Noret Named RI MADD Legislator of the Year Nov. 1

STATE HOUSE — The Rhode Island chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) presented Rep. Thomas E. Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick) with its Legislator of the Year award Nov. 1 at a Crowne Plaza Hotel Warwick breakfast to honor the heroes who keep Rhode Islanders safe from impaired drivers.

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by MADD for my efforts in helping to make the roads safer in Rhode Island,” said Representative Noret, who introduced legislation that would increase the penalties for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. “We need to stop incentivizing ‘leaving the scene of an accident’ when an operator knows they’ve been drinking and doesn’t want to face the consequences of a DUI. The penalties are substantially less and there is no lookback provision when a coward leaves the scene of an accident.  The penalties should be equal to those of DUI or even greater.”

Noret introduced the legislation in the wake of an incident in Coventry that took the life of Matthew O’Gara, struck by a plow driver Feb. 17 2017 and left in the road as the driver left the area, according to WPRI.com. O’Gara was hospitalized but later died of his injuries. Representative Noret advocated for his mother Barbara and to ensure sentencing guidelines were consistent.

Representative Noret also introduced legislation that would require any person convicted of DUI or refusal to submit to a chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle as part of any sentence before being eligible for a license reinstatement.

“It’s important that we work as a team to keep those who travel our roads safe,” said Representative Noret. “I’d like to thank Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, Leader Chris Blazejewski, and my fellow Judiciary Committee members, Chair Robert Craven, Arthur Corvese and Julie Casimiro, along with Senators John Burke Lou Raptakis and David Tikoian.”

Noret also thanked John Donley from the Fraternal Order of Police and John Rossi from the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, the Troopers Association and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association for their hard work and cooperation.

The Legislator of the Year award is given to a statewide or local legislator who has championed causes and legislation to prevent underage drinking, stop, prevent or punish DUI offenses, and assist in providing services to victims.

MADD, with its RI chapter located at 806 W Shore Road, champions anti-drunk driving technology, leads prevention efforts across all communities in the U.S., supports victims and survivors, and advocates for stricter laws. To make impaired driving a thing of the past we must continue to change behaviors and fundamentally shift how future generations think about road safety.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.