PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Police are urging motorists to drive sober ahead of the 4th of July.
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association announced Monday that extra patrols will be on the road to identify and arrest impaired drivers during the holiday week.
“The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate,” Colonel Bradford Connor, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, said. “And we are asking Rhode Islanders to help us keep our roads safe by driving sober and reminding their friends and family to do the same.”
Authorities said departments will be highlighting impaired driving messages on social media throughout the holiday week.
“Our message is very simple: if you are planning to use alcohol or cannabis, do not drive,” Connor said. “Across the state, there will be extra patrols out looking for impaired drivers.”
From 2018 to 2022, 2,228 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the holiday period.
39% of those drivers were drunk, according to NHTSA.
“If you drive impaired, you are risking your life and the lives of others on the road,” Connor added.