By Car or By Boat: Rhode Island Traffic Safety Leaders Remind Rhode Islanders to Celebrate by Driving Sober
Today, Rhode Island traffic safety leaders joined together to urge motorists to enjoy a safe holiday by driving sober this Fourth of July. Police departments across the state will have increased impaired driving patrols on the roads actively working to identify and arrest drivers under the influence, with the support of funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the RIDOT Office of Highway Safety, as part of a statewide initiative to keep roads safe during the busy holiday travel period.
"While we get just as excited as everyone else for the holiday, we know all too well that it’s a time of the year when there’s an increased chance of crashes with serious injuries and fatalities," said Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, Jr. "And the Fourth this year comes right after we’ve seen a spike in crashes involving fatalities – five in the last two weeks alone. But we don’t look at the numbers as statistics – we look at them as people. We ask all drivers to think about these crashes the same way and remember that they have the power to prevent such an outcome by driving safe, buckling up, avoiding distractions, reducing their speed, and never driving while impaired."
"Too often, we see celebrations end in tragedy," said Kevin Lynch, Chief of Police for the Town of Bristol. "Impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities during the holiday weekend. These are preventable incidents. Every single one. So today, I want to offer a simple reminder: If you’re going out to celebrate and plan to use alcohol or cannabis, make a plan before you go. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay where you are if that’s the safest option. Whatever your plan is, just make sure you have one."
"Every year, we respond to accidents where boating under the influence is a factor," said Dean Hoxsie, Chief of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Law Enforcement. "It’s not just dangerous—it’s illegal. And let me be very clear about this: a BUI is just as serious as a DUI. The legal blood alcohol limit is the same. The fines, penalties, and potential jail time are just as serious. It’s the same impairment, the same consequences, and unfortunately, often the same tragic outcomes."
“Through its Safe Summer campaign, MADD is raising awareness about the increased risks on roads and waterways during major summer holidays, including the 4th of July and Labor Day,” said Jennifer O'Neil, Program Manager. “With more people traveling, gathering, and enjoying recreational activities, planning ahead for a safe ride is more important than ever.”
According to NHTSA, from 2019 to 2023, 2,653 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the holiday period, and 38% of those drivers were drunk. In 2023 alone, 617 people died in traffic crashes during the holiday period, and 40% of those fatalities were in drunk driving crashes.
As part of these DUI enforcement efforts, the BAT Mobile will be deployed at 655 Metacom Avenue in Bristol on Thursday, July 3, from 8 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The Bristol, Barrington, Warren, and Portsmouth Police Departments, as well as the Rhode Island State Police, will be working together to identify and arrest impaired drivers. The BAT Mobile will also be in Providence on Saturday, July 5, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., where Point Street meets Wickenden Street. This deployment will assist the Providence Police and the Rhode Island State Police. Please call Cara Cromwell to arrange an interview at the BAT Mobile. Alternatively, we have BAT Mobile B-roll available for media use: BAT Mobile B Roll.
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and police departments around the state will be highlighting impaired driving messages on social media throughout the holiday week and urge Rhode Islanders to share posts to remind friends and family to celebrate responsibly.
Facebook: @RICHIEFSOFPOLICE
Instagram: @ripolicechiefs
X: @ripolicechiefs
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Contact:
Cara Cromwell
(401) 440-0090
cara@cromwellpublicaffairs.com
