Ill. earns top rating for fighting drunk driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving gave Illinois a top rating for the state's efforts against drunken driving.

The organization released its annual national report last month. It gives Illinois a five-star rating for continued efforts with in-car devices to test blood-alcohol levels. Last summer, the state began requiring convicted drunk drivers to install cameras with these devices. This was a key reason for the high rating.

Illinois officials say the cameras improve accountability.

Secretary of State Jesse White says the cameras are the most recent key upgrade to preventing drunken driving. White also says he also applauds MADD's efforts to monitor the state's courts. He says the courts play an important role in combatting drunken driving.

MADD monitors courts across the state to make sure drunk drivers are sentenced consistently.