To the editor:

It’s been a wonderful summer in Bristol and as we look forward to the final weekend, I am writing to remind all residents about the dangers of impaired driving.

As President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, I work with leaders across Rhode Island, and we are all concerned about the sharp uptick in traffic fatalities this year. As of this writing, there have been 49 traffic fatalities in 2023 – up from 30 this time last year. Approximately one-third of traffic fatalities are the result of impairment and so between now and Labor Day, the Bristol Police have extra patrols on the road to identify and apprehend impaired drivers as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

Our message is simple: make a plan to get home safely. Designate a driver, use rideshare, stay where you are – just don’t get behind the wheel.

Thank you for sharing this important message and helping us keep Bristol’s streets safe.

Chief Kevin Lynch
Bristol Police Department