DUI Related Crashes High, But Also Low

By Timmy Watson in News on Dec 3, 2006 5:50PM

While we love our Winter weather here at Chicagoist, driving this time of year is by far one of our least favorite aspects of the lady in white. The Coalition to End Needless Death on Our Roadways, a coalition of doctors, released a study on Friday that ranks Illinois in the top 15 states for DUI related crashes. This is the third year the state has ranked in the top 15 and the coalition is calling for the state of Illinois to act. "We have called on the leadership in the state to do an analysis of their problem, and since we have been releasing the list we have not had significant change in the way in which our roadways are dealt with," said Dr. Barthwell, the co-chair of the coalition.

The Illinois DOT indicated the state is making it a priority to deal with alcohol related crashes. In a separate study by the Illinois DOT, examinations showed DUI related crashes decreased in Illinois from 2004 - 2005. "We're making significant progress in Illinois and it's been a major priority for the Blagojevich's administration and for Secretary Tim Martin in IDOT to reduce overall traffic fatalities as well as alcohol-related crashes," spokesman Mike Claffey said. In addition, deer related crashes have also subsided.

Image via dotpolka