Narragansett Police Adding Additional DUI Patrols For Super Bowl

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Narragansett police will have additional officers on town roads this weekend to search for drunken driver amid Super Bowl celebrations, Police Chief Sean Corrigan said Friday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 13,000 people are killed in drunk-driving crashes annually, and nearly one person is killed every 39 minutes. Data show that fatalities in alcohol-impaired crashes increased from 14 perent to 31 percent in recent years.

Nationally, it is illegal to drive impaired — no exceptions. It is illegal to drive in Rhode Island with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. But police reminded residents that even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can quickly affect a person and their judgment.

As community members plan their celebrations for this weekend's game, Narragansett police have offered the following reminders to help keep the roadways safe:

• If you are planning to attend a Super Bowl party and plan to drink alcohol, make a game plan that includes a sober driver — someone who will not drink or use other drugs at all, and will safely bring you home. You could also plan to use public transportation or a ride-share service.
• Designated drivers should take their role seriously. If attending a party, enjoy the food and non-alcoholic drinks. Refrain from any alcoholic beverages or other drugs.
• If you’re hosting a party, prepare plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options for your guests, especially for the designated drivers.
• Designated drivers should always buckle their seat belts and require passengers to do the same. Don’t start the car until all passengers’ seat belts are buckled.
• Watch out for your family and friends. If someone you know is impaired and planning to drive, take their keys and arrange to get them home safely.
• Never get into a vehicle if the driver is impaired.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
• Do not serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver, or face jail time as the host of a party where alcohol was served to people under the age of 21.

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