DUI/DWI News

 AG Lynch Leads Effort To Strengthen RI's Drunk Driving Laws

 Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed legislation on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 eliminating a major loophole in the state's drunk driving laws. The new law increases the penalties for those who refuse to submit to a Breathalyzer test when they are pulled over for drunk driving. Before the new law took effect, the penalties for refusing a Breathalyzer test were significantly less than the penalties for DUI.

Governor Carcieri and Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch announced in November that they would be submitting this legislation to close that loophole in state law and end Rhode Island's shameful distinction of leading the nation in two categories - percentage of DUI-refusal cases and percentage of total highway deaths caused by drunken drivers.

"Cutting down on the numbers of deaths and injuries caused by drunk drivers on Rhode Island's roadways is, without a doubt, a mission that transcends party lines." Lynch said at the ceremony.

Governor Carcieri and Attorney General Lynch were joined at the bill signing ceremony by Sen. Joseph Polisena of Johnston, who sponsored the Carcieri/Lynch bill in the Senate (S 2072), and Rep. J. Patrick O'Neill of Pawtucket, who sponsored a separate version of the bill in the House (H 6700).

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	Did You Know?
	A well known is the fact that the consumption of alcohol can cause impairment Perhaps less recognized is that fact that impairment rises gradually at a lower level but dramatically at a higher level of blood alcohol concentration BAC. About half of auto fatalities involve drivers with BACs of .16 or higher. Impairment occurs at a lower level, but it's especially important to prevent driving with high BACs.