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Returning to School? Don't Drink, Drive and Lose Your License
In Illinois, the penalties for underage drinking and driving are severe. Drivers under 21 lose their driving privileges if they are caught with any trace whatsoever of alcohol in their systems.
November 25, 2009 /Parenting PR News/ -- Returning to School? Don't Drink, Drive and Lose Your License
Article provided by Jerald Novak Attorney at Law
Visit us at www.iwindui.com
School is back in session, and millions of students across the country will be hitting the books ? and many will also be hitting the road. Whether high school or college, the start of fall classes means more teens and young adults on the road every day. For many, the beginning of a new school year will be marked by parties and alcohol, and the mix can be deadly.
For people in this age group, just getting behind the wheel is dangerous enough. In 2008, Illinois drivers between the ages of 16 and 20-years-old accounted for more fatal crashes, relative to total number of licensed drivers, than any other age range.
Still, 20 percent of teens killed on Illinois roads in 2008 tested positive for alcohol. This is one of many reasons why Illinois decided long ago to get tough on underage drinking.
In Illinois, the penalties for underage drinking and driving are severe under the state?s "Use It & Lose It" program. Drivers under 21 lose their driving privileges if they are caught with any trace whatsoever of alcohol in their systems. They will also be charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) if their blood alcohol content is at .08 or above.
Under "Use It & Lose It," a first offense for testing above .00 mandates a three-month driver?s license suspension; six months for a refusal or failure to complete a blood alcohol content test.
A second or subsequent offense draws a one-year suspension for an alcohol level above .00 and a two-year suspension for refusal or failure to complete the blood alcohol test.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, about 500 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2007 (the most recent year for which data is available). Alcohol was a significant factor in 40 percent of all traffic fatalities that year.
Law enforcement officials stress that the zero tolerance laws are strictly enforced and that infractions will result not only in loss of driving privileges, but will almost certainly lead to higher insurance rates as well. Most schools also exact academic punishments for students guilty of underage drinking and drinking and driving violations. Punishments range from a warning to expulsion.
If you have been charged with a DUI and face losing your license, contact an experienced DUI defense attorney.
Article provided by Jerald Novak Attorney at Law
Visit us at www.iwindui.com
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