Providence Police increase roadway enforcement for St. Patrick’s Day

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Police Department said it, alongside other law enforcement agencies in the state, is increasing roadway enforcement Sunday to remind drivers to drive sober.

The department said it is partnering with U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to spread the message on the dangers of drunk driving.

“St. Patrick’s Day can be a dangerous day on roadways due to increased alcohol consumption and drunk driving,” Spokesperson Lindsay Lague said. “There were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes over the holiday period between 2017 and 2021.”

That number came from the NHTSA.

The department added that it anticipates alcohol consumption will be increased due to the holiday falling on a Sunday.

Anyone who sees what they believe is an incident of drunk driving can contact the department at (401) 272-3121.