TAP TO CALL 401.467.2300
Tap for a Free Case Consultation 401.467.2300
  • Get a Free Case Consultation 401.467.2300

Expert RoundUp – Rhode Island Paves Way for Reduction in Roadway Fatalities

Getting Tougher on Drunk Driving

Rhode Island has joined 27 other states in requiring ignition lock devices for anyone convicted of drunk driving, including first-time offenders. These devices require drivers to blow into them to test blood alcohol levels before starting the car.

“It’s not the silver bullet to end drunk driving, obviously, but it’s one of the best ways that we have right now at mass level to be able to stop individuals from doing the offense again,” Eric Creamer, Executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Rhode Island, told WPRI, Eye Witness News.

Pulling the Plug on Distracted Driving

Only 14 states have outright banned talking on a handheld phone while driving. Now, Rhode Island is considering following in the footsteps of nearby Connecticut and New Jersey. (It has already implemented a ban on handheld cellphones for novice drivers and school bus drivers.) Such an adjustment might take some time, but many say it’s worth it.

“I got a couple of tickets right in the beginning. But now it’s just commonplace, and it feels crazy to pick up the phone and talk in Connecticut, where now when I come to Rhode Island to travel, and I see people talking on the phone while driving, it does seem pretty crazy. I think the law does need to be implemented,” Bryan Levasseur, a Connecticut resident, told NBC 10 News.

Making Seat Belts a Top Priority

More than 30 states have enacted primary seat belt laws, which means an officer can pull over and ticket an offender specifically for not wearing a seat belt. This compares with secondary seat belt laws, which mean a driver can only be ticketed for not wearing a seat belt when pulled over for another offense. Since becoming the 33rd state to enact such a law, Rhode Island has seen a decrease in unbelted fatalities.

“States with primary seat belt enforcement laws consistently have higher observed daytime seat belt use rates than secondary law States. Secondary belt law States, on the other hand, consistently have more motor vehicle fatalities who were not restrained than do primary law States,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Putting a Stop to Wrong-Way Drivers

Many states struggle with trouble caused by wrong-way drivers. Although wrong-way crashes aren’t as common as other types of accidents, they are highly likely to cause life-threatening injuries or fatalities. Rhode Island is working on a wrong-way warning system to prevent these deadly crashes:

“If a vehicle enters the wrong way on an off-ramp, the signs would flash to warn them. If they ignore the sign and continue into a second detection zone, it will send a picture of their car back to the management center, and police will be contacted. We will also place messages on overhead signs warning motorists of the potential of a wrong-way driver coming their way,” Robert Rocchio, acting chief engineer for RIDOT, told WPRI, Eye Witness News.

Addressing Dangerous Road Conditions

Dangerous roads can lead to increased auto accidents, so fixing infrastructure problems is crucial to any safety strategy. In 2016, the 10-year RhodeWorks plan was signed into law, marking billions of dollars for investment in Rhode Island’s transportation system, particularly its deficient bridges. In addition, the law puts a new focus on improving road maintenance.

“RIDOT is expanding its maintenance capability in terms of added personnel and new equipment. The department transferred 40 vacant administrative positions to maintenance to provide more field staff for addressing various maintenance and repair activities. The Department created dedicated crews for drainage inspection and cleaning, for installing pavement markings, and for inspecting bridges,” the Rhode Island Department of Transportation reported.

Redesigning Unsafe Intersections

Across the United States, states and municipalities (including those in Rhode Island) are turning to roundabouts to improve safety at intersections. Research has shown that roundabouts may reduce fatal crashes at intersections by 90 percent, primarily because there are fewer opportunities for impact and vehicles are forced to slow down.

“With roughly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities in the United States associated with intersections, it is critical that safer designs are implemented as widely and routinely as possible. But safer designs must also keep people and goods moving. Roundabouts have proven to be a safer and more efficient type of intersection,” the Federal Highway Administration reported.


Serving the Greater Providence metro area, including WarwickCranstonPawtucketNorth ProvidenceSouth KingstonCoventryCumberlandWoonsocket, and East Providence.

Gemma law is the best and helped and guided me threw everything … highly recommended thank you so much
ellen almgren
ellen almgren
2023-02-09
5 stars all the way. They did exactly what was expected. Good Job
Keith Ruggiero
Keith Ruggiero
2023-02-04
Very efficient and very good with communicating with me. I received updates about my case without having to call and request them. Very good law office! Very satisfied.
Bethania Herrera
Bethania Herrera
2023-01-19
Mark Gemma has been absolutely amazing. He was helpful and answered all concerns and questions I’ve had. Him and his team are beyond incredible, supportive, and sweet. I would like to thank them all for everything they’ve done.
Samantha Argus
Samantha Argus
2023-01-19
very professional and honest, what I liked the most is whenever you call the lawyer returns your call with every concern I had. It was my first time and I would not hesitate to trust them again.
Diana Palacio
Diana Palacio
2023-01-17
This team is extremely helpful and kind. Mark Gemma was a great help in guiding me through this whole process and was a huge help. I would recommend this team to anyone seeking legal counsel
Zachary Dustin
Zachary Dustin
2023-01-16
I am so happy with the turnout of my case. Both Sarah and Peter kept me up to date on everything and worked very hard on my case. The whole staff is friendly and diligent with their work. 100% recommend!
Chelsie Abatiello
Chelsie Abatiello
2022-12-28
Managed to get my money before Christmas...in just days after settling! Great communication and always helped with my needs, and always gave good advice. Would definitely recommend.
Trini Luckey
Trini Luckey
2022-12-23
Always professional and always checking in on their clients. Excellent atmosphere.
Susan Hallam
Susan Hallam
2022-12-17
After spending 8 hours in a hospital overnight to get stitches in my lip because of a drunk driver’s negligent decision to get behind the wheel, the last thing I wanted to do was think about it all. I sent an email to Gemma Law, and Mark Gemma quickly called me back with an empathetic approach to listening to my story and helping me figure out the next steps. When he told me I wouldn’t have to have any contact with the insurance companies, I was HOOKED! When he pointed out how unfortunate it was I might have to miss out on a lip modeling career from a potential scar from the stitches, I was SOLD! And when I finally received my settlement check after letting him do all the leg work while I just focused on recovering, I was and am eternally GRATEFUL! Mark Gemma helped me turn a near death experience into a new start in life and I highly recommend him to anybody needing a personal injury lawyer.
Angie Sherman
Angie Sherman
2022-12-07
  • Get a Free Case Consultation 401.467.2300