***Members of the media can RSVP to this event by emailing Matthew Reid at matt@jgpr.net***
BRISTOL — The Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association announces that RIPCA officials will be joined by statewide highway stakeholders tomorrow to bring awareness to the rise in motorcycle fatalities in the state this year.
WHEN:
Thursday, Aug. 5, starting at 11 a.m.
WHERE:
Bristol Police headquarters, 395 Metacom Ave., Bristol
WHO:
- Sidney Wordell, RIPCA Executive Director
- Kevin Lynch, Bristol Police Chief
- Richard Ramsay, RIPCA President, West Greenwich Police Chief
- Peter Alviti, Jr., Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director
- Anthony Ricci, Motorcycle Safety Education Coordinator, Community College of Rhode Island
- Captain Ernest McKenney, Rhode Island State Police
WHAT:
RIPCA will host a press conference to help bring attention and educational discussions to the driving population to remind them of safe driving habits. The press conference will focus on the rising fatalities on Rhode Island roadways, particularly among motorcycle drivers.
Of note, a Bristol Police motorcycle that was totaled recently following a crash with a motor vehicle will be on display. Chief Lynch will be speaking about injuries that can be sustained in such a crash, but also about the proper safety equipment worn by the BPD officer involved in the crash that limited those injuries.
The awareness effort will support the ongoing efforts of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and Office of Highway Safety’s ripple effect campaign, which seeks to teach drivers of the first-hand consequences of impaired driving and the need for everyone to be aware and alert when behind the wheel.
The event will also continue to emphasize the importance RIPCA places on limiting distracted driving and reinforcing that seat belts save lives.
RIPCA officials and others in attendance will take questions from the media following the event.
###