New Task Force Aimed At Reducing DUIs In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's Department of Transportation, State Police and Attorney General have joined forces to crack down on impaired driving. The new task force aims to cut down on crashes, injuries and deaths associated with DUIs in Rhode Island.

The unit is a part of the Rhode Island State Police, launched in November, with a focus on increasing patrols during overnight hours. The unit is funded by RIDOT using $830,000 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Each night, there are two to five extra state police troopers patrolling around the state from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.

"Our highest priority is to protect the public," State Police Colonet James Manni said. "Impaired drivers remain a threat to society and with the creation of this new unit of the State Police, we will continue the excellent work the unit has demonstrated in just its first month. My message to impaired drivers is this: We are looking for you and with the support of the Attorney General and his team, you will be prosecuted."

RIDOT often funds increased patrols on state roads, usually during holiday periods. This new task force is the first time the state has had a year-round unit dedicated to enforcing DUI laws, the department said. In its first month of operation, the unit has had 97 shift, state police said. In that time, officers arrested 90 people, 49 charged with driving under the influence, and issued 684 tickets. Troopers were also called to 56 crashes, of which about 30 percent were believed to ivolve an impaired driver.

"We are attacking impaired driving on many fronts," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said. "Now we’re putting federal dollars to work to fund year-round patrols with the sole purpose of stopping and arresting drunk drivers before they have a chance to kill or seriously injure someone."

Rhode Island is among the top-third of states with the highest number of deaths involving impaired drivers, RIDOT said. Between 2017 and 2018, more than 50 people were killed by impaired drivers on Rhode Island roads, the department said.

"We recognize that impaired driving is a significant threat in Rhode Island that requires a collaborative approach between the agencies on the front lines," Attorney General Peter Neronha said. "Our Office’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor oversees the prosecution of all alcohol-related driving accidents in the state, working closely with the Rhode Island State Police and the Department of Transportation to protect public safety and ensure that justice is served."