CyberDriveIllinois.com
 

ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  • May 23, 2002
  • CONTACT: Dave Druker
  • CONTACT: Elizabeth Kaufman
 

White Urges Motorists to Celebrate the
Memorial Day Weekend Safely

CHICAGO –– Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding driver's not to drink and drive and to use their safety belts during this Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Over the 2000 Memorial Day weekend, ten people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes. A total of 16 were killed in crashes during those three days.

In addition, White has released the 2002 DUI Fact Book that alerts motorists to the harsher penalties for those who are caught driving under the influence.

"This is our way of sending a strong message to motorists who continue to drive drunk or on suspended or revoked licenses," White said. "If you disobey the law, you're going to face jail time."

Harsher penalties, which are due to legislation initiated by White and passed by the General Assembly this past spring, are highlighted in the Secretary's DUI Fact Book. The book will be available at all 138 driver's license facilities throughout the state.

Some of the new legislation covered in the book includes:

  • A two-tiered system of DUI in Illinois. Created mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for individuals who drive at double the legal limit of alcohol (.16 BAC and above)
  • Penalties for driving drunk with a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle regardless of the driver's BAC. Penalties include mandatory minimum sentencing requirements.
  • Installation of a BAIID device on the vehicle of any person convicted of two alcohol-related incidents within 10 years when the offender is applying for driving relief
  • Individuals who commit a DUI for the fourth or subsequent time during a period in which the driver's license is suspended or revoked for a prior DUI conviction, are guilty of a Class 1 felony, punishable by four to fifteen years of imprisonment.
  • Any person who has been sentenced to prison for reckless homicide will not begin serving their 24-month driver's license revocation period until they are released from prison.

The new legislation targets the most dangerous drivers and repeat offenders by increasing jail time and immobilizing offender's automobiles.

"Celebrate the holiday safely and remember your safety belt is often your best defense against a drunk driver," White said.

The information in the DUI Fact Book is available online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.