New DUI Law in Illinois Targets First Time Offenders
Posted on Dec 23, 2008 11:11am PST
In the state of Illinois, roughly 1,710 people were killed during
DUI (driving under the influence) accidents last year. This staggering number has led to Illinois legislators passing a new law which would target first time
DUI offenders.
The law is regarded as a preventative measure and legislators hope that it will lead to a decrease in the number of DUI deaths throughout the state. Recently, the Illinois General Assembly passed new guidelines for the way first time DUI offenders are to be dealt with by law enforcement. This measure was passed after legislators realized that 80% of alcohol related car fatalities were caused by drivers who had no prvious DUI arrests 3 years prior to the accidents they caused.
Effective January 1, 2009, all first time DUI offenders in Illinois will be subjected to the state's Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIDD) program. The program applies to all first time DUI offenders who wish to be able to drive during their
statutory summary suspensions.
The BAIID is a device that reads a person's breath alcohol level. Before a driver can start his or her car and begin to drive, he or she must provide a breath sample using the device. The device can also test drivers at different intervals. If the driver's BAC (
blood alcohol concentration) is .05% or higher, his or her car will not start.
Studies gathered by the Illinois Secretary of State's office on the BAIDD indicate that the device is effective in reducing subsequent DUI offenses by up to 90%.
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