NARRAGANSETT — Narragansett Police is joining the Rhode Island State Police, the North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Westerly, Jamestown and East Greenwich Police Departments in a Regional Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Task Force, as part of the ‘Stop the Blackout Trend’ Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign, beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and continuing through the weekend.
During this time, the Narragansett Police Department and local law enforcement agencies will be increasing the number of patrols on roadways to help keep the community safe.
Police are reminding motorists to stay vigilant and act responsibly ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Those who have been drinking or using marijuana or other drugs are urged to plan ahead and designate a driver, use a ride-share service or take public transportation.
“We understand that with the holiday approaching there will be several parties and gatherings,” said Chief Sean Corrigan. “We want residents to join in and have fun but to please plan ahead in an effort to keep the community safe.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13,384 crash-related deaths in 2021 involved alcohol-impaired drivers. This represented 31 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. for the year, and a 14.2 percent increase from 2020. From November 2017 to November 2021, 137 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were alcohol-impaired.
In 2021 alone, 36 drivers were alcohol-impaired in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve. During those same years in November, drivers ages 21-24 represented the largest percentage (44 percent) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve.
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