PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and AAA Northeast are reminding people to not drive while intoxicated ahead of the Big game.
“Police departments around Rhode Island will have additional patrols on the road to identify and apprehend impaired drivers,” said Colonel Bradford Connor, Warwick Chief of Police and President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association.
“It s a time to celebrate but please make a plan to get home safely. Designate a driver, use ride share or stay where you are just don t get behind the wheel.”
The funding for those additional patrols comes from the Office of Highway Safety with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Enjoying the game is a time-honored tradition, but fans don’t let fans drive drunk,” said Mary Maguire, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are 54% more fatal crashes nationwide from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the night of the Big Game compared with the same time period the weeks before and after the contest.