Police amplify patrols over holiday weekend

November 21, 2018 5:39 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Police across Rhode Island are out in full force this holiday weekend in an effort to curb drunk driving.

“If you choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we will arrest you,” said State Police Col. Ann Assumpico at a press conference Wednesday morning.

Assumpico was joined by area police chiefs, RIDOT and AAA.

Police begin extra patrols the night before Thanksgiving, known to some as “Drunksgiving” because it is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year.

Last Thanksgiving Eve, the Rhode Island DUI Task Force arrested 28 drivers.

Now police are urging people to make a game plan for a sober ride home. “It’s all preventable,” said Providence Police Chief Col. Hugh Clements. “It is all avoidable.”