RI DUI Task Force ramping up patrols ahead of Thanksgiving

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island DUI Task Force is out in full force looking for impaired drivers ahead of Thanksgiving.

The Rhode Island DUI Task Force’s sole purpose is to arrest impaired drivers, according to North Kingstown Lt. Don Barrington, and is typically deployed ahead of holidays and long weekends.

Officers will typically pull cars over for driving too fast, too slow, swerving or driving in a reckless manner, according to Barrington. He said the officers then conduct a series of field sobriety tests to determine whether the driver is impaired before taking them into custody.

Barrington said the DUI Task Force arrested 32 drivers last year the night before Thanksgiving. He also stressed that every single crash involving an impaired driver is preventable.

“The DUI Task Force would like to remind everyone that they have options and don’t need to drive impaired,” Barrington said. “There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel.”

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association also reminds drivers to be socially responsible and take the following into consideration:

• If you plan to drink, make a plan ahead of time for a sober ride home.
• Even if you’ve had only one drink, let someone who hasn’t been drinking take you home. A sober driver is one who does not drink at all, not the one who’s had the least to drink.
• If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, help designated drivers out by making sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
• Always wear your seat belt — and wear it correctly. It should go over your shoulder and across your lap.
• Drive the speed limit. It’s unsafe to drive too fast or too slow.
• Never eat, drink or use a cell phone while driving.