Rhode Island Police Chiefs Highlight Distracted Driving Enforcement Leaders
Local officers recognized in Summer Safety Shoutout campaign
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association today launched its Summer Safety Shoutout social media campaign to recognize police officers from across the state for their exceptional work in traffic safety, especially for distracted driving enforcement. The officers are nominated by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation Office on Highway Safety, as well as their own chiefs.
"Distracted driving can be blamed for many crashes - from fender benders to fatalities - and we want Rhode Islanders to know that distracted driving is dangerous and we are enforcing our hands-free law across the state every day," said Chief Thomas F. Oates III, Chief of the Woonsocket Police Department and President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. "As these remarkable officers demonstrate, distracted driving enforcement is happening in every corner of our state and our officers are fully engaged and committed to keeping drivers focused and our communities safe."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,273 lives in the United States in 2023. That same year, an estimated 324,819 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers.
The Safe Summer Shoutout campaign will be featured on the Association's social media accounts.
Facebook: @RICHIEFSOFPOLICE
Instagram: @ripolicechiefs
X: @ripolicechiefs
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Contact:
Cara Cromwell
(401) 440-0090
cara@cromwellpublicaffairs.com
