PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha joined Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) advocates Monday in celebrating the passage of a law designed to hold suspected DUI drivers, especially repeat offenders, accountable.

The legislation was approved by the R.I. General Assembly last month and signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee nearly a week later. It will eventually extend the state’s so-called” lookback period for DUI suspects from five to 10 years, meaning law enforcement will be able to see whether a driver has been charged with DUI or has refused a chemical test in the past.

Neronha described the legislation’s passage as “a long overdue victory in addressing a public safety crisis.”

“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,” Neronha said. “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,” he continued. “These horrific tragedies are entirely avoidable – and they must stop.”

Sen. Susan Sosnowski, who sponsored the legislation, believes the law will save countless lives.

“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,” Sosnowski said. “The problem seems to be only getting worse and this law is desperately needed to reverse this alarming and troubling trend.”

MADD victim advocate Jennifer O’Neil described the legislation as a “beacon of light” for Rhode Islanders who have been impacted by drunk driving.

But she also acknowledged that the fight is far from over.

“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,” O’Neil added.

MADD program director Wesley Pennington echoed that sentiment.

“Now is the time to stand closer together and to fight harder for safer roads in Rhode Island,” Pennington said. “Together, we can see an end to impaired driving and a future with no more victims.”

The law is slated to go into effect on July 1, 2025.

This was one of several proposals put forth by lawmakers this legislative session to strengthen penalties for those who drink and drive. The others, which include allowing officers to confiscate the license plates of repeat offenders and enhancing the penalties for impaired drivers who injure or kill someone, were held for further study.

Cathy Andreozzi, whose daughter was severely injured by a drunk driver, told 12 News she will never stop advocating for change.

“Prevention, awareness, stricture DUI laws and accountability will take us where we need to go,” she said.

Her daughter Tori Lynn Andreozzi , who was 12 years old at the time, survived the ordeal , but was forced to live with a traumatic brain injury. She passed away two years ago at the age of 31 from health complications.

Cathy Andreozzi said she will continue to support lawmakers’ efforts to put an end to impaired driving. She also hopes Rhode Islanders will do their part.

“It’s something we should all be invested in, so that when our loved ones leave the house, we [can be rest assured] that they’re going to make it back home,” she said.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.