Impaired Driving

Impaired Driving and Underage Drinking

The Evanston Police Department maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for impaired driving and underage drinking. Alcohol and drugs have no place behind the wheel, as impaired driving is dangerous and entirely preventable.

Recent Illinois data show that in 2024, there were 1,178 motor vehicle crash deaths statewide, and about 20% of fatal crashes involved alcohol. These figures highlight that impaired driving continues to be a leading factor in serious traffic injuries and fatalities.

To combat impaired driving, the department takes a proactive approach to enforcement and regularly participates in statewide safety campaigns sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation, such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket.” These efforts combine high-visibility enforcement with public education to reduce impaired driving and save lives.

Illinois Impaired Driving Facts (Most Recent Data)

• 21,245 DUI arrests were recorded by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office statewide.

• 90% of drivers arrested for DUI who were eligible had their driving privileges suspended.

• 245 drivers under age 21 lost their driving privileges due to Zero Tolerance law violations.

• 25% of those arrested for DUI were women, despite women representing about half of all licensed drivers.

• Drivers aged 25–34 had the highest DUI arrest rate (about 6 per 1,000 licensed drivers).

• 87% of all drivers arrested for DUI were first-time offenders.

• Alcohol-related crashes accounted for about 23% of all Illinois traffic fatalities, with 288 deaths in the most recent reporting year.