Illinois has experienced over 10,000 new coronavirus diagnoses a day for the fourth day in a row. Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker recently announced that Illinois will continue to increase restrictions in multiple counties, citing the fact that the number of daily new cases has increased by 380% since October 1st. Many Illinois residents over the age of 65 are understandably concerned about the dangers of coronavirus, yet most young adults aged 30 and younger do not seem to take the virus seriously. Young adults who live in the suburbs, age 21 to 30, have been frustrated by the closure of bars and have been planning and frequenting private parties in large numbers against Illinois coronavirus lockdown guidelines. Young adults who enjoy going out and having drinks with friends in an unregulated setting are even more likely to become intoxicated and drive on “Blackout Wednesday,” the day before Thanksgiving.
DUI Arrests Increase on Blackout Wednesday
Blackout Wednesday has always been one of the most dangerous nights of the year when it comes to DUIs and car accidents. Bars and gatherings in the suburbs are often packed on Blackout Wednesday, and the amount of drinking that goes on that night often rivals St Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Many young adults are given Thursday off of work for Thanksgiving, which is an incentive to go out and enjoy alcoholic beverages with friends. Many people are working from home because of the coronavirus, which could give them an even greater incentive to go out on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and consume large amounts of alcohol.
According to the National Safety Council, over 40,000 people are seriously injured in car accidents every year during the Thanksgiving holiday. As many as one-third of these fatal car accidents involve alcohol. There are typically multiple deaths related to DUIs that occur during Thanksgiving in Illinois. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, around 30% of all traffic fatalities result from drunk driving accidents.
Illinois Law Enforcement Increase Their Presence on Blackout Wednesday
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that many local law enforcement agencies will be ramping up patrols and safety checkpoints across Illinois on Blackout Wednesday and throughout the Thanksgiving holiday. Law enforcement officers will be looking for distracted driving, failure to wear seatbelts, speeding, and DUIs, which are the most common causes of fatalities, especially during holidays. They are also encouraging drivers to report any suspicious activity, including suspicions that a driver is under the influence of alcohol. Many law enforcement agencies are offering rewards for tips that lead to the arrest of drunk drivers.
What Should You Do if You are Arrested for a DUI?
At Glasgow & Olsson, we understand that even the most responsible and careful people can make mistakes, especially on busy holiday weekends. If you find yourself charged with a DUI on Blackout Wednesday or Thanksgiving, you need to contact a lawyer right away. When you need a lawyer, experience matters. Contact Glasgow & Olsson to speak with one of our Schaumburg DUI lawyers.