Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Illinois is one of the thirty-two states in the nation that require a first time offender found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, commonly known as a BAIID. But officials have decided to add some weight to the BAIID by combining it with a camera that will take a photo of the user to ensure the identity of anyone using the device.
A BAIID is an electronic device that can be installed in any vehicle and attaches to the ignition. The device monitors the blood alcohol content of a driver as the driver blows into an intake port so that it can measure alcohol on a driver’s breath. The device requires the driver to blow before the car will start and also requires random tests as the car is in motion. If no alcohol is detected, the car starts and runs normally. If a blood alcohol content of .025 or greater is registered, the vehicle will not start and the Secretary of State is notified remotely.
Officials have stated that detected levels of alcohol are often blamed on others – if someone else is behind the wheel, the BAIID still requires the driver to blow and will report a blood alcohol content regardless of the source. Now, these officials are pairing the BAIID with a camera that will create visual proof of the person who blew a negative or positive sample. The common excuses of a friend or family member causing a positive read will no longer be available.
The BAIID is required in any vehicle owned by many who have been convicted of driving under the influence, even if it was a first time offense. Those who choose not to drive after their conviction do not need a BAIID but if they are caught driving without one, they may be charged with a felony offense. A driver who chooses to drive and must have the BAIID is responsible for paying the costs of about $1,500 per year.
The goal of the BAIID is to reduce the number of drivers who repeatedly drive drunk. If drunk drivers are unable to drive their car, they will not be able to operate their vehicle dangerously on the road and place others at risk. While it is a great device and has proven to have some effectiveness in reducing drunk driving, the BAIID is not a perfect solution to the problem. It is still possible for a person to borrow a car from a friend that does not have a BAIID and drive drunk.
If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver or a driver under the influence of drugs, you have legal rights that may include a right to a financial recovery for your damages. This can be brought against a drunk driver even if you were a passenger in the same car. Each collision is different and unique and it is therefore a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney if you have been hurt to understand the law exactly as it applies to you.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we only handle personal injury cases, including our representation of victims of drunk drivers. We work hard for our clients and we provide decades of legal experience to each case we handle. If you have been hurt in a collision, call the Chicago drunk driving injury attorneys at Abels & Annes today at 9312) 924-7575. We will provide you with a free case consultation and there is never any obligation associated with the phone call. Do not hesitate to call us today and let us help you get a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entries:
4th of July is Historically Dangerous Day for Drivers, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published July 3, 2013.
Woman Runs Into Building With Car, Injures Baby, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published July 2, 2013.
Resources:
Illinois’ New Weapon Against Drunken Drivers, CBS Chicago, published July 2, 2013.
2013 Illinois DUI Fact Book, Illinois Secretary of State, published February 2013.
Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, Illinois Secretary of State website.