Contact: Lieutenant Eric L. Croce, Traffic Services/Planning & Research Unit, Telephone: (401) 444-1398

Colonel Brendan P. Doherty, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, announces that during the upcoming holiday period, the Rhode Island State Police will have additional patrols targeting speeders, aggressive drivers, seat belt violators with a specific concentration to remove impaired drivers from our roadways in support of the C.A.R.E. enforcement campaign. The funding to provide these additional patrols is being provided by the Office on Highway Safety.

Drunk and impaired driving enforcement continues to be a vital mission of the Rhode Island State Police. As a result of impaired drivers, the July 4th - Independence Day Holiday is the second most deadly holiday period of the year, second only to the New Year’s holiday. Despite the tireless efforts of thousands of police officers and advocates nationwide, on average impaired drivers continue to cause the death of one (1) person every 30 minutes, or fifty (50) people a day and almost 18,000 people per year.

Colonel Doherty reminds all motorists that there is no excuse for drinking and driving and that those individuals who choose to do so will face serious consequences. Motorists are encouraged to assist the Rhode Island State Police and all law enforcement agencies in creating a safer motoring environment by buckling up, driving safely, and reporting all suspected drunk drivers by dialing 911 or *77 on your cellular telephone.

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