NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island’s DUI Task Force is expecting a busy weekend following the Fourth of July, holding a press conference this morning to break down their deployment across the state. Officials with the DUI Task Force are setting out en masse this week, with dozens of officers out across the state. “I think we’re all looking at the forecast, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend. From today we have great weather, right through the weekend. And so we do expect a lot of people to be on our roadways and a lot of people really enjoying this all with their friends and family. But they have to do it responsibly,” said Chief Matthew Moynihan of the South Kingstown Police Department. Rhode Island’s DUI Task Force is made up of local police departments, Rhode Island State Police, the Attorney General, and the Department of Transportation’s Office of Highway Safety. And for the first time they’ll add officers from the Department of Environmental Management to watch for impaired boaters. “It’s really important for us to be a part of this so we make sure people understand that it’s – every law enforcement group is working together with the same mission,” said Harold Guise, a member of DEM Environmental Police. “You know we drive cars every day, and we kind of take for granted…most of us while we’re driving our car we’re not thinking that much about what we’re actually doing, we’re just driving. Boating has so many more variables,” he said. Travel is expected to be above even pre-pandemic levels this year. And officials say while response varies year to year, they’re still asking people to use alternatives like ride shares, public transportation, and designated drivers. “It’s tough to say, it fluctuates. But what I will tell you is we do see a lot of people making the right choices. And we really want to emphasize that and encourage that. But there are still, unfortunately those that are making the wrong decisions and getting behind the wheel after using. And that’s really what we’re looking to target and discourage,” said Moynihan. In Rhode Island, a DUI is punishable by up to a year in prison, a fine of up to $400 dollars, and license suspension. And those penalties increase on repeat offenses. Categories: News, Rhode Island