When it comes to repeat drunken drivers in Illinois, Rock Island County rates near the top. New figures from the Secretary of State show there are more than 5,000 Illinoisans who were convicted of drunken driving four times and had their licenses revoked.
Of the state's 102 counties, Rock Island ranks number 8 among those with the highest number - 130 offenders with four dui convictions. And when it comes to the rate per 10,000 population, Rock Island County is 10th on the list.
Thanks to a new law signed just last month by the governor, these repeat offenders could legally drive again, with restricted permits, if they prove they're drug and alcohol free for at least three years. Their vehicles will have to be equipped with an ignition interlock device.
Counties with the highest number of these dui offenders include several in the Chicago area, plus Winnebago, Peoria, Sangamon, and Rock Island.
State representative Elaine Nekritz, from Northbrook, says she sponsored the measure because she believes people ``can turn their lives around.''