A recent banquet, hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), took the time to honor members or the Illinois State Police who took their DUI enforcement efforts to the next level. The ceremony was held at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. There were six Troopers from the ISP who were nominated for their efforts in fighting to prevent drunk driving car accidents in Illinois.Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand how important DUI enforcement is, especially as we approach the end of the year and the holiday season. Each year, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s increase everyone’s risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident. These drivers take the lives of innocent motorists year after year.
Troopers recognized at the MADD banquet:
-Daniel Erickson of District 7.
-Marvin Wagle of District 7.
-Marc Baker of District 14.
-Jason Czub of District 15.
-Jeffrey Nichols of District 17.
-Mark Nelson of District 22.
All of these troopers were recognized for their contributions and dedication to keeping our roadways safe for everyone. DUI enforcement and trooper involvement in the community are the effective ways to help to reduce the number of fatalities our roadways sees.
Some of the recognizable efforts of these troopers include helping to prevent underage drinking and various drunk driving prevention programs within their own communities. A number of state troopers were recognized for their efforts in racking up a significant number of DUI arrests in their districts.
Between Wagle and Erikson, there were nearly 240 DUI arrests made in 2010. The arrests by these two officers accounted for nearly 50 percent of the DUI arrests made throughout the entire year in District 7. Nichols was also recognized for the number of DUI he made in 2010, placing more than 80 drunk drivers behind bars and accounting for nearly 40 percent of District 7’s DUI arrests for the year.
“There is no greater satisfaction as a police officer than to realize your accomplishments are making a difference in the community you serve,” said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau.
Grau went on to recognize the Trooper’s commitment to improving roadway safety for everyone in Illinois. He says he is not only proud, but is sure that these enforcement efforts helped to save lives on our roadways.
Drunk driving remains a significant safety issue. Every year, there are thousands of innocent people who die because of drunk driving accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 11,000 people killed because of these traffic accidents that involved an alcohol-impaired driver in 2009. Illinois witnessed nearly 400 fatalities from these incidents and that number could have been much higher if it wasn’t for the hard work of law enforcement and public education campaigns like those sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer you a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.
More Blog Entries:
NHTSA Funding Technologies to Prevent Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Illinois, Nation, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, October 18, 2011
Fewer Chicago Drunk Driving Accidents Good News, But Awareness Key Heading into the Holiday Season, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, October 9, 2011