Traffic Safety Leaders: "Nightmares Start With Unsafe Driving"

DUI Patrols and BAT Mobile to Deploy During Halloween Weekend

Ahead of the Halloween weekend, traffic safety advocates and law enforcement leaders teamed up in Providence today to remind drivers that nightmares start with unsafe driving. Costumed comfort dogs K-9 Levi from Barrington and K-9 Luke from Middletown joined the event to remind people that keeping Halloween safe for children and families is the weekend's focus.

"Impaired driving is an uninvited guest this Halloween. We want everyone to enjoy their time with family and friends but be mindful of how the decisions they make can often lead to tragic results,” said Rhode Island Department of Transportation Interim Director Robert Rocchio. “While our attention is focused on Halloween, we need to be more vigilant about safe driving near pedestrians. And pedestrians need to be more careful walking along and crossing streets so we can all stay safe this Halloween and beyond."

“With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, we expect even more children and families to be out enjoying the holiday,” said Chief Ryan G. Duffy, Vice President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Chief of the Newport Police Department. “We urge motorists to slow down and stay alert, especially when and where the trick-or-treaters are out. If you are going to use cannabis or alcohol, make plans for a safe ride home."

“Halloween should be a fun and memorable night for families, and our priority is making sure everyone gets home safely," said Commander Timothy O'Hara of the Providence Police Department. "Providence police officers will be out across the city to help keep our neighborhoods safe, but we all have a role to play. We urge drivers to slow down, stay alert, and put their phones away, and remind families and trick-or-treaters to use sidewalks, cross safely, and stay aware of their surroundings. A few extra precautions can make all the difference in keeping Halloween safe for everyone."

"Halloween should be a night for pretending to be frightened; it is not meant to be a night that turns into someone's worst nightmare," said Cathy Andreozzi, Founder of the Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation. "The choices we make behind the wheel this Halloween can turn squeals of delight into screams of horror. Remember to be safe; slow down, stay alert, put the phone away, and don't drive impaired.

“Our future is a world where every night is as lively and walkable as Halloween, but making that reality requires drivers to step up. This Halloween, protect our trick-or-treaters: stay off the roads if you can, and if you can't, drive well below the speed limit, eliminate all distractions, and always be fully prepared to stop. The safety of our streets is in your hands," said Nicole O’Loughlin, Political Director, Providence Streets Coalition.

The BAT Mobile will be deployed tomorrow

The BAT Mobile will be deployed on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. supported by officers from Warwick, West Warwick, East Greenwich, Providence, and the Rhode Island State Police. It will be parked at Cardi's Furniture at 1681 Quaker Lane in West Warwick to process suspected impaired drivers.

VIDEO: BAT MOBILE B-Roll authorized for use: http://bit.ly/44W3J8j

Contact Cara Cromwell (401) 440-0090 to schedule an interview or a tour of the BAT Mobile.

Background on impaired driving over the Halloween period:

Between 2019 and 2024, 201 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes with a B.A.C. of less than .08, and 176 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver with a B.A.C. of .08 or higher during the Halloween period.