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RI Police Chiefs: Drive Sober Labor Day Weekend

[CREDIT: RIPCA] RI Police Chiefs urge people to drive sober Labor Day weekend.
[CREDIT: RIPCA] RI Police Chiefs urge people to drive sober Labor Day weekend.
[CREDIT: RIPCA] RI Police Chiefs urge people to drive sober Labor Day weekend.

About 39% of the 490 national traffic deaths over the 2021 Labor Day holiday involved a drunk driver, a statistic Rhode Island’s police chiefs want to avoid repeating this year, hence their public call to drive sober Labor Day weekend.

‘If you are going to drink alcohol or use cannabis, make sure you have a plan to get home safely. Designate a sober driver, use rideshare, or stay where you are.’

The statistics come courtesy of the NHTSA, which also notes 25% of the deaths that weekend involved drivers with a BAC nearly twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). Among drivers aged 18 to 34 who lost their lives in crashes during the Labor Day holiday, 47% were driving under the influence with a BAC of .08 or higher.

RIPCA: Do your part to ensure people drive sober Labor Day

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association has announced additional patrols will be on Rhode Island roads looking for impaired drivers this weekend. The Association will also be promoting drive sober messages on its social media accounts for the following platforms:

  • Facebook: @RICHIEFSOFPOLICE
  • Instagram: @ripolicechiefs
  • X: @ripolicechiefs

The RIPCA encouraged Rhode Islanders to like and share the cautionary posts.

“We are all responsible for making our roads safe this holiday weekend,” said Colonel Bradford Connor, WPD Police Chief and President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. “If you are going to drink alcohol or use cannabis, make sure you have a plan to get home safely. Designate a sober driver, use rideshare, or stay where you are. By making a good decision, you are keeping our roads safe for everyone.”

“However,” added Connor, “if you choose to drive impaired, we have additional patrols out and the consequences of being arrested for impaired driving are severe and life-changing.”

Rob Borkowski
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.

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