North Providence Police To Increase Thanksgiving DUI Patrols

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI - Thanksgiving is a time for spending time with family and friends. But it is also a time when law enforcement must remind people that drinking and driving is not a good holiday combination. To keep drivers safe, the North Providence Police Department will implement its 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' throughout the city during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

"We will show zero tolerance for drunk and drugged driving. There will be an increased number of officers on the road conducting enforcement, with the aim to drastically reduce instances of drunk and drugged driving on our roadways. Some of this enforcement effort will be readily apparent, other tactics may not be as visible," North Providence Police Colonel David Tikoian said.

Crashes and fatalities involving impaired drivers continue to plague our communities, Tikoian added. He adds that there has been an increase in the use of marijuana by itself or combined with alcohol and other drugs.

The Statistics

In Rhode Island, 34% of fatal crashes that occurred in 2018 involved an impaired driver. The national average is 29%. Historically, nighttime is the most dangerous time to be out on the roads. A large majority of crash fatalities occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m.

"We're stressing the dangers of driving impaired to our community," said Colonel David Tikoian. "Drunk driving is a serious, life changing behavior. Many people die or are seriously injured annually. If you're out on the roads and you observe someone who appears to be driving drunk, please call us. You could help save a life."

Alternatives to drinking and driving

Colonel David Tikoian recommends safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you've had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
• If you have a friend who is about to drive after drinking, take the keys away and decide to get your friend home safely.
• Stay overnight or at a hotel
• Call a taxi or other ride-sharing alternatives .

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.