A majority of the adult population in the U.S. consumes alcohol on a somewhat regular basis. Unfortunately, many people elect to drive after they have been drinking. Throughout 2017, more than 27,000 people were arrested on DUI charges in the state of Illinois. In other words, law enforcement officials are increasing surveillance and other tactics to fight the drunk driving crisis. There are a number of misconceptions related to the implications of a DUI conviction and alcohol consumption in general. Below, we will examine these misconceptions and explain their invalidity. In the event that you are charged with driving under the influence, you need to seek out quality legal representation immediately. 

1. I Drank Some Coffee: It is not entirely uncommon for a person to have too much to drink and still want to drive home. In these instances, people regularly grab a cup of coffee, eat some food, or hop in a shower to prepare themselves for the drive. Many people believe that these tactics expedite the process of sobriety. In reality, the only thing that can make you sober is letting an appropriate amount of time pass. You may feel sober after your shower or coffee, but you still may be legally intoxicated. 
2. I Will Not Lose My Driving Privileges: With the sheer amount of people that elect to drive drunk each year, it is safe to say that people underestimate the implications of a DUI conviction. Many people believe that a DUI charge will simply result in fines and legal fees, and that life will go on per usual. In truth, a DUI conviction can cost you your driving privileges. According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, 91 percent of drivers arrested for driving under the influence lost their driving privileges because they were eligible for license suspension or revocation. Even a first DUI conviction can result in a one-year license revocation. For drivers under the age of 21, Illinois’ no tolerance policy results in an automatic license suspension. 
3. I Did Not Drink That Much: While people enjoy going to the bar to watch their favorite team play or going to a restaurant for a romantic dinner and a few glasses of wine, it is important to know one’s personal limit. There are a number of factors that can impact a person’s level of impairment, including the person’s gender, their environment, their weight, the amount of food they have consumed, their alcohol tolerance, and their mood. Even if your friend has drunk the same amount as you, you may not both be experiencing the same level of intoxication.

Contact a DuPage County DUI Defense Lawyer

When a person is charged with a DUI, it is critically important to act quickly. The first and most important step one can take is hiring an attorney they can believe in. At McMahon Law Offices, we are confident in our ability to advocate for our clients’ best interests and assist in securing the most favorable legal outcome possible. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a skilled DuPage County DUI defense attorney, call us today at 630-953-4400. 

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No one likes being pulled over. When those lights turn on behind your vehicle, it is common to lose your composure. Yet it is important to understand that the decisions you make during your traffic stop can dramatically impact your case. If you are ultimately charged with a DUI, the decisions you make throughout the legal proceedings can alter the likelihood of a conviction. Below, we will examine some of the most common mistakes made during both DUI arrests and throughout the subsequent legal proceedings.  

Forgetting Your Rights

While many people assume that the most seamless way to navigate a DUI stop is through complete and total cooperation with law enforcement, that is not always the case. Obviously, if you have not consumed any amount of alcohol, you can expedite the traffic stop through cooperation. In other cases though, it may be important for you to exercise your rights. For instance, if a police officer is asking you questions regarding the amount of alcohol you have consumed, you have no legal obligation to answer them if you believe it might incriminate you. 

If a police officer requests that you take part in chemical testing at some point throughout the arrest proceedings, you are not legally obliged to submit yourself to testing. While refusing to submit to chemical testing is an administrative offense that will result in temporary loss of driving privileges, it is not a criminal act and will therefore not be seen on your permanent record. 

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Department, upwards of 27,000 people were arrested statewide on DUI charges throughout 2017. The incredible number of arrests is largely related to increased efforts by law enforcement to apprehend inebriated drivers. One of the most notable steps the state has taken is to implement a high number of DUI checkpoints. When one approaches a DUI checkpoint, it is entirely common to feel like they have no options but to pull up to the checkpoint and adhere to the officer’s wishes. In reality, there are a number of choices you can make to avoid being charged with driving under the influence. If a drinking and driving charge does ultimately occur, seek out quality legal representation immediately. 

Recognizing Your Rights at a Checkpoint

DUI checkpoints have always been highly controversial. In any other traffic stop situation, a police officer has to have reasonable suspicion for stopping a vehicle. In other words, a driver must be violating the law in some capacity to warrant a traffic stop. In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that DUI checkpoints do not require probable cause because the breach in privacy is ultimately geared towards increasing driver safety. Because of this, many people are unaware that they have options as they approach a DUI checkpoint:

1. You Can Turn Around: When people see a DUI checkpoint, they assume that they will be stuck going through the checkpoint. If for whatever reason you do not want to take part in the checkpoint, you are legally allowed to turn around and avoid the checkpoint altogether. As long as the turn is executed in an entirely legal fashion, the police would have no reasonable suspicion for pulling you over. If they do apprehend you after your execution of a legal turn around, your lawyer could argue that you were unlawfully seized. 
2. You Can Refuse Testing: At a DUI checkpoint, it is common for law enforcement officials to intimidate drivers into adhering to their wishes. If an officer asks that you take part in chemical or field sobriety testing, it is important to understand that you can refuse to participate in the tests. An officer may tell you that refusing a DUI test is illegal, but they would be either incorrect or strategically lying. Refusing to take part in chemical testing is an administrative offense, not a criminal offense. This means that the person refusing the test may face some consequences, such as temporary loss of driving privileges. This is different from having a blemish placed on their permanent record or being charged with a crime. 
3. You Can Refuse to Answer Questions: When an officer begins to ask you questions, it can be difficult to avoid answering them. Most of us were taught to obey law enforcement and cooperate. In reality, answering questions regarding your drinking can be the first step towards giving them the right to ask for testing and ultimately charge you with a DUI. If an officer asks if you have been drinking, you are better off telling the officer “I would rather not say” than admitting to drinking or lying about it. Even if you have only consumed two drinks throughout the night, those drinks could add up to more than the legal limit of 0.08 blood alcohol content. You could hurt your credibility if you are proven to have lied to the officer about drinking. While it is always important to be respectful, it is equally important to understand your rights. 

Contact an Oak Brook DUI Defense Lawyer  

After a DUI charge, it is important to act quickly. At McMahon Law Offices, we will examine the proceedings behind the traffic stop to see if the officer acted negligently in any manner. In many cases, officers commit errors at DUI checkpoints that could warrant a case being thrown out in court. A DUI conviction can impact your ability to drive, secure employment, and pay your bills. Fortunately, we are dedicated to doing whatever we can to help you avoid a conviction. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a skilled DuPage County criminal defense attorney, call us today at 630-953-4400. 

When a person is convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their life can be impacted in a number of ways. A conviction can result in significant fines, potential jail time, and a mark on your criminal record. Unfortunately, a conviction can also lead to loss of driving privileges. In Illinois, a first-time DUI conviction will result in a one-year license revocation period, and subsequent offenses can constitute a more significant period of revocation. Below we will explore the steps you need to take to ensure that you will still be able to legally drive after a conviction. In the event of a DUI arrest, contact a qualified attorney immediately. 

Permit Options

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, there are two primary driving permits a person can apply for if they are convicted of DUI: 

• A Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP); and
• A Restricted Driving Permit (RDP). 

An MDDP is a driving permit that will enable the offender to drive to and from any location, as long as they equip their vehicle with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). A BAIID is a device that will allow the vehicle to start only after the driver blows into their device and is found to have no traces of alcohol in their system. An RDP is a driving permit that will allow the offender to drive their vehicle to and from locations that are critical to their family’s livelihood. These locations commonly include their place of work, the grocery store, or the school their children attend. 

When a person is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, the legal implications of the conviction can be significant. If convicted, a first-time DUI offender could face up to one year in prison, fines as high as $2,500, and a license revocation of one full year. Recognizing the potential life-changing ramifications of a conviction, it is critically important to seek out legal assistance if you are facing drunk driving charges. Through a number of defense strategies, a quality attorney may be able to help you avoid a conviction. Below, we will examine some of the most common and effective DUI defenses. 

Police Misconduct 

When a police officer pulls you over and arrests you on suspicion of DUI, they must follow a specified protocol throughout the arrest proceedings. Failure to adhere to this protocol could be grounds to have evidence thrown out. According to state and federal law:

• if you are suspected of driving under the influence and are taken into police custody, police are required to give you Miranda Warnings prior to questioning; and
• Prior to administering a chemical test, an officer is required to warn you that refusal to submit to testing or failing the test may result in loss of driving privileges.

Testing results and incriminating statements may be inadmissible in court if the officer fails to follow these procedures.

When a person is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, it is important for them to fully understand how a conviction can impact their life. In Illinois, the average DUI expenses can be in excess of $10,000. When factoring in increases in your auto insurance plan, blood breath testing fees, and fines for the crime, it should come as no surprise that the immediate financial ramifications of a DUI conviction can be significant. When a person is convicted of multiple DUI offenses, their life can be drastically changed forever. Below we will examine the impact of multiple DUI convictions and how said convictions can alter a person’s financial security and quality of life. 

How Multiple Drunk Driving Charges Can Impact You

According to Illinois state law, the potential legal ramifications of a DUI become much more severe in the event of a second or subsequent conviction. While a second DUI conviction is still a Class A Misdemeanor (just like a first-time DUI conviction), the offender will face a minimum of 5 days in jail, as well as a license revocation of 5 years.

If aggravating factors are present, the criminal punishment of a second conviction will be much harsher than in the first conviction. For instance, a first-time DUI offender who is apprehended with a blood alcohol content that is twice the legal limit (.16 or higher) will face larger fines and 100 hours of community service. In your second DUI case, a blood alcohol content of .16 or higher will constitute a Class 4 felony charge. 

More than a million people in the U.S. are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol each year. In Illinois, 27,046 people were arrested on DUI charges in 2017 alone. In the event of a DUI charge, it is important to act quickly in order to avoid potential jail-time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. Outside of the criminal punishment of a DUI, the monetary impact of a conviction can be significant. Below we will explore the true cost of a DUI. 

What a Conviction Can Cost

As you prepare to go through the court process, you need to understand the hidden expenses that accompany a DUI conviction. In many cases, these expenses can seriously impact your family’s livelihood. According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, the average cost of a DUI conviction is $18,030. After a DUI charge, most people view the monetary impacts of a potential conviction solely in terms of fines. While these fines can be significant (a first-time DUI conviction comes with a minimum fine of $500), the most costly expenses of a conviction are rarely talked about:

• Your insurance payments can rise by a final cost of $6,000;
• Court costs, including the fine, reimbursement for law enforcement, and court fees, can end up being as much as $3,500; and
• If you are eligible for a restricted driving permit, the purchase and installation of a blood alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) can cost upwards of $1,000. 

Yet, some of the most significant financial ramifications of a conviction come in lost work hours. After a conviction, most offenders are unable to work due to time spent in jail or hours spent performing community service. In lost work hours alone, the average Illinoisan can lose more than $4,000 in income. Fortunately, with quality legal representation, you may be able to avoid a conviction altogether.  

There are a number of traffic violations that can result in loss of driving privileges in Illinois. From aggravated speeding or reckless driving charges to a charge of driving under the influence, it is important to understand how to react to a traffic violation. Having your driver's license suspended or revoked can significantly impact your livelihood. In the event of a DUI conviction, the likelihood of revocation of some length is very high. If you face charges for driving under the influence, speak with a quality attorney right away. 

Driving Permit Options 

According to Illinois state law, a first-time DUI offender faces an automatic minimum license revocation of one full year. Fortunately, a first-time offender can qualify for a Monitoring Device Driving Permit. (MDDP). In order to secure an MDDP, a person must install a blood alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) and camera into their vehicle.  

The BAIID will ensure that the person cannot start their vehicle with any traces of alcohol in their system. The camera gives local law enforcement officials the opportunity to view the driver taking part in the breath test. It should be noted that a driver with an MDDP can operate any vehicle with a BAIID and drive to any location. If a person is apprehended while driving a vehicle that is not equipped with a BAIID, they could face substantial fines and potential jail-time.  

It is common to panic when you are pulled over on the suspicion that you may be driving under the influence of alcohol. Seeing those red and blue lights behind your vehicle can spark a wide array of emotions. As you prepare to pull over and speak with the law enforcement official, it is important to remain calm and operate your vehicle in a safe manner. If you are charged with a DUI, you still have a number of options at your disposal. Speaking with a qualified defense attorney can help you in finding the best course of action, moving forward. 

Remain Calm, Stay Safe

According to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, the vast majority of DUI arrests occur between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., on weekends. When officers are patrolling at night, they are likely prone to take increased precautions due to the amount of night-time criminal activity and their lack of visibility. Below are three tips you should follow if you are pulled over:

1. Find a Safe Place to Stop: Once the officer turns on their lights, indicating that they have noticed unusual or negligent vehicle operation, it is important for you to find a safe place to pull over. While you should try to pull over in a timely fashion, safety is the top priority. Avoid pulling over at a curve in the road or in a place with a limited shoulder. If necessary, safely pull into a parking lot. Recognize the fact that other vehicles may not be aware of the traffic stop, and avoid the temptation to come to a sudden stop.
   
2. Remain Calm and Respectful: As the officer approaches your vehicle, you need to remain composed. Do not leave the vehicle, and make sure that both your hands are visibly resting on the steering wheel. Avoid making sudden movements, and only remove your hands when the officer requests your driver’s license or insurance information. The manner in which you speak to the officer can go a long way in your case. By remaining calm and speaking to the officer in a respectful manner, you are ensuring that the situation will not escalate, and your cooperation may be useful in a courtroom setting.
   
3. Know Your Options: While it is important to be respectful, it is also important to know your rights. If the officer asks you to take part in chemical testing, it is not mandatory for you to comply. Refusing to take part in chemical testing is not a criminal offense. While you will face an automatic one-year license suspension, you may avoid a DUI charge on your permanent record. If you have any questions regarding your options in the event of a traffic stop, we would be happy to answer them. 

Contact an Oak Brook DUI Defense Lawyer

In the event of a charge, the first step you should take is hiring a defense attorney that you can believe in. Even if you refuse chemical testing and are simply cited for a statutory summary suspension, a quality lawyer can ensure that you secure a restricted driving permit (RDP). In the event of a DUI charge, it is important to take the charges incredibly seriously. Even a first-time DUI conviction can result in substantial fines, a mark on your driving record, and difficulty securing housing and employment opportunities. 

Throughout the U.S., more than 1 million drivers are arrested on driving under the influence charges each year. In Illinois, state police are constantly patrolling for inebriated drivers. In 2017 alone, 27,046 DUI arrests were made throughout the state. The implications of a DUI conviction can be incredibly severe. According to Illinois state law, a first-time DUI conviction constitutes a Class A misdemeanor and can lead to potential fines and even jail time. 

Due to the severe punishment of a conviction, many drivers refuse chemical testing after being pulled over on suspicion of drinking and driving. Below, we examine the legal impacts of a chemical test refusal. If you are arrested on DUI charges, seek out quality legal guidance right away. 

What a Test Refusal Could Mean For You 

When you apply for an Illinois drivers license, you are consenting to a number of requirements, including submitting to blood alcohol content (BAC) testing at an officer’s request. The most common form of BAC testing is a breath test. It is important to note that a refusal to submit to chemical testing is not a criminal offense but an administrative offense. That said, violation of the consent law does come with some consequences:

Consumption of alcohol as a minor (a person under the age of 21) is against the law in Illinois. Getting behind the wheel of a car, after consuming alcohol, can be especially dangerous for people under the legal drinking age. Due to the inherent danger of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the legal consequences of a DUI charge can be incredibly severe. If your child is charged with a DUI, it is important to speak with a legal professional. 

The Zero Tolerance Law 

In 2017, a staggering 397 drivers under the age of 21 lost their driving privileges due to violations of Illinois’ Zero Tolerance law. According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, the Zero Tolerance policy was officially established in 1995. The law states that if a driver under the legal drinking age is found with traces of alcohol in their system, they may face driver’s license suspension. It is important to note that a minor does not have to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration over the standard legal limit of 0.08 to be in violation of the Zero Tolerance policy. Violation of the zero-tolerance policy results in a mandatory three-month license suspension. 

The Legal Consequences of an Underage DUI

Penalties for underage drivers are more severe if their BAC is 0.08 or higher. A first-time DUI conviction is a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in fines up to $2,500 and as long as one year in prison. For drivers under the age of 21, even a first-time DUI conviction automatically amounts to a two-year driver’s license revocation. For minors, restricted driver’s permit (RDP) eligibility is not warranted until the second year of the revocation. 

According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 29 Americans die every day in car accidents involving impaired drivers. Due to the sheer number of fatalities caused by inebriated drivers, it should come as no surprise that law enforcement officials are always on the lookout for drunk drivers. In Illinois, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can come with severe legal consequences. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important to seek out quality legal representation as soon as possible. 

Consequences of a Conviction

Illinois classifies a first DUI as a class A misdemeanor. If convicted, a class A misdemeanor could lead to:

• A maximum of 364 days in prison;
• Fines up to $2,500; and
• A one-year driver's license suspension.

In certain situations, a first-time offender can face increased criminal punishment. If an offender has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .16 or higher or is carrying a passenger under the age of 16, they will face a minimum of six months in prison, along with mandatory community service hours.  

If you plead guilty or are found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) in Illinois, you are required by law to undergo a professional evaluation of your drug/alcohol use prior to your sentencing (625 ILCS 5/11-501.01). You are required to pay for this evaluation, and it costs around $225. Because the resulting report reveals a great deal of information about you, and it will be used by the judge in your sentencing, it is highly recommended that you consult a lawyer prior to your DUI evaluation. 

What to Bring to Your Alcohol/Drug Evaluation

You will need to bring the following to your DUI evaluation:

• The police documentation from your arrest that shows your drug/alcohol test results.
• A list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you currently take or were taking when you were arrested for DUI.
• A friend or relative at least 18 years old who knows you well and is willing to answer questions about your alcohol/drug use.

What Happens at a DUI Evaluation

You can expect the DUI evaluation to take about 2.5 hours. The evaluator will ask you a number of questions in order to complete a standard form called the Alcohol/Drug Evaluation Uniform Report. The questions will cover these topics:

According to an annual report on DUI arrests in Illinois, law enforcement efforts remain one of the most significant deterrents to drunk driving. The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) has been producing this report for over 25 years in order to highlight the efforts of individual police departments and specific officers. 

Illinois State Police Make the Largest Number of DUI Arrests

According to the latest AAIM report, the Illinois State Police make more than 5,000 DUI arrests each year. They get credit for making the most arrests of any law enforcement agency in the state, in part because they employ more than 1,700 troopers. However, when you consider the ratio of DUI arrests per sworn officer, the State Police ratio of three arrests per officer per year is well below the arrest rate for several county and city police departments. Still, anyone thinking about drinking and driving on the interstate highways should think twice, because there is a good chance of being caught by a state trooper.

Several DuPage County Cities Rank High in DUI Arrests

You might think that the city of Chicago, with over 12,000 sworn officers, would also have a large number of DUI arrests. However, the opposite is true. With just under 2,000 DUI arrests per year, the CPD makes just 0.1 arrests per officer per year.

Breath testing for blood-alcohol content (BAC) has been the gold standard in DUI law enforcement for decades. However, with marijuana use on the rise, as well as concerns about opioid use, there is a clear need for faster and more accurate methods of testing for drug-impaired driving.

Illinois Law on Drug-Impaired Driving

Illinois law defines the offense of “driving under the influence” in seven distinct ways, using both subjective and numeric measures. In the broadest terms, it is illegal to drive under the influence of any combination of intoxicating compounds, alcohol, or other drugs “to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely driving.”

In addition to that subjective standard, Illinois also has established several measurable standards to facilitate enforcement of the law (625 ILCS 5/11-501).

Most people know that you can lose your driver’s license if you are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) in Illinois. However, many people do not realize that there is a way you can get a statutory summary suspension of your driver’s license rescinded (canceled).

You Have the Right to a Court Hearing on the Suspension

If you fail or refuse chemical testing following a DUI arrest, the state of Illinois imposes an automatic suspension of your driver’s license, the statutory summary suspension. For most people, this suspension lasts six months if you failed testing (meaning you were over the legal limit) or 12 months if you refused to test.

But the law also grants you the right to a court hearing to challenge the suspension. At this hearing, your lawyer can question police officers and present arguments as to why your license should not have been suspended. If the judge is convinced, the statutory summary suspension will be lifted.

In Illinois, a driver who is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) faces two penalties. First, there is the criminal charge, punishable by fines, jail time, and other penalties. Second, there is an administrative sanction, the statutory summary suspension of your driver’s license. Most people know they need to fight the criminal charge. But did you know that you can also fight the statutory summary suspension?

Understanding the Statutory Summary Suspension Law

If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI, Illinois law requires you to submit to chemical testing for drugs and/or alcohol (625 ILCS 5/11-501.1). If you refuse to be tested, the penalty is the statutory summary suspension of your driver’s license for a minimum of one year. If you test over the legal limit for alcohol, cannabis, or another controlled substance, your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of six months.

If you refuse or fail chemical testing, the police will take your Illinois driver’s license and give you a receipt that allows you to continue driving legally for the next 45 days. On the 46th day, the suspension automatically takes effect.

One of the most common questions asked about driving under the influence (DUI) is this: If you are arrested for DUI, should you submit to a breathalyzer test at the police station or refuse to blow?

As you will see, this is a difficult question to answer. Some experts argue that the less evidence you give the prosecution, the better; in other words, refuse the test if there is any chance you are over the legal limit. Others argue that it makes sense to take the test because, if you are below the legal limit, you could get the DUI charge dismissed altogether.

The purpose of this article is simply to help you understand the consequences of taking versus refusing a post-arrest breathalyzer test. This test is also referred to as an evidentiary test because the device and procedures are considered accurate enough to be used as evidence in court.

The ubiquitous red Solo cup is likely to appear in your hand at some point during a seasonal party. Here are some handy tips to help you track your alcoholic beverage consumption in terms of the current standard, 18-ounce, squared Solo cup. Knowing how much you have consumed will help you stay safe and avoid the chance of an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).

What Constitutes a “One Drink” of Beer, Wine, or Liquor

With today’s wide variety of alcoholic beverage choices, you really have to be aware of the alcohol content of your drink of choice. The number of ounces one “standard” serving varies from 1 ounce to 12 ounces:

• Bourbon or whiskey labeled “barrel proof” or “single barrel” (120 proof, 60% alcohol): 1 ounce.
• Standard liquor (80 proof, 40% alcohol): 1.5 ounces.
• Wine, champagne, sparkling wine (12% alcohol): 5 ounces.
• Imperial stout or double IPA (10% alcohol): 6 ounces.
• Craft beer (6% alcohol): 10 ounces.
• Regular beer (4.5% alcohol): 12 ounces.
• Hard cider or hard lemonade (5% alcohol): 12 ounces.

How to Manage Your Consumption by Solo Cup

When mixing a cocktail, pour the liquor in first. 3 ounces will amount to about an inch of liquid in the bottom of your Solo cup. The liquid should just touch the bottom of the word Solo that is spelled down the side of the cup. Add mixer and ice, and that will be the equivalent of two drinks. (Let us assume the use of real glasses for those single barrel bourbons and whiskeys.)

When you think about driving under the influence (DUI), do you think the bigger issue is driving while intoxicated by alcohol, or driving while impaired by drugs, such as marijuana or heroin?

Drug-Impaired Driving Is a Growing Problem

Interestingly enough, fatal car crash data shows that the number of alcohol-impaired drivers killed has declined over the past decade, while the number of drug-impaired drivers killed has risen. Now, there is no nationwide standard protocol for alcohol and drug testing of drivers killed in car crashes, but a report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association in May 2018 stated some concerning facts in relation to drug-impaired driving:

• The number of known alcohol-positive drivers killed in a car crash decreased from 7,750 in 2006 to 5,473 in 2016;
• The number of known drug-positive drivers killed in a car crash increased from 3,994 in 2006 to 5,365 in 2016;
• Of those who were tested, nearly half of the drivers involved in a fatal crash tested positive for both drugs and alcohol; and
• Of the drug-positive drivers killed, 38% tested positive for cannabis, 16% for opioids, 4% for both, and 42% for some other drug.

 One reason given for the increase in drug-impaired driving is the rise in opioid use, which includes illegal “street” drugs, like heroin and illegally manufactured fentanyl (a synthetic opioid), as well as prescription drugs like Oxycontin and Vicodin.