Traffic Safety Advocates: "Designate and Celebrate"
Rhode Island traffic safety advocates today held a joint news conference today to discuss the dangers of impaired driving and to remind Rhode Islanders to plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home when celebrating the New Year's holiday.
“It’s a joyous time of the year with many parties and get togethers, and as is tradition, we know alcohol will be part of those gatherings,” said Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, Jr. “But sadly, those celebrations can take a tragic turn when someone drives impaired. Our message is simple - never get behind the wheel impaired and you see someone attempting to drive when they should not, take action and intervene. Take the keys, drive them home, call a cab or rideshare, whatever you have to do. Making the right decisions can literally save lives.”
Throughout the holiday season, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association has been highlighting police officers from around Rhode Island for their exceptional work on DUI enforcement through the "Holiday Heroes" social media campaign. Colonel Michael Correia, Vice President of RIPCA and Barrington's Chief of Police, thanked the Holiday Heroes for their commitment to identifying and apprehending impaired drivers, particularly over the holidays.
"We recognize officers who have gone above and beyond in DUI enforcement during our 'Holiday Heroes' campaign because their work on our roads is making a real, life-saving difference," said Colonel Michael Correia, Vice President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Barrington Chief of Police. "The best way we can thank them is to resolve to make better decisions in 2026. When you plan to drink or use cannabis, also make a plan to get home safely."
"Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone on the road at risk," said Jillian Young, Director of Public Relations at AAA Northeast." Make a plan before celebrations begin, whether that's designating a sober driver or taking a rideshare service or taxi, and help ensure everyone can celebrate the New Year's holiday safely."
Between Christmas Eve and New Year’s, MADD Rhode Island is partnering with local and state law enforcement agencies to conduct more than 40 DUI patrols across Rhode Island—each one honoring victims and reminding our communities that impaired driving is never acceptable.
"Impaired driving remains one of the most persistent threats to public safety, killing and injuring people from all walks of life," said Wesley Pennington, Program Director for MADD Rhode Island. "Today, MADD RI is calling for a united effort to end this crisis once and for all. This is more than a cause—it is a call to action for a future where no family ever has to lose a loved one to this violent crime."
“On February 16th, 2023, my son, Michael, was struck and killed by an impaired driver, said Leo DePaola, member of MADD RI Board of Directors. “My wife, son, other family members, and friends miss him every day. When holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries come around, especially during Christmas time, we feel the hurt that much more. We deal with his loss each in our own way. This is why I joined MADD to try to make a difference. There is no easy answer, but there is hope. Hope that no one else will have to experience the same sense of loss from this preventable crime.”
Background on impaired driving
The month of December has historically been marked by increased risks and fatalities due to impaired driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in December 2023, the latest year with available data, 1,038 people lost their lives in drunk driving crashes. From 2019 to 2023, NHTSA recorded over 4,931 deaths in drunk driving crashes during the month of December alone.
The first offense for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs carries several penalties:
Possible jail sentence of up to one year at the ACI.
Mandatory license suspension from three to eighteen months.
Mandatory community service from 10 to 60 hours.
Fines of not less than $100, nor more than $500.
Fees can easily reach a few thousand dollars.
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Contact:
Cara Cromwell
(401) 440-0090
cara@cromwellpublicaffairs.com
