Ignition Interlock, an Important Restriction for Illinois Drunk Drivers

January 17, 2013

In a recently issued safety report, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) expressed its recommendation that ignition interlock devices (IID) be installed on all cars belonging to motorists convicted of drunk driving - even if it is their first offense.

An IID is a piece of equipment that requires a driver to provide a breath sample proving they are not under the influence of alcohol before the car's engine will start. According to the NTSB, only 17 states currently mandate IID use for first-time drunk driving convictions. The hope is that drunk driving accidents will not occur if intoxicated motorists are prevented from getting behind the wheel in the first place.

Ignition Interlock in Illinois

When it comes to the implementation of IIDs, Illinois is ahead of many other states. For instance, according to the 2012 Illinois DUI Fact Book issued by the Illinois Secretary of State's office, any driver who obtains their first drunk driving conviction must install an IID if they want to be eligible for driving privileges during their period of statutory license suspension.

A first-time drunk driving offender in Illinois does have the option to decline IID installation, but doing so will mean they are ineligible to drive during their suspension period. In addition, if they elect not to participate and are subsequently caught driving during their suspension period, they will be likely charged with a Class 4 felony.

However, it is important to note that under Illinois law, anyone convicted of drunk driving two or more times must install IIDs on all vehicles they own - they do not have the option to opt out like first-time offenders do.

If history is any indication, the NTSB recommendation may be extremely beneficial in Illinois. According to the 2012 Illinois DUI Fact Book, there were 436 people killed in alcohol-related crashed in Illinois in 2010, which was the most recent year for which information was available. These 436 fatalities represented a whopping 47 percent of all Illinois crash fatalities for that year.

In addition to those killed by drunk drivers every year, countless others are injured. For these unfortunate victims, it is important to know that drunk drivers are not only criminally liable for their actions, but may also be held responsible in civil court. Drunk driving victims may be able to collect compensation for their injuries and medical bills by filing a personal injury claim in Illinois court.

Accordingly, if you have been injured by an intoxicated driver, it is important to speak with an experienced drunk driving accident attorney to be advised of your rights and options.

Article provided by Woodruff Johnson & Palermo, Injury Law Offices
Visit us at www.woodrufflawyers.com