According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Traffic Safety Division an American dies at the hands of an impaired driver every 30 minutes.  In an effort to eradicate this avoidable statistic IDOT has teamed with local and state law enforcement agencies, including the Riverside Police Department (RPD), to ensure motorists “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”.

The RPD recently released their end-of-the-year impaired driving stats, which reflect a 45 percent increase from last year (112 compared to 77 in 2010).  These figures imply that even though enforcement has been stepped up and punishments are harsher, more and more motorists are willing to take their chances.

Breaking down the incidents on RPD’s comprehensive report, it shows most of the arrests occurred during the midnight shift and of those 112 DUI arrests; nine were for aggravated felony DUI, which carries a maximum sentence of not less than one year and not more than three years in prison.

Are they stopping motorists to write more tickets? No, they are doing it to save lives.  According to a release issued with the recent report RPD Sgt. Frank Lara said, “Let our message be clear we will not tolerate impaired or reckless driving. Driving while impaired or recklessly endangers all people on Riverside roads and highways. If you drive impaired or reckless, you will be arrested. No excuses, no exceptions.”

Other key points of the 2011 report show; 38 percent refused to take the breath test (BAC) and of those who did, the average results were .147 with the highest BAC at  .543, which is three times the legal limit resulting in a 9:22 a.m. arrest. 

Driver’s contemplating drinking and driving should be clear on the law (as of July 1, 2011) - it’s clear:

Failing Chemical Testing

• First offense — Suspension of driving privileges for 6 months (eligible for Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) on 31st day of suspension).*

• Second or subsequent offense within 5 years — Suspension of driving privileges for 1 year (not eligible for driving relief).

Refusing to Submit to Chemical Testing

• First offense — Suspension of driving privileges for 12 months (eligible for MDDP on 31st day of suspension).*

• Second or subsequent offense — Suspension of driving privileges for 3 years (not eligible for driving relief).

If a driver refuses to submit to chemical testing after being involved in a crash in which a serious injury or death occurred, his/her driving privileges will be revoked for a minimum of 1 year.

*A DUI offender eligible for driving relief and issued a MDDP must operate only vehicles installed with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID), unless exempted by employment. The offender is subject to all MDDP rules and BAIID fees.