Advocates gather at State House for Traffic Safety Day

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association said that traffic safety leaders from across Rhode Island gathered at the State House to recognize Traffic Safety Day.

The advocates urged lawmakers to support the passage of legislation aimed at implementing stricter DUI penalties as well as other traffic safety initiatives.

“In 2025, in a world of ride shares, taxis, public transportation and designated drivers, impaired driving is completely unacceptable, and always has been,” Attorney General Peter Neronha said. “I am very grateful to our legislative leaders, law enforcement partners, and advocates for their continued efforts in keeping our roads safe; there’s always more work to be done, and I look forward to their continued partnership.”

The National Highway Safety Administration released statistics that showed traffic deaths in Rhode Island were down.

In 2024, 52 people were killed in car crashes in the state, while in 2023 the number was 71.