Contact: Captain Ernest C. Quarry, Jr., District "A" Commander, RISP Headquarters, (401) 444-1009
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, announces that commencing Friday, December 14th and continuing through and including Wednesday, January 2, 2013, the Rhode Island State Police will be participating in the following two (2) traffic enforcement mobilization details:
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crackdown from December 14 to January 1, 2013
National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend from December 14 to January 2, 2013
The Rhode Island State Police, through funding obtained by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Office on Highway Safety, will have additional patrols targeting aggressive driving, seat belt and child restraint violations, texting violations and especially impaired drivers. Drunk and impaired driving enforcement continues to be a vital mission of the Rhode Island State Police, and motorists are reminded "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."
Impaired driving is one of America's most often committed and deadliest crimes. In an effort to get impaired drivers off the road, raise public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and most importantly, to save more lives on our roadways, the national impaired-driving enforcement crackdown "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" will be enforced during the holiday season.
The weekend immediately prior to the Christmas holiday is designated as "National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend." This time period was chosen because traditionally the holiday season is a time of increased travel and alcohol consumption. The campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs.
Colonel O'Donnell states, "The Trooper and Police Officer on a daily basis focus on DUI, but these extra patrols focus directly on locating and arresting Impaired Operators. There is no excuse for drinking and driving, only serious consequences. Please help the Rhode Island State Police create a safer motoring environment by buckling up, and if you plan to drive, DON'T DRINK".