Illinois Health Executive Charged in Fatal DUI Accident

A Cook County health system executive is facing drunk driving charges following the death of a former Marine.

About the Fatal Drunk Driving Collision

Robert Vais, 54, has been charged in the death of former Marine Hector Avalos, 28, who was riding his bike home from work when he was struck Vais’s van.

Vais remained at the scene until police arrived. It was determined that Vais had a blood alcohol content of .118.

Avalos was rushed to an area hospital for emergency treatment, but was pronounced dead shortly after.

Vais has been charged with felony aggravated DUI causing accidental death, misdemeanor DUI and misdemeanor DUI with a blood alcohol content greater than .08. He was also cited for failure to control speed.

Drunk Driving Statistics

• According to MADD, 10,322 people died in drunk driving accidents in 2012 – up approximately 5 percent from 9,865 recorded in 2011. This is the first increase recorded in six years.
• The Century Council recorded 1,213 drunk driving fatalities for Texas in 2011, roughly 12 percent of the national total.
• 70 percent of fatal accidents recorded in Texas involved drivers with a blood alcohol content above .15.

Contact an Experienced DUI/DWI Accident Attorney

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