Attorney General Neronha, MADD RI, state leaders celebrate passage of DUI lookback legislation

Published on Monday, July 15, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Rhode Island, state leaders, and community advocates and partners, today highlighted public safety legislation passed in 2024 to extend the “lookback” period for impaired driving offenses from five years to 10 years. Additionally, they recommitted to the cause of holding accountable those who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Rhode Island, especially repeat DUI offenders. 

“Increasing our DUI lookback period is a long overdue victory in addressing a public safety crisis,” said Attorney General Neronha. “This victory did not happen overnight, nor did it happen in a silo; it took collaboration, community advocacy, and firm commitment to protecting the public from those who choose to drive while impaired. And while I strongly believe this new law will have a deterrent effect, my Office knows, from working with victims and their families every day, that justice and accountability matter. Year after year, my Office prosecutes impaired drivers, some of whom cause irrevocable harm to innocent Rhode Islanders. These horrific tragedies are entirely avoidable – and they must stop. Once again, I am very grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and advocates who helped pass this critical law; there’s always more work to be done, and I look forward to their continued partnership.”

In June 2024, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a bill introduced at the request of Attorney General Peter F. Neronha to extend the lookback period, or the period for which a driver who has been convicted of a second or subsequent violation of driving under the influence or failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests can receive an enhanced penalty, from five years to 10 years. Since repeat DUI offenses carry with them harsher penalties, an increased lookback period will serve as a deterrent, as well as ensure that drivers with a history of operating vehicles under the influence are punished appropriately, thus keeping them off Rhode Island roads. 

“A great victory has been won in the fight for DUI legislation, but there is much more to do, said Wesley Pennington, MADD RI Program Director. “Now is the time to stand closer together and to fight harder for safer roads in Rhode Island.  Together we can see an end to impaired driving and a future with no more victims.” 

Impaired driving is a major public safety issue in Rhode Island. In 2022, nearly 43% of all traffic-related fatalities involved alcohol impairment, ranking Rhode Island among the worst states for percentages of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), Rhode Island law enforcement agencies arrest approximately 3,000 drivers for driving under the influence every year. In 2022, nearly 70 percent of arrested persons refused to submit to chemical testing. The people who did submit averaged a blood alcohol concentration of approximately 0.17, more than twice the legal limit. 

“The sad truth is that many offenders, especially those who have been caught driving under the influence, don’t learn until they cause permanent injury to someone, or even death,” said Senator V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown). “The problem seems to be only getting worse and this law is desperately needed to reverse this alarming and troubling trend.”

“Every year we are faced with more senseless tragedy as our residents continue to get hurt, maimed or killed in accidents caused by driving under the influence,” said Representative Patricia Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry). “Too many of our children, our family members, friends and neighbors have been taken away from us too early due to the criminal actions of those who get behind a wheel while drunk or high.  This bill will send a stiff message that this selfish and destructive behavior will be met with severe consequences.”

“During my time in the House of Representatives, I was proud to introduce this legislation to keep Rhode Islanders safe,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “I am grateful for the determination of Attorney General Neronha, Chair Sosnowski, Chair Serpa, and the many brave survivors and family members who have continued to advocate for this legislation, and I congratulate them on this important step towards an end to impaired driving.”

“The passage of this legislation is a beacon of light to the many victims and survivors of impaired driving in the state of Rhode Island,” said Jennifer O’Neil, MADD RI Victim Advocate. “While this is a monumental step in the right direction, we will continue to fight for the families that we serve to ensure that offenders are held accountable.”

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 400,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or contact ri.state@madd.org. 

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