State Police stepping up enforcement as summer ends

Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, announces that additional patrols will be added in coming weeks as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over highway safety campaign.

Colonel Assumpico said troopers will be aggressively enforcing the state’s DUI laws, and they will arrest any motorists found to be operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“The message is simple – do not drink and drive,” Colonel Assumpico said. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, but also can result in serious injury and/or death.”

The Rhode Island State Police has been vigorously enforcing DUI laws all summer, especially the new legislation calling for increased penalties for anyone found to be driving under the influence with children in their cars. The additional patrols will be added as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs through September 3, is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s effort to raise public awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence.

With the end of summer rapidly approaching, Colonel Assumpico encourages all motorists to celebrate wisely, obey traffic laws and call 911 if they observe other motorists operating in an unsafe manner – especially those who appear to be operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“We have zero tolerance for people who choose to drink alcohol or use drugs and get behind the wheel of a car,” Colonel Assumpico said. “We all have a responsibility to keep our roadways safe.”