Warwick, RI – Police state-wide are urging motorists not to drink and drive as Labor Day weekend gets started, as is the young victim of a July 12 drunk driving crash.
Kyra Boullier of North Kingstown was driving in Narragansett July 12 on her 17th birthday when an alleged drunk driver hit her car head-on. The driver had just struck a car moments before.
Boullier suffered injuries to her hip and knee that she’s still attending physical therapy for. The incident has sidetracked many of her plans, including an internship she was supposed to begin this summer.
The lives of her family, including her mother, brother and five sisters, has also been affected by doctor’s appointments and care for Boullier, who has had limited mobility since the crash.
Boullier spoke during a press conference at the Warwick Police Department Friday morning in hopes of showing the consequences of one person’s decision to drink and drive.
“Please stay safe. Don’t drink and drive this Labor Day weekend,” Boullier said.
Boullier, her mother and siblings created an awareness organization to combat drunk driving and other risky, dangerous behavior, Raise Awareness Against Destructive Decisions (RAADD). at the teen’s high school.
Boullier’s mom, Jammie, said the organization needs the help of a school official who can be the teens’ supervisor. Anyone wishing to lend a hand to the organization can contact Jammie at [email protected].
RI State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell noted his department will have additional troopers on the roadways targeting drunk, impaired drivers and aggressive drivers this weekend.
“Just don’t do it,” O’Donnell said.
Troopers will also be participating in the Rhode Island Statewide Impaired Driving Task Force, a combined effort with local police to increase DUI patrols and cooperation between local departments during the weekend, including the Warwick Police Department.
Richard T. Sullivan, former Providence Police Chief, now law enforcement liaison with the RIDOT, wondered why some drivers continue to make the “selfish decision” to drink and drive.
“I guess if I had the answer to that, we wouldn’t be here today,” Sullivan said.
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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