Crime & Safety

State Police to Increase Patrols for 4th of July Holiday

Officials stress the highly-enforced zero tolerance policy for impaired drivers.

The following is public service announcement released on Friday by the Rhode Island State Police:

Americans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends, but far too often excessive alcohol consumption at these gatherings leads to tragedy, making this special holiday one of the most deadly days of the year on the nation's roadways.

Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police is announcing today that during the upcoming July 4th holiday and as part of the ongoing "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement period, the Rhode Island State Police, through funding obtained by the Department of Transportation Office on Highway Safety, will have additional patrols targeting speeders, aggressive drivers, seat belt violators and especially impaired drivers. 

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The Rhode Island State Police will be vigilant during this time to keep the streets and highways free of those who choose to endanger all of us by drinking and driving and disobeying traffic laws. There will be zero tolerance for those who choose to drive while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs. These individuals will be arrested.

The latest available statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underscore the continuing toll drunk driving imposes on the nation. Impaired-driving crashes killed 9,878 people in 2011, accounting for 31 percent of the total traffic fatalities in the United States. That's an average of one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality every 53 minutes, according to NHTSA. .

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Fourth of July celebrations often extend well into the night, and statistics illustrate the combined dangers of alcohol and night driving. In 2011, the proportion of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was almost 4.5 times higher at night.

Also, during the July 4th holiday period in 2011, more than half (52 percent) of young drivers 18-34 years old killed in alcohol-related crashes were legally drunk.

Colonel O'Donnell is urging all motorists to help reduce injuries and the tragic loss of lives on our highways by: 

•Plan ahead, designate a sober driver before going out and give your keys to that person. 

•If you are impaired, call a taxi or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely. 

•Immediately report impaired drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by pulling over and dialing 911 or *77 on your cell phone. 

•Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their safety belt; it is your best defense against an impaired or distracted driver.

Please help the Rhode Island State Police in making this a safe and enjoyable July 4th celebration for all Rhode Islanders and our out-of-state visitors.


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