The DOT's Office on Highway Safety is part of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and conducts the state's Highway Safety efforts. The DOT OHS works with law enforcement agencies throughout the State to enhance enforcement of highway safety laws.
Francisco Lovera, P.E.
DOT's Office on Highway Safety
401- 222-2694 Ext. 4205
Drive Sober or Get Pulled OverRhode Island is serious about drunk driving. Throughout the year, RIDOT coordinates with State and local police for special patrols to crack down on drinking and driving.
Wet Lab Training
RIDOT worked with the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety Municipal Police Training Academy to offer the media a glimpse inside what happens when a drug or alcohol impaired driver gets pulled over by a police officer in Rhode Island. This "wet lab" is part of Advanced Roadside Impaired Driver Enforcement Training. Click here to learn more.
The Rhode Island Highway Safety Performance Plan serves as the State of Rhode Island’s application for Federal funds for highway safety programs. The goals for the RIDOT Office on Highway Safety are described in the plan, along with performance measures, and strategies related to the program areas.
Rhode Island has a new primary seat belt law which went into effect on June 30, 2011. Previously, Rhode Island had a secondary law, which only allowed law enforcement officers to cite motorists for not buckling up if they had been pulled over for another reason. More than 30 states have primary seatbelt laws, including Maine and Connecticut. Since Connecticut changed its law from a secondary to a primary offense, the state reports it has experienced its highest level of safety belt compliance.
WPRI Channel 12 aired this video on November 24, 2009 to illustrate the importance of seat belts and how they saved the life of the occupants of a series crash.
RIDOT is working to award grants to community-based organizations for seat belt education campaigns. Click here to learn more.
RIDOT & Motorcycle SafetyRIDOT and CCRI partnered to bring the first ever Motorcycle Skills Revival Rally to Rhode Island on Saturday April 28, 2012.
A dozen licensed riders, of all abilities, came to refresh their skills with the assistance of three of CCRI’s finest Rider Coach Trainers. The newest riders had been riding for one month, and the most seasoned rider had been riding for 20 years. When asked why the seasoned rider attended he said, “The day I can’t learn something new is the day I hang up my helmet and stop riding.”
All participants were very excited and said they enjoyed the opportunity to revive their riding skills after a winter hiatus. CCRI and RIDOT look forward to hosting this event again next year.
RIDOT's efforts to promote safe motorcycling include public service commercials. Check out billboards promoting motorcycle awareness and safety. RIDOT also offers a list of helpful tips for riders. Click on the video below to hear from riders about they value of wearing helmets and proper gear:
RIDOT strongly encourages all motorcycle riders - operators and passengers - to wear helmets at all times. More than half of all motorcycle fatalities in Rhode Island involve un-helmeted riders. Plus, about 40 percent of these fatalities involve alcohol impairment.
| Year | # Fatalities | # Un-Helmeted Riders | % of Un-Helmeted Riders |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 15 | 7 | 53 |
| 2010 | 15 | 11 | 73 |
| 2009 | 19 | 12 | 63 |
| 2008 | 7 | 2 | 29 |
| 2007 | 13 | 9 | 69 |
| 2006 | 16 | 11 | 69 |
Bike Safety Day 2011The RIDOT Office on Highway Safety, Governor Chafee and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management welcomed nearly 800 youngsters to Bike Safety Day on August 1, 2011.
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