Contact: Captain Ernest C. Quarry, Jr., District "A" Commander Telephone: (401) 444-1009
Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, announced today that during the upcoming New Year's holiday, The Rhode Island State Police, through funding obtained by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Office on Highway Safety, will have additional patrols throughout the state. The Rhode Island State Police will be stepping up enforcement for speeding, driving while impaired, aggressive driving, texting violations, seat belt, and child restraint violations. These patrols are in addition to regular patrols and are targeting impaired and reckless operators. The goal is to make our highways safer and everyone's New Year a happy and memorable one.
During the holiday weekend, we can expect an increase in the volume of traffic along the highways throughout the state. Motorists are reminded that they can immediately report dangerous drivers or hazardous roadway conditions to the State Police by dialing *77 on their cellular phones. This is a free call, and these calls greatly assist the State Police in its efforts to protect the citizens and visitors of Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island State Police requests the assistance and cooperation of the motoring public to assure a safe holiday. To accomplish this goal, motorists are asked to:
• Please obey all motor vehicle laws • Don't drink and drive • Be patient, and allow extra time for delays that may occur due to holiday traffic • Pay attention to road and weather conditions and adjust driving accordingly • Buckle up. It's the law and will be strictly enforced during this holiday period
The Rhode Island State Police is urging all motorists to help reduce injuries and the tragic loss of lives on our highways by using your seatbelts and driving in a responsible manner.