Narragansett Police Urge Safe and Sober Driving This St. Patrick's Day

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Narragansett Police Chief Sean Corrigan issued a reminder to motorists of driving sober this St. Patrick's Day weekend.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest days on U.S. roads, with 272 people killed in drunk-driving crashes during the holiday period between 2017 and 2021.

The rate of impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is higher at night on St. Patrick’s Day, with 41 of the 47 traffic fatalities involving an impaired driver during the 2021 holiday period occurring at night. The NHTSA reports that every day, about 37 people in the U.S. die in drunk-driving crashes. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14 percent increase from 2020.

Nationally, it is illegal to drive impaired — no exceptions. It is illegal to drive in Rhode Island with a BAC of .08 or higher. Still, police reminded drivers that even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can quickly affect a person and their judgment.

To spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving and to help keep your community’s streets safe, Rhode Island’s law enforcement officers are teaming up with the NHTSA. For more information about the Drive Sober campaign, visit the NHSTA's website.

As community members plan their celebrations for the holiday, Narragansett Police offer the following reminders:

• Never drive if you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs.
• Make a plan ahead of time for a sober ride home. Designate a sober driver, or plan to use public transportation or a ride-share service.
• Designated drivers should take their role seriously. 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.
• Watch out for your family and friends. If someone you know is impaired and planning to drive, take their keys and make arrangements 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.

Motorists are also reminded to always wear a seat belt because it’s the best defense against impaired drivers. Designated drivers should always buckle their seat belts and require passengers to do the same.

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