December in Illinois: Drunk and Drugged Driving (3-D) Prevention Month

 Posted on December 16, 2014 in DUI

Every year police departments across the nation gear up for the busy holiday season and subsequent influx of reported drunk driving incidents. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), there were 321 fatalities in 2012 as a result of drunk driving, representing 34 percent of all traffic deaths for the state of Illinois.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) has issued many campaigns over the years against drunk driving, especially during this time of year. A few months ago, ISP teamed up with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and hundreds of police departments statewide to commence the "Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over" zero tolerance campaign against drunk or drugged driving prior to the Labor Day holiday weekend.

While drunk driving fatalities have been on the decline over the past decade, there has been a significant increase of these types of incidents reported from 2011 to 2012. December has been proclaimed "Drunk and Drugged Driving (3-D) Prevention Month" to:

• Educate the public about impaired driving;
• Educate the public about strategies to take a stand against impaired driving; and
• Focus on the young adult drinking driver.

Initiatives such as National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend and Lights on for Life are campaigns which help support local law enforcement as they combat drunk driving. Lights on for Life is a national one-day observation typically kicking off the month. Drivers are encouraged to keep their vehicle headlights on during the designated day in remembrance of those who have been injured or killed by drunk driving.

Communities across the state have taken part in these national initiatives and have sparked their own campaigns and messages to help raise awareness and prevent impaired driving during the holiday season. People celebrating this festive time of year are encouraged to do so responsibly by designating a sober driver or avoiding getting behind the wheel when intoxicated.

A DUI charge can be costly both legally and financially. It may result in thousands of dollars in legal fees and court fines, time in jail, and revocation of driving privileges. If you are currently facing charges of drunk or drugged driving in Illinois, contact an Arlington Heights DUI attorney to discuss your legal options.