'Spidey senses' should be set off by new law that allows lawsuits after car accidents – as officials warn 'don't do it' | B87LZ5X | 2024-01-04 20:55:11
Drivers in Illinois are taking note of the new driving law that ex
A NEW road law is hoping to bring further justice to victims of fatal underage drinking and driving incidents.
Drivers in Illinois are taking note of the new driving law that expands civil penalties after impaired minors crash their cars.
New driver laws expand civil liability for drunk driving accidents[/caption]
Statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving unveil a chilling reality: approximately one in every four fatal teenage car accidents involves underage drinking.
To combat the issue, Illinois state lawmakers enacted changes to a previous drunk driving law.
The new bill allows families impacted by underage drunk or under-the-influence driving tragedies – including accidents with injuries or death – to sue individuals who provided alcohol or drugs to minors on residential properties.
The law previously stated that only non-residential places could be held accountable for providing drinks.
Now, private citizens who provide alcohol or drugs to underage drivers before an accident can be held civilly accountable.
Police across the state are praising the rule changes, saying they will make roads safer.
"No amount of money is going to bring back their loved ones, but it gives them a justification on what happened and holds those other parties responsible," Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana told local ABC affiliate WIFR.
"Hopefully it sets off red flags, Spidey senses, saying there's more laws out there."
Major Ashlyn Fernandes, an official in Winnebago County Sheriff's correction department, echoed a commitment to enforcing these laws.
"The Sheriff's office is unwavering in ensuring the strict implementation of these laws mandated by the state," Major Fernandes said.
The law change passed in July 2023 but was implemented on January 1, 2024.
Public officials have said the state's harsh impairment laws cultivated safer roads throughout the state.
"Illinois' roadways continue to be among the safest in the nation due to our tough laws on impaired and distracted driving," Illinois' Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, said in a statement.
"Our state continues to receive national recognition for its prevention efforts."
According to Illinois 2024 DUI Fact Check Book, 292 people died across the state after being involved in alcohol-related crashes.
LEGAL BATTLE
Plaintiffs may have a significant legal hurdle to prove their cases in court.
To win the lawsuits, victims must clear a bar that proves alcohol providers were "willfully permitting consumption" on their premises.
Families must file the lawsuits within two years of the accident, the law states.
More Suff
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