Extra Patrols in South County Ordered After Six Fatalities in February

SCITUATE, RI—State police on Monday announced a crack down on speeding, reckless driving and other violations, due to six fatal accidents this month.

The state police will also beef up patrols in South County, where most of the accidents occurred.

“Many of these fatalities resulted from excessive speed or failure to use seat belts,” Colonel Ann C. Assumpico stated. “Effective immediately, I have ordered all members of the Rhode Island State Police to aggressively enforce motor vehicle laws to help prevent such a needless and tragic loss of life.”

Six people died in five separate accidents since Feb. 4. The most recent death came this morning when a 19-year-old Coventry man was struck by a hit and run driver on Arnold Avenue.

Also, this month, two Massachusetts men died Feb. 4 after being ejected from their car after it struck another car on Interstate 95 in Richmond;

A West Warwick teenager died Feb. 6 after he lost control of his car and it struck a tree on Route 102 in West Greenwich;

A Massachusetts man died Feb. 9 after he was partially ejected from his car when it struck the median on Interstate 95 in East Greenwich; and

A pedestrian died on Feb. 11 after he was struck by a tractor-trailer truck on Route 146 in North Smithfield.

"So far this year, nine people have died as a result of motor vehicle crashes, including six motorists and three pedestrians," the state police said. To put the numbers in perspective, that’s more than double the number of fatalities in the same period last year, when two motorists and two pedestrians died as a result of motor vehicle incidents.

A total of 53 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes last year, according to the state Department of Transportation.

All troopers have orders to increase enforcement of motor vehicle laws.

Also, Assumpico has added additional patrols in South County, where most of the fatalities occurred.

“The Rhode Island State Police will do everything in their power to keep the roadways safe,” Assumpico said. “But we also need your help. Remember to follow the rules of the road, including obeying all traffic and safety laws, and if you see someone driving aggressively, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, call 911 immediately. If we all do our part, together we can save lives.”