Impaired Driving Protocols Ramped Up In RI For Holiday Season

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association is increasing impaired driving patrols this holiday season as a reminder to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."

On December 14, law enforcement agencies appointed officers specifically to patrol roads for impaired and reckless drivers, according to the association. The additional patrols will run through January 1.

The Providence Police Department’s Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit is being utilized across the state, allowing officers to have a centralized location to process DUI arrests, including administering breathalyzer tests, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association said.

Departments will also have Drug Recognition Experts on hand to further evaluate drivers, the association added.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the New Year's and Christmas periods in 2020, there were 209 drunk-driving-related fatalities. In 2020, there were 11,654 people killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third of the crash fatalities that year.

To ensure the safety of yourself and the community, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association recommends you plan ahead of time for a ride home if you plan to drink during an outing, keep an eye on intoxicated friends and family and ensure they stay off the roads, and safely pull over and call 911 if you spot an impaired driver.