Drunk Driving Statistics in Illinois What You Need to Know in 2022

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that carries significant criminal penalties. It can also result in severe injuries or the death of innocent victims who did not choose to drive in such a reckless manner. The Chicago drunk driving accident lawyers at Salvi Schostok & Pritchard can help you pursue maximum compensation stemming from a completely preventable car crash caused by a careless drunk driver. 

Blood Alcohol Content when Drunk Driving

In 1997, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) was set at 0.08 percent. However, the Illinois Secretary of State’s 2022 DUI Fact Book points out that alcohol affects coordination and judgment from the first drink. The risk of being in a crash is doubled when a person has a BAC of 0.06 percent, compared to a driver with no alcohol in their system. And, with a BAC of 0.08 percent, a driver is 11 times more likely to be killed in a single-vehicle crash than a non-drinking driver.

A person can be arrested for a DUI in Chicago or other area in Illinois if they have a BAC between 0.05 percent and 0.08 percent if there is additional evidence that the driver was impaired, according to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information.

DUI Statistics and Arrests In Illinois

According to the Illinois Secretary of State, for the most recent year for which data is available, there were:

• 27,046 DUI arrests
• 254 people who died in alcohol-related crashes
• 244 drivers under the age of 21 who lost their driving privileges because of drunk driving
• 91 percent of drivers charged with DUI who lost their driving privileges
• 86 percent of drivers who were charged with DUI as a first-time offender

Who Is Most Often Arrested for DUI In Illinois?

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s 2022 DUI Fact Book, 75 percent of people arrested for DUI in Illinois were male. 57 percent of arrestees were under the age of 35. The DUI average BAC was 0.16 percent.

What Is the Liquor Control Act?

Under the Illinois Liquor Control Act, bars and other establishments that sell alcohol to customers could be financially and legally liable for injuries caused by intoxicated individuals if they served them alcohol, the intoxicated person caused injuries, and intoxication was a major cause of the injuries. Therefore, if you were involved in a car crash with a drunk driver, you may be able to seek damages from the business that allowed them to become intoxicated. A car accident attorney in Chicago can review the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine all potential claims you have for compensation. 

Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident in Chicago? Salvi Schostok & Pritchard Can Help

If you were injured in a collision caused by a drunk driver, a Chicago car accident lawyer can help explain your legal rights. Salvi Schostok & Pritchard has a diverse team of top litigators and the resources and skills to aggressively fight for the rights of our deserving clients. We have recovered more than $1.6 billion to date and are ready to fight for you. Contact us for your free consultation today.