I love Illinois. In the Summer. I get a little grouchy about Illinois in the Winter, but in the Summer there's nothing better. Walking around the free, public zoo in Chicago, drinking to excess. That's what life is all about. Apparently 21.2% of the population agrees with me because their percent of adults who drink excessively is exactly that.
Obviously Illinois is at number five for a reason. The alcohol-related driving deaths are among the 15th highest, although when we think about Illinois we often think about the shooting deaths in Chicago. That's not a joke. It's just the grim face of reality. A sobering reminder of our own mortality (pun intended).
Statistics :
Adults drinking excessively: 21.2% - Alcohol-related driving deaths: 34.2% (15th highest) - Adults in fair or poor health: 15.6% (25th highest) - Drunkest metro area: Bloomington, IL