NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. WPRI — Rhode Island police stepped up efforts to catch drunk drivers over Labor Day weekend.
We’d rather make arrests and save lives than deal with the tragic outcomes that happen too often, said Lt. Donald Barrington of the North Kingstown Police Department, who helps lead the state’s DUI taskforce.
Barrington emphasized that the enforcement over the holiday required everyone to pitch in.
With the end of summer, people are out celebrating, drinking, and unfortunately making poor decisions about driving, Barrington explained.
Extra officers were on duty throughout the weekend to spot impaired drivers.
It’s like a beehive effect, Barrington added. Police are everywhere, so you can’t avoid them.
According to Rhode Island State Police, 13 DUI arrests were made statewide during the holiday weekend.