Hit-and-run Accidents Are Rampant in Chicago

People are dying on the streets as reckless drivers cause a growing number of accidents — some of which have proven fatal. Alcohol plays a large part in these deadly accidents and drivers with previous DUI convictions are often involved.

Fleeing DUI Violations

A DUI conviction in Chicago can be costly — you’ll be fined, you’ll need to switch to SR-22 insurance, and you’ll need to install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device on every vehicle if you want to drive. DUI convictions in Chicago don’t disappear in a few years of good behavior; they’re quite permanent.

Succeeding DUI convictions have harsher penalties, so those with priors are more prone to leave the scene of an accident, especially if they’ve been drinking. However, fleeing the scene is close to impossible. As the Jussie Smollett case proved, Chicago is filled with cameras. Those cameras can track where you’re going or trace your steps from way back.

Fleeing the scene will just lead to harsher penalties and will probably land you in jail. Just witnessing a hit-and-run and not reporting it counts as a misdemeanor and fleeing the scene of a fatal crash is a felony that can add five years to whatever sentence you get for causing the death of your victim(s).

Pedestrians and Cyclists Beware

Most hit-and-run fatalities involve pedestrians and cyclists. Cars are heavy and carry great momentum, and even the slightest contact can pedestrians and cyclists reeling. Most accidents involving cyclists occur during the morning and afternoon rush. However, the majority of hit-and-runs occur at night.

Most victims are men as women are less likely to be out alone at night. The majority of drivers causing these accidents are also men, most of whom have previous DUI convictions or license suspensions. Men are more likely to be out late at night, making them more likely to be victims and perpetrators of hit-and-runs. Late night hit-and-runs are especially dangerous as victims can stay unnoticed and untreated for some time before emergency services are alerted.

A Better Alternative to Driving

With the rise of ride-hailing apps and Transportation Network Companies (TNC) like Uber and Lyft, DUI violations have dropped across the nation. DUIs in Chicago have dropped by almost 20 percent since TNCs began operating. Of course, only the most responsible drivers will leave their cars at home and rely on TNCs when they go out drinking.

There will always be drivers who will be overconfident regarding their alcohol tolerance or simply believe they can slip from the cracks and get away from the cops. That $20 for a ride home can go up to the thousands if you get slapped with a DUI, so consider just booking a ride if you’re going out drinking.

Drinking and driving can lead to dire consequences. You’ll be putting your life and the life of others at risk. Even if no lives are lost, a DUI conviction in Chicago will fundamentally change your life, limiting your options at employment, holding government positions, or even entering universities.

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