safe if you don’t drink and drive. However, social binge drinking is more common during these periods and can lead to an increase in the number of intoxicated drivers on the road. This increases your risk of an alcohol-related crash. With Christmas and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, it is important that you have a plan, so you, your friends, and your family are safe and have an amazing holiday. If something does happen and you need legal help, contact our DUI lawyer Bonfield Illinois today.
