Tackle Impaired Driving for Super Bowl say Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association, partners

Photo: Bristol Police Chief and RIPCA President Kevin Lynch with members of the West Warwick High School Football team and speakers Cathy Andreozzi, Peter Alviti and Wesley Pennington. (Photo courtesy Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association)

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association is joining its partners in reminding the community to drive sober ahead of the Super Bowl. RIPCA joined the Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation for a press event Thursday in East Greenwich to share safety messages to help “Tackle Impaired Driving.” 

RIPCA President and Bristol Police Chief Kevin Lynch spoke as part of the program, and encouraged the public to designate a sober driver or use a ride share this weekend, and to watch out for others who are impaired and may be planning to drive. 

Chief Lynch joined Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation Executive Director Cathy Andreozzi, RI Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, West Warwick High School Football Coach and Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Rhode Island Program Manager Wesley Pennington, and Joe Andruzzi, a former New England Patriots three-time Super Bowl-winning offensive guard and Founder & Chief Engagement Officer of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

High school Football players from West Warwick and East Greenwich were also in attendance. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,654 traffic deaths involved drunk driving in 2020, or one person every 45 minutes. According to the RI DOT, Rhode Island ranks above the national average (29%) and in the top third of states with the highest percentage of fatalities involving impaired drivers. On average, Rhode Island law enforcement agencies arrest approximately 3,000 drivers for driving under the influence every year.

Nationally, it is illegal to drive impaired — no exceptions. It is illegal to drive in Rhode Island with a BAC of .08 or higher. However, drivers are reminded that even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can quickly affect a person and their judgment. 

To ensure safety on roadways this weekend, RIPCA recommends the following tips:

• Before heading to a Super Bowl party, make a game plan that includes a sober driver — someone who will not drink or use other drugs at all, and will safely bring you home. You could also plan to use public transportation or a ride-share service.
• Designated drivers should take their role seriously. If attending a party, enjoy the food and nonalcoholic drinks. Refrain from any alcoholic beverages or other drugs. 
• Designated drivers should always buckle their seat belts and require passengers to do the same. Don’t start the car until all passengers’ seat belts are buckled. 
• Watch out for your family and friends. If someone you know is impaired and planning to drive, take their keys and make arrangements to get them home safely.
• Never get into a vehicle if the driver is impaired.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911. 
• If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, help out the designated drivers by making sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available.
• Do not serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver, or face jail time as the host of a party where alcohol was served to people under the age of 21.