Category: Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have disastrous consequences. Those consequences only increase in scope and likelihood when the vehicle being driven is a large commercial vehicle. Although federal laws and regulations prohibit the practice, many commercial driver’s license holders continue to drive while inebriated or under the influence of drugs.

Intoxicated drivers continue to cause death and injury across Illinois despite the best efforts of law enforcement and lawmakers. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that in 2012 alone, 321 people were killed by drunk drivers, which represents 34 percent of all traffic deaths throughout the state. Over the year, $1.67 billion of taxpayer subsidies were spent in connection with these events.

Every person experiences alcohol in a different way, and even the same person metabolizes alcohol differently, depending on factors such as food and water intake. Illinois and other states have changed the laws to limit the blood alcohol level from .08 to .05 in recent years, which is generally reached with two to four drinks, but research shows that just one drink affects mental processes significantly.

A Taylorville man was recently charged with a DUI and driving with a revoked license after he rolled his vehicle in a one-car accident on Route 104. The two passengers in his car were severely injured and treated at nearby hospitals, while the driver reported no injuries. In some cases, Illinois law gives injured parties like these passengers the option to seek damages from more than just drivers and their insurance companies.