To the Editor:

As we head into New Year’s Eve weekend, I wanted to let your readers know that police departments around the state – including the Warwick Police Department – have increased impaired driving patrols on our roads. We work closely with the Office of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to support efforts that put more police on duty and keep our roads safe during this busy time.

Impaired driving is a pervasive problem in Rhode Island and the last month of the year is one of the most dangerous. If you are planning to go out and use alcohol or cannabis, make sure that you know how you will get home. Whether you stay where you are, use rideshare or have a sober driver, the right choice never puts you behind the wheel.

 Remember, each decision we make on the road has an impact on our safety and the safety of those around us. Let us come together as a community to ensure that this holiday season can be one of joy and celebration, free from the tragedy of accidents.

Col. Bradford Connor

Warwick Police Chief and the

-Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association