Traffic Safety Leaders Urge Rhode Islanders to “End Your Summer Safely”

Extra DUI Patrols Statewide, BAT Mobile Deployed All Weekend

Ahead of the Labor Day weekend, traffic safety advocates and law enforcement leaders teamed up in South Kingstown to remind Rhode Islanders to enjoy the end of summer safely.

“We know everyone wants to enjoy the long weekend and the last days of summer, and we want them to do so safely,” said Colonel Michael E. Correia, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Chief of the Barrington Police Department. “Police departments across Rhode Island will have increased patrols on our roads this weekend to help prevent impaired driving. If you plan to drink, plan ahead for a safe ride home. I am grateful to the officers whose work throughout the summer has helped keep our communities and roadways safe.”

“Labor Day weekend is one of many holidays throughout the year when travel is up and more people are out and getting together to share good times over barbeques, parties and other events,” said Rhode Island Department of Transportation Interim Director Robert Rocchio. “We ask that wherever you go, always choose safe driving habits – never get behind the wheel while impaired, slow down, buckle up, and don’t text while driving. Working together, everyone can make it home safe this weekend.”

“As you’re enjoying the long weekend, help turn the tide on impaired driving in Rhode Island,” said Jillian Young, Director of Public Relations for AAA Northeast. “Always plan ahead for a safe ride home, and don’t be afraid to call out friends or family members who want to drive after drinking. Together, we can change the culture around impaired driving and limit its devastating consequences.”

“As a survivor of an impaired driver, I know how devastating it can be, not only to the victims, but also to families, friends, trauma teams, the community, and, of course, the first responders who are on scene doing everything they can to save those involved in these preventable crashes,” said Lisa M. Brunetti, Founder and President of Universe Juice I encourage all to take advantage of remaining where you are, ride shares, or designated drivers. The inconvenience of going back to retrieve your car is nothing compared to the life-changing damage you can cause yourself and others.”

The BAT Mobile will be deployed throughout Rhode Island this weekend

• The Rhode Island State Police will host the BAT Mobile tonight, in collaboration with the Providence Police Department. It will be parked from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am at the intersection of Point Street and Wickenden Street in Providence.

• On Saturday, Warwick Police will host the BAT Mobile in collaboration with the Providence Department. The BAT Mobile will be located at 694 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, between Route 5 and Route 113 from 8:00 pm to 3:00 am.
• On Sunday, the BAT Mobile will be hosted by the Narragansett Police Department in collaboration with the Rhode Island State Police, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, and Providence Police Departments. The BAT Mobile will be located at the Narragansett Medical building from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am.

VIDEO: BAT MOBILE video HERE: http://bit.ly/44W3J8j

Did you know?

• In 2025, 59 people were arrested in Rhode Island over Labor Day Weekend.

• During the 2024 Labor Day holiday period, 505 people were killed in traffic crashes nationwide. Of those fatalities, 170—or 34%—occurred in crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

• Among drivers ages 18–34 who were killed during the holiday period, 40% were alcohol-impaired.

• In 2024, alcohol-impaired-driving crashes claimed 11,904 lives nationwide—30% of all traffic fatalities, or approximately one death every 44 minutes.

• NHTSA reports that alcohol-impaired fatal crashes occur at three times the rate at night as during the day.

• The 2026 national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign runs from August 19 through September 7 and is supported by increased law-enforcement patrols