Community Corner

State Police Enforce Alcohol Crackdown Nationwide

Rhode Island State Police continues stepped-up patrols over the Labor Day weekend.

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer — and a potential increase in car accidents due to intoxicated driving.

The Rhode Island State Police will be continuing additional patrols as part of its "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign.

According to statistics provided by the , local officers made 15 DUI arrests through mid-August, and 40 since August, 2011.

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These efforts are related to a nationwide program sponsored by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) known as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”  

Col. Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, announces that continuing through and including Monday, September 3, 2012, the Rhode Island State Police will be participating in the following two traffic enforcement mobilization details:

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  • Alcohol Crackdown through Labor Day, Sept. 3.
  • Operation C. A. R. E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort)
  • National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend from Sept. 1 to 3.

The Rhode Island State Police, through funding obtained by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Office on Highway Safety, will have additional patrols targeting seatbelt and child restraint violations, texting violations and especially impaired drivers. Drunk and impaired driving enforcement continues to be a vital mission of the Rhode Island State Police and motorists are reminded “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

C.A.R.E is a national effort to reduce death and injury on the highways.  State and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation will participate in these efforts to increase enforcement of seat belt infractions, child safety laws, speed enforcement, and all other moving motor vehicle violations.

Col. O’Donnell reminds ALL motorists that there is no excuse for drinking and driving — only serious consequences. Please help the Rhode Island State Police create a safer motoring environment by buckling up, and if you plan to drive, DON’T DRINK.

The Rhode Island State Police also remind motorists that they can immediately report dangerous drivers or hazardous roadway conditions to the State Police by dialing 911 or *77 on their cellular phones.


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